Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-01-11
DR.. W. R. HARPER.
President Of University Of
Chicago Passes Away.
Renowned as an Educator and
Also a Business Man.
Cancer the Immediate Cause OF Dedlf
Following Appendicitis Operation.

Chicago, Jan. 1O-Wiliam Raincy
Harper, Ill. d., president or the UNI
versity of Chicago since It's inception III
1891, regarded by many as the foremost
Hebrew scholar in America, ana equal
ly renowned as cdurator and business
man, died today of cancer of the mites
tines, at his home on the University
campus. Although his death was
known to be inevitable, within com
paratively short time, the emf. owing
to physical exhaustion, came suddenly,
He was 40 years old.
Three years ago DR.. Harper under
went an operation for appendicitis
Cancerous symptoms followed recovery
from this operation and on Feb. 2!
1868, an operation was decided on t.
determine the cause of severe ab3om-
ina! pains. Dr. McBurney of New
York came to Chicago for the opera
ton. in which he was assisted by Drs
Billings and Bevan of Chicago.
1t was discovered that DR.. Harpe,
was suffering from cancer at the
head OF the large intestine and that the
maiady had progressed so far that ar
operation to remove it would be fata
to the patient. The surgeons decided
that the only hope of DIR. Harper lay il
medical measures. In short time he
left the hospital. knowing that his dis
ease could could not be cured. and thai
his death must enSue within a short
time.
DR.. Harper took UP his usua, dutie:
at the university and appeared cheer
full
The X-ray treatment was USED in th'
effort to afford him relief and every
thing was done for him that the inge
nuity Of his physicians could suggest
Despite all he lost steadily. Severa
| times the malady progressed in sucl
q manner that minor surgical opera
| tons were necessary to afford temper
| airy relief.
During the last fortnight his strength
failed rapidly. ana it was evident tina
the end could not be far of Message
| We're sent to his immediate relative
and all Of them were at the home to
| day when he died.
| Dr. Billings issued the followin
statement:
For two weeks DR.. Harper has fail
| ed rapidly. He and his family an
| friends recognized the approach of tn
end. His physical condition has bee
! kept reasonably free from pain by tn
use of very moderate amount of on
of the derivatives of opium. His min
remained clear until the end. Physica
| exhaustion was the cause of death"
DR.. Harper left IL statement outlin
ing his wishes for the ceremony of hi
funeral. \ detail which he emphasized
both in writing and in person. wa
that no regular university cxcrcis
should be suspended except during I'll
hours of the funeral services
The body will remain in charge ,
the family until Saturday. 1t wi
then be carried across the campus
Haskell assembly hall in the universit
grounds where it will lie in state
Haskell hall until sunday after mic
Gay under guard of honor compose
Of students of the university. The fl
neral services will be held i'll Mand
hall. at the university Sunday after
noon at o'clock.
d. Harper. who received his bach,
Tor degree at the age of II years, VIZ
q man popular with men of business q
well as with men of letters. and a
united in praising him us Il man of re
markable brillancy of mind. cxecutiy
ability and kindness of heart. d
Harper WAS a Mason and a member {
many clubs.