Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-06-20

founder of the House Of Croesus,
washed away at last this golden
touch" in the waters of the River
Psctolus. And the sands Of that
stream, legend tells up, became i'm
pregnated with gold to the enrich
ment of the kingdom.
"Silent" Baker has undergone a
similar Transformation, and he has
diverted a river Of gold from his
own Golfers in an effort to add to the
health, the comfort and the happi-
ness Of his fellow men.
The man who succeeded J. Pier
pont Morgan as "the king Of Amer
lean finance was known to have
made minor gift or two, in years
gone by, but it is only within the
last year or so that he has started
giving In earnest.
He has contributed 100000 to
Columbia University for the pur-
chase of a stadium site. This was
last January. BY this gift Colum-
ba was enabled to acquire the Dyck-
man tract Of twenty-six acres for
athletic fields, a stadium, boathouse,
clubhouse and related purposes.
In making this gift Mr.. Baker said
II was his desire to contribute in
this way, through Columbia Univer-
sity, to the distinction and satisfac-
ton of the City of New York;
where for so many years his active
business career had been carried on.
Dr.. Nicholas Murray Butler,
president of the university, voiced
the sentiments of the faculty and
student body and the people of New
York when he said: "Mr. Bakers
munifcence assures to the City Of
New York facilities for national in
tsrcollegiate contests and public
events on a scale rivaling the
greater outdoor centers of the world.
Coming at the eleventh hour,
when alumni and friends of the uni
versity were doubtful of the issue,
the gift heartened the university's
eiumni and students as no event has
done in long time. It is difficult
to exaggerate what possession Of
this property would mean to the
health and enjoyment Of generations
Of Columbia University's students
and alumni. When developed as we
plan to develop it, it will be as
notable an addition to the resources
Of New York as metropolitan city
as has been made in many a day."
Warm Response Of People
to Financier Is Immediate
There you have it; the warm re-
sponse Of the people to the fnancier
was immediate. His friends now Won
der II 1t came too late. They recall
that back In 1900 or 1910 Mr.. Baker
gave $50, 900 to II college. The sequel
a touching one. 1t was remarked
w ITlcuu uV" 6totlhS
ing 1t must have been to him to see
how well the public responded to his
kindly act.
ny With n sad shake of the head, Mr..
BAKER said: 1T comes too late" His
eyes had a far-away look.
The friend realized that something
wa was ON his mind, 20 he bided his time.
nhen Mr.. Baker recalled an incident
mat had occurred several years before,
winch the friend had witnessed. 1t
was just after the panic Of 1907. The
panic had been brought under control
last, and Mr.. Baker arrived slightly
we at a largely attended meeting at
.ne Union League Club. In inner cir
us US i was we'll known just how much
Mr, Baker had been responsible for the
pueiling OF the storm. and his appear
ancS was greeted with applause that
swellcd into resounding volume as he
walked to his sent.
A. could not got home quick enough
tnat night to tell her about it," Mr..
"dker said, very sadly.
~ aiis wife had died In the interval
.ihe gift to Columbia last January
v MM followed in quick succession by
si!s 70 other institutions. One day thi,
mohth Robert W. De Forest, president
VI me Metropolitan Museum of ART.
! New York. received the following
"uer from Mr.. Naker:
n.l desire to donate to, the Metro.
''sh Museum Of Art $1,000. 900. Il