Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/82

56 A HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO which soon became intimate, led to the founding of the University of Chicago, and continued for more than a quarter of a century. Three days after the sending of the letter Mr. Rockefeller arranged for Mr. Gates to accompany him on a journey from New York to Cleveland. The journey resulted only in a fuller acquaintance, no promises being made. Mr. Rockefeller was, apparently, "siz- ing up" Mr. Gates. From this time the latter began to take the leading place in the negotiation. Before hearing any report of this journey Dr. Harper wrote the following letter to Mr. Goodspeed: NEW HAVEN January 19, 1889 MY DEAR FRIEND: I write this letter Saturday afternoon. You have had this morning a long interview with Gates and know the whole situation. You know more than I know as I write, for since I saw Mr. Gates he has had a long conversation with Mr. Rockefeller. I am, therefore, writing somewhat in the dark. You will take this fact into consideration. As Gates has probably told you Mr. Rocke- feller is anxious to have me connected with the University although I may remain at New Haven, and the plan has been considered by him to some extent. Since my last talk with Gates I have thought of it a good deal and I write to say to you, that, if the brethren at Morgan Park and those interested in the proposed University think it wise, I should be very glad indeed to identify myself, in some close way, with it. George [G. S. Goodspeed] and I talked the matter over last night for two hours. We wondered whether some such arrangement as this might not be effected, viz., a temporary arrangement for five years, during which the administration of the University would be in the hands of three directors, one of whom would have chief charge of the financial affairs, buildings, etc., another of the courses of instruction, faculty, etc., and a third. The question arises whether .... I might not be able to drop a sufficient amount of my outside work to enable me to give time and thought to this new work. Both Gates and Rockefeller seem to think that from the vantage ground of Yale I might be able to do a great deal. I myself think that I would be able to do more at New Haven, remaining a professor in Yale University, than if I were to detach myself and give the whole of my time to the Chicago University. I do not think that such an arrangement could be carried on for a long time, but necessarily the first five years would be years of organization, and I believe that the matter is entirely feasible. The fact is I could spend a good deal of time in Chicago if it were necessary, and in view of all the circumstances it might be the right thing to do. I confess to a feeling of surprise that Mr. R. has so set his heart upon my having some connection. I did not believe this before; a letter received