The San Francisco call., 1904-03-27

the cost of that life itself. That han
was DR.. William Pepper, provost and
recreator of the University of Pennsyl-
vania, founder of the University Hos
pital, the Commercial Museums and
Free Library of Philadelphia, munich
pal reformer, public benefactor, scien-
tific author and skilled physfcian. Such
a sublimely unselfish avowhl from such
a man, unselfish even in the face OF
elf-courted death, should be inscribed
l ON the hyleaf of his biography.
written by Francis Newton Thorpe.
For this keynote of DR.. Peppers life is
the keynote of this book on his life;
unselfishness in remarkable endeaNor
for the good of others.
The biographer has a strong call for
the writing of a life such as was that
of William Pepper. Representative of
all that is best in the American-cul-
ture, exalted ideals and lofty pur-
pose, an examplar of the restless and
all absorbing spirit of doing, refec-
ton of the strong and compelling de-
sire for the intellectual uplifting of the
peoples spiritual conscience, William
Peppers life presents an ideal for the
exaltation of every mans conception
of life and a life's work. Despite the
manifold interests which crowded
themselves upon the consideration of
Pennsylvania provost end despite the
many divergent channels into which
his activities were turned, the man
whom Thorpe pictures appears singular
ly to be the manifestation of just that
one element, unselfishness. All of his
attributes, faithfully chronicled by his
bio1ropher contributed m that doOai-
nant characteristic of his personality.
DR.. Pepper laid the groundwork for
the intense energies of after years in
the university overAwhich he was des-
tined to be made the executive. Grad
uating from Pennsylvania in 1862 and
receiving his NJ. d. from the medical
department of the same institution in
ga, he became almost Immediately a
part of the medical faculty. At once
he began the long series of endeavors
in behalf of the University of Penn
sylvania, which succeeded In revivt-
flying the somewhat dispirited and age
worn institution. Though barely q
years of age when In 1870 there began
to be agitated a hospital to be under
the direction Of the university, Pepper
threw himself into the stubborn con-
test with wonderful zeal, assailing the
Legislature of the State and approach
ing private individuals in his effort to
bring about the desired innovation.
The hospital was built.
The extension Of the university to
the outside world next demanded Pep
per's attention. Lecturers such as are
now supported by all of the largest
universities were provided to mark the
innovation OF the university extension
system. Then followed his efficient
service as medical director Of the Gen.
tennial Exhibition in 1875. In 1880 he
was chosen provost of the university,
a place held by him until the exi-
gencies of declining health forced him
to surrender it in later years. The
story Of the multitudinous reforms, in
novations and improvements made by
the provost during his long term of
Office is the story of Pennsylvania
elevation into the rank of one of the
big Four" among Eastern universi-
ties. The biographer shows:
For the city of Philadelphia Or.
Peppers efforts were equally, tireless.
In 1891 he inaugurated a movement
looking toward the establishment of
a free public library. But to bring
about a successful fruition of his
plans DR.. Pepper had to meet Coun-
cilmen and ward politicians upon their
own ground, solicit favorable action
from the Legislature and work inde-
fatigably to arouse the support of the
people for the measure. This accom-
plished, he turned his attentions to-
ward the establishment Of the COM
mercial museums and the Free Mu-
scum of Science and Art. Before these
institutions became accomplished facts
their patron had raised above $1o,-
o00,o of which half million was
from his own purse, and secured from
the municipality nearly a hundred
acres of land near the heart of Phil
adelphia. Besides these material evil
dences Of striving for higher intel