Correspondence (incoming): Brown, J. E. (owner/editor of San Francisco Vindicator), 1893

ReadAboutContentsHelp
TLS, with copy of Brown's earlier letter and clippings from San Francisco Vindicator, re his journalistic service on behalf of Sen. Stanford and request for assistance 1893 July ALS to Susie Bristol (J. L. Stanford secretary) correcting impression he was stating a legal claim on Sen. Stanford's estate 1893 Aug 14 TLS restating his request 1893 Sep



Pages

Untitled Page 6
Complete

Untitled Page 6

[newspaper clipping with portrait drawing of Mr Stanford]

HON. LELAND STANFORD PRACTICAL PHILANTHROPY.

Last week the people of the State of California and the world generally were informed, through the medium of the press, regarding the opening of a new institution of learning, rich in endowments and broad in the scope of its educational aims, in short something totally new in the line of institutions of this character. We allude to the opening of the Leland Stanford Junior University at Palo Alto, the country residence of Senator Stanford in San Mateo county, some twenty miles south of this city. The founding of this noble seat of learning may justly be termed the crowning point of an energetic, honorable and well-spent life. The University itself is intended to keep fresh and green the memory of the young son of Senator Stanford, a youth of rare promise, whose earthly career terminated some seven years ago, but it will be also eternally and inseparably associated with the name of its actual founder. What more fitting memorial, what more lasting monument could there be, for a departed son of rare intellectual promise, than an educational institution which will confer upon the sons of his fellow citizens, to the remotest ages of the future, a training which will fit them to become good and useful citizens, a course of instruction which will fit them to start with the very best practical equipment in the race of life? What more philanthropic or beneficent act could a wealthy man perform, with what greater honor as a deep thinker and a broad-minded philanthropist could he crown himself, than by bestowing the bulk of his vast fortune, as he has done, for the practical benefit of the generations yet unborn, the sons and descendants of those who move and act and live with him today? The wealthy of the world who have bestowed their fortunes in this or a similar way might be counted upon one's fingers, so rare and few are they. In this country probably George Peabody and Stephen Girard were most notable examples of men who have appropriated great wealth for the benefit of their species. But none of these, and we question if any one, either in ancient or modern times, has given so vast a sum - running into many millions of dollars - for any object, as Senator Stanford has done for this one object, the building and substantial endowment of the University at Palo Alto, to provide a sound and practical education for the sons and sons' sons of his fellow-citizens in this State. This is what may well be termed practical philanthropy. Nor are the people of this State forgetful or inappreciative of this fact. There is nothing within the gift of the people of this State for which Senator Stanford might signify a wish, that would not be gladly given him. Thirty years ago he was elected Governor of this State, an office of official importance which would not be conferred upon any one, much less so young a man, if not endowed with exceptional abilities. There is a rumor in the air that Senator Stanford might be induced to accept the Presidential nomination from the Republican Party next year. It is well known that the new Farmers' Alliance movement has him in view as its Presidential candidate, on account of his broad sympathy with the struggles of the agriculturist against the ever-tightening grasp of capital. Upon this subject, however, we shall have much more to say later. His sympathy for the colored race is a matter of old time record. We feel sure it will give pleasure to our readers to recall to their recollections a little incident substantially demonstrating this fact, which came under our personal notice. In the course of a visit paid to this city by Rev. J. C. Price, D. D., President of Livingstone College, in North Carolina, our representative happened to be one of a committee of gentlemen appointed to introduce Dr. Price to (then) ex-Governor Stanford. The Governor expressed a deep interest in the welfare of the institution and, at the close of the interview, demonstrated that his interest was of a real and practical character by handing Dr. Price a cheque for five thousand dollars. Such instances are by no means rare with Senator Stanford. Men with sound ideas on political economy and practical philanthropy are the men who are wanted in the high places of the nation.

Vindicator, January 2, 1892

SENATOR STANFORD ACTIVE.

Senator Leland Stanford has taken his seat. The Senator has opened his new career in the Senate by introducing a batch of bills which, according to all reports and appearances, are formulated with a view to furthering the best interests of the country at large, and California particularly. Our Senator is an active man and there is no doubt that he will put his shoulder to the wheel and push ahead the supply of many long-felt wants.

Last edit about 3 years ago by shashathree
Untitled Page 7
Complete

Untitled Page 7

WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1892

Vindicator, San Francisco, Cal.

