Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, L

MILLIONS FOR BIG SCHOOL

Mrs. Stanford Conveys Nearly $30,000,- 000 in Property to University. [by the Associated Press]

San Francisco, Cal., Dec. 10. -- Deeds have been executed by Mrs. Jane L. Stanford conveying property valued at from $28,- 000,000 to $30,000,000 to the Leland Stanford Jr. University. These deeds do not affect her control of that institution during her lifetime. The total of her endowment is said to be three times greater than was ever before given by one individual to educational purposes in the history of the world.

The properties given to the university, now the richest in existence, are enumerated as follows:

Interest-bearing stocks and bonds of the highest class, conservatively appraised at $18,000,000, and most bought with the following estimated possessions of two years ago; 285,000 shares of Southern Pacific stock at $40 a share, $11,400,000; 10,000 shares of Central Pacific stock at $25 a share, $250,000; 10,000 shares of Central Pacific stock at $57 a share, $570,000; Market Street Railway stock, $1,500,000; one -fourth interest in Pacific Improvement company, $7,000,000. Total $20,720,000.

Real estate in twenty-six counties, aggregating about 100,00 acres of land, valued at $12,000,000; Vina ranch, Tehama county, 55,000 acres; enormous brandy and agricultural place; Gridley ranch, Butte county, 22,000 acres, largest wheat ranch in the world; Palo Alto ranch, Santa Clara county, 9,000 acres, famous stock farms; Stanford mansion, Nob Hill, San Francisco; Stanford residence, Sacramento, and extensive tracts of real estate in seventeen other counties of the state.

Since the university first opened its doors

skipped for now, sth

I was employed one year in the Real Estate, mentioned in front, where I lost my last $1500, one year in the Donohue Horincher Printing Co. 417 Dearborn St and am employed now in the Halsey Bros. Drug Co La Salle ave and Kinsic Str, the second year.

These firms will give you the best references, but please dont mention that I was asking for the loan, I am afraid to lose my position. I refer you also to Mr. Leonidas A. Lowrey, attorney at law, 830 Monodnock Chicago, Mrs. Louis[a] von der Wahl, 536 W. Ohio Str, and to my landlady, Mrs. Mary Engelhard, 187

and that my future conduct through life, shall give you no cause to regret your great kindness. Hoping you kindly will confer my favor, I have the honor to be, with great Respect, Your obedient servant, Carl J. von Lahtz

My address is: Carl J. von Lahtz 187 Cass Str. Flat 33 Chicago Ills.

P.S. Excuse kindly my bad writing, I am german, and can't express myself better in English.

Please answer kindly my letter.

Cass Str. Flat 33. where I am living since two years. All those persons will give you the best references. Have the great kindness, dear Madam, lend me the money, that I can help myself to get out of debts and get on my foot again. I assure you, dear Madam, by God on my honor and conscience, that I will return the loan to you. I will be thankful to you my whole life and God surely will bless you. I will send to you every month $5 to 7, which I have to pay now for interest only, and will pay same to you on the principal and in a short time

I will be out of debts. O have the kindness, dear Madam, help me, help me to get on my feet again, help me to start a new life, God will bless you. You are so good and kind to everybody, O, have kindness with me, I may some day be able to serve you and return with thanks the kindness shown to me now. You will find out soon, that you have to de[al] with an honest person. My record and character ar[e] clear and only for the sickness, I am indebted now. I beg to assure you Mada[m] that the high character you will form at me, shall ever be maintain[ed]

Sag, Mich Dec 12 1901

Mrs Jane L Stanford Dear Madam

I read in yesterday Morning Courier herald that you was a wealthy Lady and I thought - I would rite and ask you if you would be so kind and send me a few dollers to help me out and if I ever get money I would pay you back I have got a good husband dont drink But he gets such small wages I have four children God will help you if you help