Correspondence (outgoing), 1905

San Jose, Cal. Jan 28, 1905

Hon. Horace Davis

My good friend

Your communication dated dated [sic] Jan 6th just at hand. I will take up each subject in your letter and express my views as to same.

The private report of Dr. Jordan caused me as much anxiety as it did you, his public report even more anxiety as it was evident from beginning to end,--- that there was but one element in the affairs connected with the management of

the University, and that was the President. I took the liberty of scratching out much that the public had nothing to do with. I also sent for Mr. Sloss, who was on the committee with me, and openly and frankly discussed matters in the report, and to my pleasure and surprise he was not only in sympathy with me, but had received the same impressions from the report that I did. I have just learned from Mr. Crothers that Mr. Sloss had received a letter from Dr. Jordan "assenting cordially" to all the changes in his public report.

I agree with you that there is no need to consent to Dr. Jordan's wish for an increase of $35,000.00 to be added to the salary roll for the coming year.

Professor James has consented to come to Stanford for only one year. He is to be paid $5000.00 for that year. I made the proposition to Dr. Jordan in relation to the salary of Professor James, and when he telegraphed that he would accept, Dr. Jordan said

"how is it possible for me to give Prof. James $5000.00 when such men as Gilbert, Jenkins, Marks and one other, whom I can not recall, receive no advance in their salary and have been with us so long and have earned no advance." My answer was--"Dr. Jordan there is only one Prof. James."

I am not willing to promise Dr. Jordan the extra sum asked for, and I sincerely hope that the majority of the Trustess will agree with me. You and I know

ment we consider best for the future of the University. I am totally and utterly opposed to put the University on a postgraduate standard. It would defeat the purpose of the grant. But I am convinced, kind friend, that I am not equal to enforcing my ideas and opinions without being ably supported by the majority of the Trustees. I think there are a certain few whom the President can feel assured will stand by him for he has the ability to cultivate and educate them to take his point of view. I have so often alluded to the large amount that is being paid to the two professors in Botany and one in Entimology {sic}. I think as you do--to pay what a man is worth, and I think that our professors all get what they are worth. To speak in confidence to you---I must say I think they have all developed to their fullest extent, and we can not expect anything better in the future

from them than we are getting at present. We have, as you say, two professors in Botany one in Entimology. They are special pets. The one in Entimology has been away twice within seven years, is away now for another year. I have talked upon this subject not only to Dr. Jordan but to the Trustess, until I feel it is a case of nagging to speak of it again.

Professor James will e at the head of the Department of Phylos