Senator Stanford returned to Washington a few days ago, after a brief stay in this city, yet even this short time he spent among us, and the manner in which he was received, serves to convince one who looks into the roots of things, and can take a forecast of the political situation, how near the Senator is to the hearts of the people. And what is meant by the word 'people' is not the wealthy, the purse-proud, or those who are termed 'men of mark,' but the masses of ordinary intelligent California citizens. These are well aware of what Senator Stanford has done for the State. They know that the best efforts of his life have been spent in doing works which should redound to the good and glory of the State. No matter how much demagogues may prate of vast sums of money accumulated by gigantic enterprises, such as the construction of transcontinental lines of transit, the fact remains that Senator Stanford has done what not one in a million would do, deeded and transferred the bulk of his vast wealth to the people of this State in the worthiest and most beneficial manner in which such a donation could be made, namely, by conferring upon the children of our citizens the opportunity of acquiring that best of all benefits which can be conferred upon the young, the advantages of a liberal, practical and technical education. To this end the Great Palo Alto University, an institution which has excited the surprise and admiration of the world, has been established, and is now being administered by as able a staff of professors as the mature wisdom of our chosen Senator could select. What do the agriculturists of this State acknowledge? They acknowledge that Senator Stanford has used his vast means towards the improvement of stock, and towards the cultivation and development of lands and industrial enterprises. Yet this is not surprising, considering that the Senator was governor of the State thirty years ago, and accordingly may be at any rate considered to know the wants and necessities of its citizens. It is widely mooted now that Senator Stanford is to be the Presidential choice of the new political party termed the Farmers' Alliance. This party will most certainly be a powerful element in politics at the coming election.

NATIONAL VIEW, WASHINGTON, D. C. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1893 HON. LELAND STANFORD

He has Erected a Monument for Himself that Will Last for Ages. In Founding and Endowing Leland Stanford, Jr., University, He Will Be Known in all Countries. Vindicator, San Francisco, Cal.

It was said of the late Peter Cooper that he built his monument during his life-time by the erection and creation of the Cooper Institute in New York and by his numberous benefactions while living, fearing to leave to posterity the task of carrying out his intentions for the good of man-kind, lest they should miscarry. The same remark may be made with truth in reference to the Hon. Leland Stanford, United States Senator from the state of California. In founding and endowing the Leland Stanford, Jr., University, he has erected for himself a monument that will last for ages, and cause his name to be known in every land upon which the light of civilization shines. Generations yet unborn will learn to reverence him for the legacy he will leave them, and the amount of good which will follow the carrying out of his plans is beyond all human calculation. Mr. Stanford is still with us, and the work he is engaged in is a matter of every day history, but his early life is not so familiar a story, and it is with this more particularly that this sketch will deal.

Leland Stanford was born on the old homestead farm of his father, which was called Elm Grove, on the stage road between Albany and Schenectady, in Albany county, New York, March 9, 1824. It was a little later, in 1825, that De Witt Clinton's great enterprise, the Erie canal, was completed, and in 1829 the success of railroads and steam locomotives was established. It is a coincidence that the crowning success of Mr. Stanford's life should have been thus foreshadowed while he was yet of tender years. The boy was sent to school near his father's farm, together with his brothers, of whom he had six, he having been the fourth son, and young as he was, he still remembers the interest he took in the novel enterprise. Until the age of twenty years he divided his time between his studies and work on his father's farm. In 1845 he went to Albany and entered the law office of Messrs. Wheaton, Doolittle & Hadley as a student, remaining with them three years at the end of which time he was admitted to the courts as a member of the bar, and in 1848 he went to Port Washington, Wisconsin, and commenced the practice of his profession.

In 1850 he married Miss Jane Lathrop, a daughter of Dyer Lathrop a merchant of the town, who had formerly been a resident of Albany. The reports of the richness of the mines of California, caused five of his brothers to come to this state, and they met with so much success that they finally prevailed upon Leland to come, and he arrived here July 12, 1852. After trying the mines in a number of locations, he at length settled at Michigan Bluff on the American river in Placer county. He also associated himself with his brothers in mercantile business in Sacramento, and in everthing he prospered.

In politics Mr. Stanford was a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party in 1856, he made his influence felt in the campaign which followed. At the State election in 1857, he was the candidate of the Republican party for state treasurer, but the whole ticket was defeated. In 1859, he was the candidate of his party for the office of governor and was again defeated. In 1861 he was again nominated for the office and although there were two other candidates in the field, he ran nearly 6,000 ahead of his ticket, and was elected. The vote polled was 119,730 of which Mr. Stanford received 56,036; Conness, Douglass Democrat, 30,044 and McConnell, Administration Democrat, 32,750. This result made Mr. Stanford the eighth governor of California.

