Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-08

Rockefeller. Jr., announced to the Gen
eral Education Board when it assem-
bled for special meeting in this city
late this afternoon. For general educa-
ton purposes throughout the country
the country is given as the reason for
this donation-the largest single prize
ever handed out for such purposes.
Mr. Rockefeller previously had given
the board S11 00O.00O for the same work.
his "Hntributions now amounting to
s43. 100000.
Th,, General Education Board appar-
emily was not prepared for this gift
which was announced simply in the fol-
lowing letter:
New York, Feb. s. 1907.
General Education Board, 81 William
street. New York City:
Gcntlemen-My father authorizes me
to say on or before April 1, 1907. he will
give to the General Education Board
income bearing securities. the present
market value of which is about $780,,
10000, one-third to be added to the
permanent endowment of the board,
two-thirds to be applied to such speci-
fic objects within the corporate pur-
poses of the board as either he or |
may from time to time direct, and any
remainder not designated at the death
of the survivor to be added also to the
permanent endowment Of the board.
Very truly.
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR.
Most of the members of the beard
were surprised at the announcement
and amazed at the size Of the gift. DR..
No III hn did
not know the gift,was to be made I'M
til he received the letter. Other MEM
bcrs did not know of the donation I'M
ill the letter was read.
A special meeting of the board was
called for today to consider commu-
nication from Mr.. Rockefeller, the pur-
port of which was not known to all the
members John d. Rockefeller, Jr., act
ing for his father. appeared shortly af-
ter the meeting was called to order and
handed the letter to the secretary. john
y. Rockefeller. Jr.. remained through
OFT the session of the board. Asked if
he had anything to add to his letter, ne
replied he did not believe he could add
anything of Importance to it, as the let
ter explained itself.
Members of the board when asked
what the specific purpose" referred to
in Mr.. Rockcfellers letter, said that ii
was in the line of educational work and
WAS intended. in their opinion. to give
Mr.. Rockefeller the right to direct the
disposition of the fund to such institu-
tions, within the province of the board
as he may deem proper. The elder Mr..
Rockefeller is not a member OF the
L,,t Sc har tho
active direction doubtless will come
from him.
The board voted to accept the gift, and,
in appreciation, drafted a letter to the
elder Mr.. Rockefeller as follows:
the General Education Board ac-
knoweGges the receipt of the communi-
cation of Feb. g. 1907. from Mr.. John 3.
Rockefeller, Jr., 4 member of this body,
announcing your decision to give to the
board for the purpose of its organization
securities of the current value of thirty
two million dollars (SS2, 0Oo0vG) The Cen
eral Education Board accepts the gift
with a deer sense of gratitude to you
and Of responsibility to society. Thi;;
sum added to the eleven millions ($11000,-
600 which you have formerly given to
this board makes the general education
board the guardian and administrator OF
a total trust fund of forty-three million
dollars Ci3,Ooo,OON.
This is the largest sum ever given by
a man In the history Of the race for any
social or rhilanthropic purpose. The
board congratulates you upon the high
and wise impulse which has moved you
to this deed, and desires to thank YOU
af oil tipno1 interests
whose developments it will advance, in
behalf Of our country whose civilization
for all time it should be made to
strengthen and elevate, and lin behalf of
mankind everywhere in whose interest It
has been given and for whose use 1t is
dedicated.
THE administration of this fund en-
tails upon the General Education Board
the most far reaching responsibilities
ever placed upon any educational organ
ization in the world. AS member of the
hoard we accept this responsibility, con-
scous alike of its difficulties and its OPP
portunities. We will use our best Wis
dom to transmit your gift into intellec~
tual and moral power, counting 1t SUI
prame privilege to dedicate whatever
strength we have 10 its just use in the
service OF men.
Very respectfully yours,
(Si-ncd Frederick T. Gates.
chairman.
George Foster Peabody, treasurer; DR..
Wallace Butterick, secretary; Robert e,
Ogden, John p. Rockefeller, Jr.. Al
bert Shaw, Starr J. Murphy. Edward
4. Alderman, Harry Pratt Judson."
copy of this letter will be engrossed
on parchment and sent to each member
of the board for his autograph signature
and will then be formally presented to
Mr.. Rockefeller.
While the board was in session today
gifts to five colleges were ordered,
amounting in all to 100000, as follows:
Beloit College, Beloit; Morningside Col
lege, Sioux City. Ia; Lafayette College.
Easton. Pa, $4,000 each; Wabash Col
lege. Charlottesville. Ind, and the Uni
versity of Wooster. Wooster, Ohio. each
S125.en In 1903 the General Education
Board was chartered by Congress. 1t
employs a force of experts in the con-
tnuous and systematic study of educa-
tional conditions in all parts OF the
1,nitad states The object of the organ