The San Francisco call., 1896-10-25
She Proposes to Expend
100000 on Two Build
ings at Berkeley.
SuStains the Entire Cost of the
International Competition of
Architects.
MAY ULTIMATELY GIVE 1
MILLION DOLLARS.
Contracts for Affiliated Colleges Ad.
justed-The State May Borrow
University Funds and Pay
Interest.

berkeley Is 10 De the site OI LHe 4OSdA
university of the future-the shrine for
the great apostles of higher education.
Mrs. Phoebe A. Hearst has given such
assurance of financial aid that Governor
.Budd is convinced that her contributions
to the cause may ultimately reach
100000. Regent Reinstein entertains
the same view, and is confident that
money in sight from other sources will in
crease the gifts to $4,000,000.
Plans of architecture for the great
university of the future will now be Sc
cured without delay. Yesterday the
regents listened with delight to the read
ing OF letter from Mrs. Hearst, in which
she sought the privilege OF sustaining the
entire cost of procuring plans unoer the
international competition.
incidentally she mentioned the other
day to the Governor her purpose to give
$500, 900 to construct two buildings-one
memorial. The Governor remarked that
this took his breath away, as she men
toned it as a small amount in the be-
ginning of her plans.
The annexed correspondence explains
her position and to some extent fore
shadows her generous intentions:
PALACE HOTEL. October %, 1896.
hCqeII y. d. hCinSLSlf9-DEAR helerTllR
to the conversation mad last week with your
self and Professor William Carey Jones, l de-
sire to say that am deeply impressed with
the proposition now before the Board of Re-
gents to determine upon a comprehensive and
permanent plan for the buildings and grounds
OF the University Of California on the site of
Berkeley, and heartily approve of the idea.
My son and have desired to give some suit
able memorial which shall testify TO Mr..
Hearst's love for and interest in this State, and
after having carefully considered the matter
ft1n hast al rNFrl6
which would promote the higher education of
its people. And l must confess that the ab-
sence OF suitable plan for the university
buildings has seemed an obstacle In the way
of carrying out some ideas which we have
cherished.
feel now SO imbued with the importance to
the university and to the State of having such
plan that should be glad to aid in its COM
plete and speedy realization. I may also say
that am the more anxious for this, as have
in contemplation the erection On the uni
to be the memorial referred to.
l would therefore suggest that I be per-
mltted to contribute the funds necessary TO
obtain by international competition plans for
the fitting architectural improvement Of the
university grounds at Berkeley. While I
understand from you that such plans can be
procured for about SI5, 900 1 desire 10 say
that the success of this enterprise shall not be
hampered in any way by money considera-
tion.
have only one wish In this matter-that
the plans adopted should be worthy OF the
great university whose material home they
are TO provide for; that they should har-
monize with and even enhance the beauty of
the site whereon this home is to be built, and
that they should rebound to the glory OF the
State whose culture aud civilization are TO be
nursed and developed at its university.
AS the full execution of these plans will
probably require long period OF time, and
one of constant and assiduous attention,
should like 10 suggest that this trust be re-
posed in a special committee which viii repre-
sent the several interests involved.
l would name as such trustees, his excel
lency, James H. Budd, representing the State,
Professor William Carey Jones, representing
the university, and yourself, representing the
Board OF Regents I have the less hesita3cy
III suggesting these names, as these gentlemen
are all graduates OF the University of Caliior-
mia, and would, l am sure, be glad to perform
this labor in gratitude to their alma mater.
OF course the ratification of final plan would
rest with the Board OF Regents.
I believe that the release of Mr.. B. r. May
beck (who has been identified with the idea of
this plan from its inception), from his duties
of Instruction at the university, and his
presence in the Eastern States and Europe
would greatly facilitate proper understand
ing OF our design among architects. / would,
therefore, further suggest that he be given
leave OF absence for one or two years, and l
offer TO provide Tor him a reasonable compen-
sation. Yours very sincerely,
PHEoBE A. HEARST.
Governor Budd has accepted the trust
mentioned in Mrs. HearstJs letter. The
following letter Of acknowledgment from
the Governor in behalf of the people of the
State was read to the board:
SAN FRANCISCO October %. 1896.
Mrs. Phoebe 4. Hedrst-DEAR MADAM: Your
letter OF yesterday touching an architectural
plan for the University OF California has been
submitted TO me, and beg to say that I shall
be happy TO accept the trust therein reposed.
Your conception OF the purposes of the Uni
versity of California as great State institution
on the loftiest and broadest plane wherein the
State confers the priceless benefits of the
higher education, is as noble as it is true.
Such was the great purpose ntemp plated in
the acts OF Congress and of the Legislature of
this State founding this uniyersity-a purpose
whose scope and grandeur have been as
thoroughly appreciated by you your action
will spread and enforce its appreciation by
others.
Such plan as you contemplate will inure
10 the lasting glory and advantage OF the State
and the States university and to the infinite
benefit OF the people OF the State.
In the name OF the State of California, and
on behalf OF the people OF the State, l tender
you their heartest thanks and assure you OF
their sincere and lasting gratitude. l am,
dear madam, yours very sincerely,
In accepting his appointment as one of
the trustees Regent ]. B. Reinstein adj
dressed the following letter to Mrs.
Hearst:
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. %, 1896.
Mrs. Ph0be A. Hearst-DEAR MADAM: l am
IN receipt OF your letter OF to-day expressing
your earnest wish for an International archi-
tectural competition for a permanent and
grand plan of the buildings and grounds of
the University OF California at Berkeley and
also your splendid gift to further the obtain
ment of such plan.
Perhaps nothing at this time could be more
opportune or important for the State Univer-
sity than this wise gift and the gracious infu-
ence of its donor, through which we may hope
soon to obtain plan which shall contemplate
upon the superb site of this university build |
ings in every way worthy of great State and
its highest institution OF learning. Whatever
may be considered the important needs and
the factors of success in this university, it is
certain that tney all viii be subserved i'm
measuranly by buildings which shall body
forth the power and The dignity of II sovereign |
State. at the same time that they shall exalt |
education by tho inspiration of glorious archi- |
lecture, making patriotism and a lofty regard |
LOT the State as certain result of course at |
thls university as love for what is beautiful |
Your thought and kindness foreshadow |
such plan as will accomplish this double |
purpose, and in addition viii spur the pride |
ana interest Of State and individuals to peed-
~ realze that plan in useful, beautiful and |
'Aarmon1ous structures
snail take the earliest opportunity TO |
t ~ your letter to the attention of the Board
Sa-t -htegents and with their permission willac-
H oSPs Win pleasure my share of the great trust
COuJtIreQ. In the me- To ~