The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1909-02-05
W. WZZ4T RAz1ZI H4R0ER NE77ORNL LA6RHRY

The William Raniey Harper Memo
rial library, to be erected at the Uni
versity of Chicago, seems now to be
an assured thing, the third anniver-
sary of the death of the distinguished
college president being marked by the
practical completion of the 100000
fund for the erection of the building.
To those who have followed the des-
TIMES of the Midway institution since
it's foundation, as well as to its later
friends, the assurance of their dream
for a memorial to the university's first
president, to whom doubtless the in
stitution owes it's being, is vivid
pleasure
such men as Harry Pratt Judson,
the present president; Thomas w.
Goodspeed, registrar and secretary OF
the board of trustees; Wallace Heck
man, business manager; the several
members of the faculty, the trustees
of the three departments of the uni
versity and the alumni and student
body, past and present, feel a sense OF
personal qualification at the approach.
ing fruition of one of their most ardent
desires.
Dr. Harper himself knew for a con
siderable time before his death that
he could live only to an appointed
time. When he realized he was af
f1icted with fatal malady his first
thought was to place the affairs of the
great institution in whose formation
he had played so important part in
good condition. His next cherished
desire was the completion of one OF
the series of treatises which are his
legacy to the world as a scholar.
In both of these efforts he was sue
cessful, and only a few of his closest
intimates knew, up to within short
time before he died, the destiny which
hung over him., the effort his last deeds
cost him, and the desires he had most
cherished. x.
1t was these intimate friends, includ
ing John D. Rockefeller, who knew
the kind of testimonial the unostenta
tious executive of the university would
most have wished. During his busy
lifetime he never SO much as init
mated a thought that his memory
would be perpetuated in anything but
his accomplishments.
He did, however, express regret thai
in history his name would probably be
remembered more in connection with
his financial achievements in finding
money for the upbuilding Of his life
dream of a great educational institu
ton than as a servant and scholar
which basically was his highest am
bition.
Within a week after the body OIL
DR.. Harper was laid to rest John D
Rockefeller, Jr., telegraphed DR.. Good
speed that, If the friends of the late
president contemplated the erection Of
a memorial library, his father would
be glad to contribute.
Within three months the effort
which is just now being completed
was begun simultaneously by the fac
ulty, the board of trustees of the sew
eral departments, the alumni and past
and present students not graduated.
Without invitation from agents Of
the university the professors under
took among themselves to raise a FUND
for the memorial. Altogether, from
100 to ITO members of the various fac
ulties have contributed, roundly
$4,000.
Similarly, without being asked, the
alumni took up the work Of raising ar
additional fund by subscription among
their members. as well as from stu
dents who had not matriculated. APP
proximately 1000 of these have sub
scribed a total of about $4,000. IL
amounts ranging from 81 to $500
The popularity of the testimonial
subscription among the former stu
dents of the university indicate.
that, had the institution been a little
older, the entire sum consiered desir
able for this purpose would have beer
raised from this contingent. The few
years the university has been in exist
ence. however, has made the number