The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-01-11
LONG SUFFERING
ENDS IN DEATH
Passing of DR.. William R. Harper,
President Of the University
of Chicago.

Harper, president OF the University of
Chicago, and one of the worlds greatest
authorities on Hebrew and Sanslrft, died
a. his home here this afternoon of can
Ger.
1t was announced early in the day at
the university that Dr.. Harpers condition
was critical, and later in the day 1t was
asserted By Dr.. Frank G. Billings, the
physician who has been in charge of the
case for over a year. that in his opinion
Or. Harper could not survive longer than
the end of this week. The death of DR..
Harper, however, came more suddenly
than had been anticipated.
Arrived Too Late.
DR. Billings had left the Harper resi-
dence on the Midway Plaisance and gone
t. his home five miles distant when he
received, at ? o'clock, a message from the
relatives or DR.. Harper stating that a
serious change had taken place in the
condition of the patient, and urging him
to come at once. DR.. Billings at once en-
tered his automobile and fastened as fast
as the machine could carry him to the
home Of DR.. Harper, but did not arrive
until after his death.
DR.. Harper has for two years been suf-
fering from q cancer located at the head
OF the large intestiues. 1t was discov-
cred when he underwent an operation for
appendicitis, but it was believed the dis
order would at the time be relieved BY
special treatment.
Operated Upon by Specialist.
His condition became worse. and on
Feb. o. 1904, DIT. -McBurney Of New York,
the eminent specialist in abdominal sur
gerry, was called to Chicago to perform
an operation for DR.. Harper'S relief. The
exact nature of the disorder was not al
that time definitely determined, but as
soon as DR.. AIcBurney had entered upon
his task he disclosed that the disease had
made such progress that there was, in mis-
opinion, nothing that could permanently
relieve the patient No operation was per-
formed beyond that necessary to estab-
lish the nature of the disease, and in d
short time DR.. Harper left the hospital
OutWardly. to all appearances, a well man,
but in reality one doomed to a lingering
and certain death within a short time.
Special treatment was given him, and
everything that medical science could de-
wise could suggest was attempted in order
TO effect a cure.
Tried German Doctors.
Dr. Harper went to Europe and spent
some time at Carlsbad, and held numer-
Gus consultations with the leading Ger
man specialists. For a time his condi-
ton Improved, but soon the symptoms of
his malady returned with greater severity
and 1t was evident that ne could live but
few months longer. He showed how
ever, astonishing vitality, and by his
marvellous strength of viii continued his
work at the university while he was aC-
tualy dying man. Almost to the last
X.
with great energy upon some books re-
lating to the Hebrew language which it
was his intention to publish. 1t was only
when he was not physically able to sit
up that he finally gave over. his task.
Or. Harper Popular.
Or. Harper, in his administration OF the
university, showed himself not only an
organizer Of high ability in educational
work, but was most attractive and in
spring teache" AS man he was per-
sOnally pOpulal with all with whom he
came in contact, and few men who have
lived in this city have enjoyed a larger
circle of warm friends and admirers.
Mr.. Harper left a statement outlining
his wishes for the ceremonies of his
funeral A detail which he emphasized,
both In writing and in person, was that
no regular University exercise should be
suspended except during the services Of
the funeral The body will remain in
charge of the family until Saturday. 1t
VIII then be transferred to Haskell as
sembly hail. on the grounds, escorted bv
the university band. university senate
and the university council members of
the senate and council acting as pail
bearers. The body will lie in state in
Haskell hall unit, after midday, under
a guard Of honor composed of students
Of the university.
The funeral services will be held in
MaEdel hall at the university Sunday