In January, 1862, he was inaugurated. The country was plunged in the horrors of civil war, and Governor Stanford made frequent visits to Washington to consult with President Lincoln. During the first year of his term of office a local calamity visited the state, devastating its fairest portion. The Sacramento river overflowed its banks, and hundred of miles of country were inundated. Sacramento city was submerged, lives were lost, farms destroyed and houses, bridges and roads were carrried away. The governor and legislature were compelled to transfer themselves to San Francisco. But notwithstanding the many drawbacks and difficulties he was called upon to contend with, his administration was so successful that at its close the senate and assembly, by a unanimous vote of all parties, tendered him with the unusual compliment of a concurrent resolution of thanks.

It was while governor of this state that Mr. Stanford conceived and carried into affect the crowning act of his life. Together with Messrs. Crocker, Huntington and Hopkins, a company was organized and on the 22nd day of February, 1863, in the presence of a large concourse of citizens, he shoveled the first earth in the construction of the Pacific railroad grade, and at the time he predicted that trains of cars would be running entirely across the continent by 1870. The result more than verified his prediction, and notwithstanding the opposition which had to be overcome, the entire through line was completed early in 1869. The magnitude of the work will be understood when it is known that 530 miles of track was completed in 293 days.

Mr. Stanford was elected to the United States Senate as a Republican, in the place of J. T. Farley, Democrat, in 1884; re-elected in 1890, took his seat March 4, 1891, and his term of office will expire March 3, 1897. His bill to loan farmers money at a low rate of interest is at this time attracting much attention.

Last edit about 3 years ago by shashathree
Untitled Page 8
Complete

Untitled Page 8

first part of this page seen on page 7

CLEVELAND AND STANFORD A Reciprocity of Feeling Between the Two Men.

The following incident clipped from an exchange, shows that notwithstanding political differences, there can still be reciprocity of feeling between men who are by nature and the character of their surroundings truly great:

"An incident that occurred today may convince the delegation of the importance, not only of recommending the very best men for office, but of being harmonious in short order. Senator Stanford drew up to the White House this morning and was seen by President Cleveland, who sent word for him to come up-stairs by the private elevator. When Stanford entered the President's room there was a crowd of prominent Democratic Senators there, including Bates of Tennessee, Turpie of Indiana, Jones of Arkansas and Voorhees of Indiana.

"The President left them to greet Stanford, calling him by name. Stanford said: 'I hardly thought you would remember me.' The President smiled and said: 'I never think of California without you coming into my mind, and that is not to be wondered at considering the large part you have taken in the development of the State.'

"Stanford thanked him, and Cleveland continued in a hearty way: 'What can I do for you, Governor? What do you want?'

" ' Oh, I only called to pay my respects, Mr. President,' replied Senator Stanford. 'I drove up here twice before, but both times I noticed you were besieged and did not wish to add to your troubles. I do not doubt you will find a large number of gentlemen from California presented for your consideration, who are first-class men (with a smile), if they are Democrats. Two-thirds of the candidates, judging from the names I see in the newspapers, are men competent to fill any position and any selections from them will insure a first-class public service. Of course I would not obtrude on such a subject, for I do not consider that I am in it at this time.'

" Then President Cleveland did something that sent a thrill of terror through several Democratic souls. He placed his arm around Stanford's shoulder and said in a voice heard all over the room: 'Governor, there is no man in California for whose judgment I have a higher respect than yourself, and no man whose opinion on candidates from California I would so highly esteem.'

"Senator Stanford thanked the President, and said: " ' As that is your feeling, I shall be pleased to be at your service at all times and to give you any information you desire, whether personally or by telegraph or mail. Call on me at any time and you will find me ready to serve you.'

"Cleveland is notorious for not flattering any one, and his remark to Stanford must have been made in good faith. It was so accepted by those who heard it, and Stanford's mail will now be filled with petitions from office seekers. But they will only be wasting their stamps, for Stanford will not sign any petitions and will wait until he is asked. As this is likely to happen if there is a deadlock in the delegation, the importance of harmony is discernible even by blind politicians.

"If Maguire forces the fight on Barry and presents his name whether the delegation indorses him or not, there may be a case in which Cleveland would defer to Stanford's judgment, and the same may be said as to the Collectorship.

"Senator and Mrs. Stanford on their way home to California this month intend to vary the journey with a trip to Mexico, where they have never been. They expect to remain longest of all in the City of Mexico and to make short stops at other interesting points. They will stop at the prominent resorts in Lower California and will be two or three weeks on the way to San Francisco."

Vindicator April 1st {93 ?}

Last edit about 3 years ago by shashathree
Untitled Page 9
Complete

Untitled Page 9

Ink drawing of three ovals showing portraits of: THE LATE SENATOR LELAND STANFORD, MRS. LELAND STANFORD, LELAND STANFORD, JR.

IN MEMORIAM. LELAND STANFORD.

