The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-03-29
SPECULATION ON
MRS, STANFORD'S
SALE OF STOCK
University Likely to
Get the Benefit.
BOON FOR THE INSTITUTION
THE DEAL MAY MEAN MUCH
FOR PALo ALTO.
Possession of Two Millions in Cash
Would Enable the Widow to
Garry Out Her Plans for
the University.
BOON FOR THE INSTITUTION
THE DEAL MAY MEAN MUCH
FOR PALo ALTO.

The action of Mrs. Jane L. Stanford in
disDosing OF her holdings of Central Pa
cific stock, by which she realized nearly
81 O10. 600. the news of which has just been
made public, was the subject OF much
speculation in this city yesterday. II is
taken for granted that the proceeds of the
sale will be devoted, largely II not wholly,
to the university at Palo Alto, the pride
and glory of the late Senator Stanford's
widow. The only ground for this conclu-
sion, to be sure, is the well-known fact
that Mrs. Stanford has for some time had
in contemplation various schemes of i'm
provement in connection with the institu-
ton OF learning founded and so literally
endowed by her husband, which have
been held in allegiance because OF lack of
funds; but as II is equally q matter Of
public knowledge that the one ambition
OF Mrs. Stanford's life is to further en-
bellish and expand this magnificent mon
ument to the memory Of her only son, the
conclusion seems amply justified.
Ever since the death OF Senator Stan
ford his widow has encountered obstacles
in her efforts TO provide the necessary
funds for the maintenance OF the untYeT-
sity on the scale originally contemplated
by its founder, obstacles due TO the liuga-
ton in connection with the settlement OF
the vast estate, which tied up a goodly
portion OF its income for several years,
and other causes which IL is not necessary
10 mention. At times these obstacles have
threatened to seriously interfere with her
plans, and it was only by the most ener-
getic efforts on her part, coupled with ex-
Iremely good management, that Mrs. Stan
ford was enabled to provide the funds
necessary 10 keep the doors of the institu-
ton open to the young men and women
anxious 10 secure a finished education.
Within the past few years these Difficult
ties have in q great measure been re-
moved, but at the same time the erection
OF new buildings and provision for addi-
tiOnal courses, necessitating the expendi-
ture of large sums, have been delayed,
owing TO the trouble experienced in pro-
viding the money needed to carry these
plans 10 successful contamination. With
the acquisition OF nearly 81 900 600, imme-
diately available, il is believed Mrs. Stan
ford will now see her way clear 70 carry
out her plans in this regard.
Owing 10 the serious Illness Of Mrs.
Stanford's brother. Charles G. Lathrop,
the true inwardness Of the sale of her
Central Pacific stock cannot be learned,
as she spends every moment at his bed
side, and in view of the anxiety caused
by the afiiiction very naturally declines to
be interviewed on the subject. Others
who might be possessed OF information on
the subject are 10th to talk, believing that
Mrs. Stanford should be the first to take
the public into her confidence. George
Croker, who was in New York when the
in disposing Of her stock was completed .
practically admits the truth of the facts
as published, but declines to be inter
viewed.
II was surprised to see the articles on
the subject in the morning papers he
said last night. and any further informa-
ton on the subject should come from Mrs
Stanford. II is matter that concerns her
alone and until she is ready to talk of her
action and her plans, must decline to do
so. I Will not even admit that 1 know
anything about the matter"
There seems TO be little doubt, however
that the sale was inspired by a desire on
the part of Mrs. Stanford to secure a
large sum Of ready cash for the use of
the university. and an era of unexampled
prosperity appears TO be dawning on the
seat OF learning at Palo Alto.