New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-05
ORIGIN OF STANFORD UNIVERSITY,
What Senator Stanford Said His Son Seemed
to Suggest to Him.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The recent illusions in the daily papers to
the origin of Leland Stanford Jr., University
recall the actual facts. which were known to only
three persons Mr.. and Mrs. Stanford and the
writer.
They are as follows: Early one morning. In 1884
the chaplain of the American Church In Florence
Italy was called to the Hotel de la Paix, In that
city by a message that stated that Mr. Stanford's
son had just died and that Mr.. and Mrs Stanford
would very much like to see him.
He went at once and taken into darkened
chamber where the young mans body had been
temporarily arranged There he had prayers Mr..
and Mrs Stanford and the formers secretary being
present
When he had finished. Mr.. Stanford. who, though
strong man, seemed stunned said to the chaplain
ct have just had very strange experience. and If
YOU will be kind enough to come into the next room
L would like to tell you about it. and ask your
advice" As they about TO enter. he paused
a moment and said: Would you object to my ask
ing my wife to come too? The chaplain. of course.
said he would not, the three entered the room.
and as soon as the door closed and all were
seated Mr.. Stanford said: Just after my son died
I sank into a chair, and for time became uncon-
scious While I in this state my son. VINO
seemed to be standing just beside said: Father
I want you build a university for the benent or
poor young men, so that they can have the same
advantages the rich have. After that he left me-
Now, tell what you think of that ana IL you
think I ought to do it?' This question was adj
dressed to the chaplain. who. with Mrs. Stamford
had been listening intently
The chaplain replied: 1T seems to me more i'm
portant what you think about it; that is, are YOU
In synpa thy with the idea and is ii in your power
to carry it out?" yes" said Mr.. Stanford Il do
think it would be a good thing, and we have no
one to leave our money TO now" ,,a,u .e,u
why not do II, them" asked the chaplain, Tor
II would be fine and noble life work Tor you' as
well as a fitting memorial to your SON.
''I will and I want you TO come ana ADVISE me
what TO do and how to do it." For this the chap
lain was unprepared. and he tried to explain that
his relations to his work in Florence were of such
a nature to make an acceptance IMPOSES PIE;
Mr. Stanford. apparently thinking II was hhahclai
matter, offered to pay all debts or claims, ana
offering him various sums as high as s5oUNi after
which he wished him to state what sum would
induce him to go. Nor could he seem to realize
ttat it not a question of money, or that the
salary, being financially Independent himself II ne
felt free to do go, he was deeply interested In
this project which had been so unusually and SO
unexpectedly introduced.
The conversation then turned upon a memorial
marble group of the parents and SON with the lat
ter the central figure. after which Mr. STANFORD
made final effort to persuade the chaplain 10 &C
company him, and when they parted his manner
was that of a who was at a loss to under
stand what sort Of person 1t could be that could
not be hired If the offer was big enough: He seemed
him good for it diverted his thought in some meas
ure from the blow he had just received.
1t in this way that the idea OF the Leland
Stanford Jr., University originated ana IN spite or
university is destined to become not only one or
the most beautiful groups OF buildings in the world
but Of the most practical and useful institutions
of its kind. -
EX-CHAPLAIN OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH
IN FLORENCE. ITALY.
Baltimore. March 2. 1905