New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-05

Notwithstanding his large views 10 university
policy, he is remarkable for his mastery OF and at
tention to detail. This has been commented upon
by all who have had occasion to consult with him
concerning educational matters. especially mem
bers of the faculty who have had ideas to lay be-
fore him and schemes Of procedure requiring his
approval In these relations his quickness of per-
ception and concentration of mind upon the matter
in hand are said to be most remarkable. On
occasion member of the university staff called
upon Dr. Harper at busy hour. when a number
Of persons were waiting by appointment to have
audience. The visiting professor had been talk
ing for minutes and not having come by ap-
pOintment began himself for delaying the
others. The president looked at him for a mo-
nent steadfastly and said: Professor while you
talking on this subject there is but one
man in the world of whose existence am con-
scIous and that is yourself
The last four or five months have been months
OF suffering for DR.. Harper. owing not only TO
physical ailment. but TO the growing conviction
that his work the university would inevitably be
interrupted If not brought to end. Neverthe-
less. the outside world knew nothing OF his serious
condition. and none but his most intimate friends
had an inkling of the courage and power Of
durance he must summon to his aid. On the day
OF the great football game between Chicago and
Wisconsin he had been unable TO leave his room.
and those VIC visited him shocked by the
evidences of suffering shown in his countenance.
STILL when the crowd Of students and football play
ers assembled around his residence and shouted
loudly their president DR.. Harper did not hesi-
tate 10 expose himself TO the inclemency OF the
weather and make congratulatory and cheering
address from the front balcony. None of the
thusiastc students had idea Of the physical and
mental strain to which Dr. Harper exposed himself
in order to give them pleasure.
1t IS deprecated at the Chicago University that
to the outside world President Harper is chiefly
known as a money getter. the man for whom
John D. Rockefeller has given millions Of dollars.
They call attention to the fact that Harper the
business man Is but Of the many Harpers
known 10 them and that while Harper the hnan-
cier is a very necessary individual he is perhaps.
the least attractive OF the personalities which are
comprised in their president For instance, they
point to the athletic Harper, who is all animation
and enthusiasm when the subject under discussion
is q football contest. for example. Then they recall
with gusto the days of the bicycle craze. when it
was a standing joke among the professors at the
university that the beauling countenance of DR..
Harper as he scorched down the Midway to meet
the morning sun. a companion picture for that
OF the Iumnary rising in grandeur from the bosom
OF Lake Michigan DR.. Harper is said to regret
the waning Of the bicycle fad and its health giving
exercise.
II is characteristic of DR.. Harper that he wishes
to advance personally every institution
which interests him. Out West in OF the small
towns there is a college in whose success and ad-
vancement he Is deeply concerned. but which for
some reason has not advanced so rapidly as he
would wish His associates at the university have
heard him declare and over that he should
desire nothing better than 10 resign from the pres
dency and undertake the work of pushing 70 sue
cess the humble little Western school His love for
the actual work OF instructng is. perhaps. his
most marked characteristic, although this does not
appear except TO those who are close 10 him In
educational work. either associate teachers OF
as students. During the last hve six years he
has been frequently heard TO declare that given
his choice between the presidency OF the university
and the conduct OF his daily classes he should
gladly prefer the latter and rejoice 10 see some
body else at the head OF affairs
One very noticeable trait In DR. Harper. and one
which seems TO designate him leader. - his
habit. II such II may be called. OF rs propensity
TO make suggestions. He Is always thinking for
Others. IL would appear pointing out what they
might do. and how they might accomplish their