Jane Lathrop Stanford Papers

40

had prophesied this, I should have exclaimed "Impossible!"

Here then is the situation as I see it. I have been unselfish. I have not thought of myself as having a welfare or success apart from the welfare of the institution I have. I have completely identified myself with the University you founded. I have devoted my whole soul and strength to the glory of Stanford trusting that Stanford would look out for me. The thought that this University would not be-have as other Universities and employers and look after my interests in turn has been so far from me that I had not even noticed that all my colleagues had been re-appointed, while I had not been reappointed.

Mrs. Stanford I do not want to stay unless you can give me that degree of confidence which I deem my just due for faithful service, and without which I can do no good work here. I am loyal to you, and out of reverence for you as mother of this University will conform to your wishes in every way I can. I will do everthing [sic] but sacrifice my self respect.

But I hardly know how to be more discreet than I am. I have no dealings or acquaintance with politicians. I identify myself with neither party, being at once protectionist and anti-imperialist. I refrain from the public discussion of all economic questions that have become party issues. I devote nine tenths of my energy to the class room. I have spoken but three times outside during this year. Now if after taking all these things into consideration you can reach no settled confidence in me as can support me in my work here, I should prefer to know it now rather than later.

49

Contd

Exhibit "S"

---COPY---

San Francisco, Cal.

(Date any time after May 21,)

Dear Dr. Ross:

After seven years of association I was able to write of you recently to Mrs. Stanford in the following terms:

''At the University Dr. Ross has been a constant source of strength. He is one of the best teachers, always just, moderate and fair. He is beloved by his students and has steadily risen in the estimation of his colleagues.''

''In the time of trouble in the University he has been most loyal, accepting extra work and all kinds of embarrassments without a word of complaint. The sickness of Dr. Warner, the failure of Dr. Clark, and the sudden departure of Prof. Powers left him on each of three years with half the work of another man in addition to his own. But he took this uncomplainingly and I did not know till it was over that he was in consequence not strong enough to stand up to lecture and had to spend his afternoons in bed. If he had been a selfish man he would not have overtaxed himself.''

He is ''a wise learned and noble man, one of the most loyal and devoted of all the band we have brought together.''

You are at liberty to use this letter in seeking a position.

(Signed)

Report of the Committee of Economists on the Dismissal of Professor Ross from Leland Stanford Junior University

The committee appointed at the meeting of the economists in Detroit, December 28, 1990, to enquire into the causes of the dismissal of Professor Ross from Leland Stanford University, have earnestly endeavored to learn the fact of the case. In addition to a careful examination of the statements made in the newspapers, we have asked Professor Jordan for a full and frank statement of the causes which led to Professor Ross's removal, and have obtained the replies printed in the appendix, in which Professor Jordan declines to give specific information in regard to them. We have also in our possession copies of letters bearing upon this case from various persons, including letters from Professor Ross, as well as from President Jordan, not only to Professor Ross, but also to others.

The following facts are, we believe, undisputed:

It is customary for professors in the Leland Stanford University to be reappointed early in May of each year. Professor Ross failed to receive his annual reappointment early in May, 1900. He was, however, reappointed on June 2. On June 5, he handed to President Jordan his resignation as follows:

''Dear Dr. Jordan: - I was sorry to learn from you a fortnight ago that Mrs. Stanford does not approve of me as an economist, and does not want me to remain here. It was a pleasure, however, to learn at the same time of the unqualified terms in which you had expressed to her your opinion of the work and your complete confidence in me as a teacher, a scientist and a man.

While I appreciate the steadfast support you have given me, I am unwilling to become a cause of worry to Mrs. Stanford or of embarrassment to you. I, therefore, beg leave to offer my resignation as professor of sociology, the same to take effect at the close of the academic year, 1900-1901.''

Whereas, On the 11th day of November, 1885, LELAND STANFORD and JANE LATHROP Stanford, his wife, by a grant founding and endowing the LELAND STANFORD Jr. UNIVERSITY, conveyed to certain Trustees therein named, among other things, that certain tract of land situated partly in the COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA and partly in the COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, in the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, and now commonly known and designated, as the ''PALO ALTO FARM" which tract of land is more particularly described in schedule "A" attached to said grant and made a part thereof.

And whereas, The grantors named in said grand did, by the provisions of subdivision one of Article II thereof, elect, in relation to the property thereby conveyed to said Trustees, and in relation to the erection, maintenance and management of the institution thereby founded, to perform during their lives all the duties and exercise all the powers and privileges which by the terms of the said grant, were enjoined upon, and invested in the Trustees therein named and their successors.

And whereas, By subdivision three of Article IV of said grant, one of the powers invested in said Trustees was to manage and control the Trust property, care for and improve the same.

And whereas, By the provisions of subdivision three of Article XIII of said grant, the right to improve, manage and control the Trust property is reserved to the grantors.

And whereas, It is deemed advisable to lease certain portions of said premises conveyed as aforesaid.

Now Therefore this Agreement Witnesseth: That I, Jane Lathrop Stanford, in the performance of the duties and in the exercise of the powers and privileges aforesaid, and in the execution of the trust, in the place of the Trustees named in the grant, party of the first part, and R. E. Allardice, D. H. Campbell, E. H. Woodruff, & A. P. Carman (single men but dealing in the premises with their separate property) party of the second part.

That the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the covenants hereinafter expressed, and the rents reserved, do hereby demise and lease unto the said party of the second part for and during the full term of ten years from the date hereof which term will end on the 1st day of August in the year nineteen hundred and three the following premises to wit:

Those certain lots or parcel of land situate at Palo Alto, in the County of Santa Clara, State of California, more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at point ''A'' of North side of Alvarado St. 1195 feet from intersection of said Street with Portola Street, thence Northerly one hundred and fifty feet to South side of Lane ''C'', thence Easterly along South side of Lane ''C'' to Arguello Street, thence Southerly along West side of Arguello Street to intersection of Alvarado Street thence Westerly along North side of Alvarado Street to place of beginning,

To have and to hold the same to the said party of the second part ___ heirs, executors, administrators and assigns for and during the said term of ten years or until the termination of this lease as hereinafter provided.

The party of the second part covenants and agrees to pay to the party of the first part, the annual sum of Fifty DOLLARS as the rent reserved for the use and occupation of said premises. payable in advance

It is mutually agreed and understood that the said party of the second part, who is now erecting a house and other out-buildings in connection therewith on said lots may complete the same and they hereby covenants and agrees that they will complete the same within the period of one year from this date ready for use and occupation as a residence.

State of California,

ss.

County of Santa Clara

On this 16th day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-three, before me W. E. Norris a Notary Public in and for said Santa Clara County, residing therein, duly commissioned and sworn, personally appeared

Jane Stanford

known to me to be person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and she acknowledged that she executed the same.

In witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Official Seal, at my office in the said County of Santa Clara, the day and year in this Certificate first above written.

W. E. Norris

Notary Public,

Santa Clara County, State of California