Jane Lathrop Stanford Papers

42

Exhibit "P".

The University of Nebraska

Lincoln.

Dear Sir:

I wish to bring to the attention of my former colleagues a matter of fact touching my honor.

Many seem to have the impression that in 1897 I allowed my footing in the University to be changed. I wish therefore to state distinctly that I never accepted a peculiar, irregular or probational status in Leland Stanford Junior University.

The contrary impression appears to arise from a document dated April 3, 1897 which is addressed to me and is in the form of a reappointment for 1897-8 and a leave of absence on half pay for 1898-9, but attaches the condition that I am to hand in at once my resignation as Professor of Sociology the same to be ultimately accepted by the President if the best interests of the University should seem to require it.

Surely, in showing document as evidence of my probational status, the University authorities must have forgotten that it is now in their hands because I promptly returned it to the President with the statement that I was unwilling to comply with its terms. They overlook the fact that I never wrote the resignation it called for and that in consequence of my protest the document was revoked and I received on April 8, 1897 a reappointment absolutely without conditions.

Very respectfully yours,

Signed, E.A. Ross. (Copy)