Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1904 [PAGE 288]

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264

UNIVEESITY OF ILLINOIS.

[March 8,

ance of my election has brought support to the proposition. I t was supposed that the election would take place last week, but it was deferred till this week, and I have been advised on the authority of the Governor of the State, and the presiding officers of the two houses of the legislature that my nomination by the responsible majority in the legislature will be unanimous and hearty. I have carefully refrained from saying anything which might be construed into anxiety for this position. I have been grateful for the respect shown me, but I have not been anxious for the place. There has been no time when i t would not have ben a relief if in some way which did not reflect upon me the movement could have taken direction toward some one else. B u t I am not so constituted t h a t I can be indifferent to the concentrated sentiment of the people of my native state, among whom I worked until I had reached middle life, and I do not now know how to frame an answer which shall refuse a call to the service of such a state a t the one time in my life when the people of that state seem to think, even if without sufficient reason, that I may render them a service which is beyond the power of any other. I could say no less than t h a t I would go and make the attempt. Accordingly upon the assurance that the matter was settled, except as to taking the formal vote, and not deeming it proper to force a legislature to such final step in uncertainty of my attitude, and having ground to suppose that the election would take place last week, I a t t h a t time advised Governor Odell t h a t if elected before the meeting of this Board today I expected to tender my resignation to you a t this time, and that when released here I would accept the position there. I t will not be thought, I am sure, that this point has been reached without much reflection upon what it may mean to the University of Illinois and to me if I am to leave it. Any danger of thoughtlessness about that has been averted by sufficient reminders. What has already been said, in the generosity and goodness of Illinois hearts, places a heavy burden upon me. But if some think too quickly that a change in the presidency may be unfortunate for the University a t this time, I am sure that in time they will see that the great steps which need next to be taken in the advance of the University may better be taken under a new man of a different type. I have no misgivings as to what it may mean to the University. What it may mean to me is a very different matter. Deep regrets at much that will go out of my life are certain; as to other matters I must take my chances. B u t I have p u t my personality into new undertakings before now and succeeded. And while I had supposed that I should not have occasion to do it again, still it may be best that I shall. The issue will tell. I t has been frequently said in this connection that there is greater opportunity to influence life a t the head of a University than at the head of the educational work of a state. Generally speaking that would be true, but the educational organization of New York has been exceptional, and is to be still more so. The educational machinery which has there been erected will enable one who has it in him to render a public service of first importance in the country. I am sorry to say that it will be necessary to enter upon this position April 1st, as the positions which is supercedes are abolished a t that time, and i t is imperative that the powers of the new Department be at once p u t in operation. I n going, however, the Board may rest assured that I will very gladly do anything I may do, and which you may wish me to do, to sp*ve the University from embarrassment through the remainder of the University year. I had supposed that the final steps would be taken by the New York Legislature last week, but for good reasons they have been deferred until this week. Doubtless the nomination will be made a t a legislative caucus which has been called for this evening. I t would seem well that we shall a t once proceed to discuss University plans in view of this contingency, and that the Board shall remain in session till tomorrow to act upon my definite resignation. With sincere appreciation of the abounding consideration of the Board of Trustees, I am, Very sincerely yours,

A. S. DRAPER.