Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/209

FIRST STEPS IN EXPANSION 179 factory and its future very uncertain. Under these circumstances a conference between Mr. Rockefeller and Mr. Gates sent the latter to Chicago to study the situation on the spot. Mr. Gates reached Chicago about January 22, 1892, and prosecuted his inquiries with all his characteristic diligence and thoroughness. On January 29 he wrote to Mr. Rockefeller as follows: I have now been here a week, getting facts at first hand regarding the University. I am preparing a report covering the points. But before I do so I wish to transmit a piece of pleasant news. It has been understood here that, with present funds, the salary list for the first year must not exceed one hundred thousand dollars. They have so voted in Board and so instructed the Committee on Faculty. The Board seems well penetrated with the idea that there must be no debt. The other day an accounting was made as follows: Interest on investments, first year $40,000 Tuition, net for first year 35,ooo Deficit for first year 25,000 $100,000 This twenty-five thousand dollars (deficit) was subscribed on the spot in writing by members of the Board individually, the whole not occupying ten minutes. Some of it was from poor men I may as well say here that I am utterly appalled at the inadequacy of the provision now in sight to take care of the work thrust upon the institution the first year. On February i he sent on his report, saying in the accompanying letter: This report is forced by what I find to be the facts here. I had not expected to make any formal report when I came. Its length and detail will I hope seem justified when you come to examine the character of its contents. The report was an exhaustive review of the entire field, covering probable attendance, faculty, trustees, site, buildings, investments, apparatus, books, etc. A few excerpts from the report follow: The institution is to be truly national in its attractions. The problem is no longer how to get students, but how to provide for them The faculty of the University is limited to the one hundred thousand dollars now available for salary list But it is quite impossible to meet the diversified needs of seven hundred graduates and undergraduates coming from all quarters on a salary list of a hundred thousand dollars But Harper dare not close with men now ready to come, men of immense value, until funds are in sight