Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-29
Rockefeller Gives Million DOL
lars to Fight Disease.
COMMISSION is ORGANIZED
Noted Scientists and Educators to
Conduct Campaign.
MEETING IN OIL KINGS OFFICE
Donor Glad to Do Something for
South-Cure Promised by
Commission.

NEW YORK. October ga gift of one
million dollars by John d. Rockefeller to
| fight the "hookworm disease" was an
| nounced at the Office of the Standard Oil
Company here late yesterday.
A dozen well known educators and
scientists. selected in large part from
institutions of learnings in the south,
where the parasite is prevalent. were call
ed in conference with Rockefeller ) rep
resentatives at the Standard Oil Com
pany's offices at 26 Broadway last Tues
day. At that meeting Rockefeler's desire
| to organize a commission to carry on a
campaign against the malady was dis
cussed.
AS a result of this discussion of the
situation the Rockefeller commission for
| the eradication of the hookworm disease
was organized
Personnel of Commission.
The members OF this commission. as Sc
lected by Mr.. Rockefeller, are:
DR.. William II. WEIGH, professor of
pathology in Johns Hopkins University;
president of the American Medical Asso-
citation.
| DR.. Simon Flexner, director of Rookie
Teller Institute for Medical Research.
| DR.. Charles w. Stiles. chief of the d.
vision of zoology, United States public
health and marine hospital service, and
discoverer of the American species of
hookworm and the prevalence of the dis
ease In America.
DR.. EdN \. Alderman. president OF
the University of Virginia.
DR.. David F. Houston. chancellor OF
Washington University, st. Louis, Mo.
Prof. P. p. Claxton, professor of edu-
cation in the University of Tennessee.
J. Y: Joyner. state superintendent OF
education in North Carolina and president
of the National Educational Association
Walter Ii. Page, editor Of The Worlds
Work..
DR.. II. 3. Frissell. principal Hampton
Institute.
Frederick I. Gates, one of Rockefeller's
business managers.
Starr J. Murphy, Rockefeller's counsel
in benevolent matters.
John D. Rockefeller, jr.
All but Prof. ClaXton and Mr.. Joyner
were present at the meeting Tuesday
They have both since accepted places on
the boards elected to carry out Rookie
fellers plans.
In calling these gentlemen together fo-
Tuesdays conference, Rockefeller adj
dressed to each letter pointing out his
interest in relieving the human suffering
caused by the "hookworm' parasite, es-
pecially because, he said. it had been his
pleasure to spend portion of each year
south. and he welcomed the opportunity
to express appreciation of their many
kindnesses and Inequalities.
The members of the commission, in
framing a reply to Rockefeller's offer o.
81, 100000. declared the proposition met
with their heartiest appreciation
Two millions of our people are infected
with this parasite they added. 1T is by
no means confined to one class; it takes
its toll of suffering and death from the
Intelligent and well-to do as we'll as from
the less Fortunate
Correspondence Exchanged.
The correspondence, in full. was as fol-
lows:
Rockefeller wrote TO the conferees'
NEW YORK. October 70, 1909
Gentlemen: For many months my
representatives have been inquiring into
the nature and prevalence of 'hookworm
disease and considering plans for miti-
eating its evils. | have delayed action in
this matter only until the facts as to the
extent of the disease could be verified
and the effectiveness of its cure and pre-
vention demonstrated.
"'rhe wide distribution and the serious
effects of this malady, particularly in the
rural districts of southern states.
first pointed out by DR.. Charles Wardell
stiles of the United States public health
and marine hospital service. have now
been confirmed by Independent oDserva-
| tons Of other distinguished investigators
| and physicians, as we'll as by educators
and public men of the south.
Knowing your interest in all that per-
| tains to the wellbeing of your fellow
men and your acquaintance with this
subject, l have invited YOU to confer
ence in the hope that it may lead to the
adoption Of we'll considered plans for a
cooperative movement of the medical
profession, public health officials. boards
Of trade. churches, schools, the press and
other agencies for the cure and proven
ton Of this disease.
IF you deem it wise to undertake this
commission ] shall be glad to be per-
United to work with YOU to that end, and
YOU may call upon me from time to time
| for such sums as may be needed during
| the next five years for carrying on an
aggressive campaign, up to a total OF one
million dollars 81 .OoO,OOO)
while it would be a privilege to act in
any movement which offers assurance OF
pleasure to me to feel that the principal
activities Of your board will be among
the people Of our southern states. 1t has
been my pleasure Of late to spend a por-
have come to know and to respect
greatly that part OF our country and to
enjoy the society and friendship of many
OF its warm-hearted people.
1T will therefore be an added gratifi-
cation to me If in this way l may in
some measure express my appreciation
| of their many kindnesses and hospitali-
ties. Very truly,
JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER"
Reply Of Commissioners.
| The reply. signed by all the members
of the commission. was as follows:
New York. October 20. 1909.
John D. Rockefeller, New York City:
Dear sir-Your generous offer to pay such
| sums as may be needed during the next five
years. up to a total of $1,000 600, to carry
on a scientific and popular campaign for
Graduating 'hookworm disease has our
| heartiest appreciation, and we accept
your invitation to administer this trust
with a keen appreciation of the oppor-
funif,, that ynn give lis do q great