When Peter Cooper died, the people, not only of the East but of the whole world, said: "He built his monument before he died, and left behind a name wedded to imperishable fame." The same may be said of the late Leland Stanford, whose sudden death June 10th, fell like a crushing blow, alike upon the people of this State, and the nation. Death levels all differences, and even those journals which were loudest in their denounciation of some of his ideas and methods, were among the most prominent in paying the just debt of justice and tribute of admiration to his transcendent genius. Each day of his life unfolded like the pages of a book, and could be read by all, and although many disagreed with him in certain methods, all were convinced of the good which resulted from the fulfilment of his designs.

Mr. Stanford's great wealth was a lever by means of which he rolled aside such obstacles as stood in the way of carrying out these great and grand designs which tended to open up a field of usefulness to his fellow-man. It is true that in many respects his life's work was left incomplete by his death, but it is not reasonable to suppose that a man of his ability and great executive power, knowing the uncertainty of life, would have his affairs in such a shape that his work would not go right on, and his designs be carried out after his death. His living representatives are undoubtedly instructed, and will cary out his wishes faithfully.

Much as has been said and written about the Leland Stanford Jr. University, and the educational advantages thrown open to the present and to future generations, no one can form any adequate idea of the immensity of the work from a mere cursary examination or the superficial knowledge gained by reading prospectuses. It is a study which grows and gathers as it grows, and no one can foresee its extent. Prof. David Starr Jordan, referring to the applications for admission to the University said in conversation a short time since, that they could accommodate on thousand additional students if they only had dormitories in which they could sleep, and places where they could board. There is no doubt but that these wants will soon be supplied.

Mention ought here to be made of the manner in which the idea of this University took its origin and gathered shape. The Senator's only son, Leland Stanford, Jr., who died prematurely at the age of sixteen, was of a remarkably studious and generous disposition. Upon his death, nine years ago, the Senator determined that a large bulk of his fortune should be devoted to just such ends as would have been his boy's ideal had he lived. This idea took the form of a memorial educational institution, which the Senator lived to see embodied in the University at Palo Alto. A nobler or grander conception has never been realized than has been in this instance, for the reason that the idea was so unique in character, and embodied so many novel educational features, that had it not been for the practically unlimited endowments made to the University from the Senator's vast wealth, the intention would scarcely have been realized.

Senator Stanford has been the subject of so much eulogium during the past few years, that only a brief review of his life is necessary here. He was born in Watervleit, Albany county, N.Y., March 9, 1824. He received the common school education of those days, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1849, during which year he opened a law office at Port Washington, Wis. In 1850 he returned to Albany and married Miss Jane Lathrop, whom he took to his new field of labor. In 1852 the young couple decided upon trying the gold fields, of California, and hither they came. After spending a brief period in the mines he opened a store at Michigan Bluffs, and shortly after entered into partnership with his brothers in Sacramento. It was while engaged as a merchant in that city that he entered into the plan, afterward carried into execution, of building a railroad across the Rocky Mountains. In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln for President, and of whose nomination he was an earnest advocate. In 1869 he had the satisfaction of being chosen to drive the last spike in the tie that completed the iron belt across the continent.

In 1861 he was elected Governor of California, and the same year was made President of the Central Pacific Railroad Company. In 1885 he was elected United States Senator, from California, and was re-elected in 1891. In 1887 he laid the corner stone of the Leland Stanford Jr. University, which was formally opened in 1891. This institution of learning he endowed with a gift of 85,000 acres of land, 8,400 acres of which is at Palo Alto, Santa Clara county, and includes the magnificient summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Stanford, surrounded by 400 acres of lovely parks and lawns, besides the great horse breeding farm; the Vina estate of 55,000 acres in Tehama county, in which is the famous Vina vineyard of 4,000 acres and the third grant is the Gridley ranch of 22,000 acres in Butte county, the whole being valued at $20,000,000, the rents and avails of which go to the support of the University. Senator Stanford's entire estate is variously estimated at a value of from $35,000,000 to $50,000,000.

The founding of this University was one of the great ambitions of his life. But he had two other pet schemes, in one of which he succeeded, and as regards the other, he opened the door for future action. The first was removing the disability under which the colored man rested when giving evidence in the courts against a white man in this State, by securing the repeal of the law governing such matters. It is to Leland Stanford that the negro man is today indebted for the position he holds in this respect. The other scheme was the Stanford Land Loan Bill, the proposition being for the Federal Government to lend money to farmers upon their land, the argument being that there is no better security than land, which can never be lost or its value destroyed.

Among the many who have paid glowing tributes to the memory of the dead Senator, probably no one has spoken more gracefully of him than Col. John P. Irish, who was opposed to him in political matters. He says: "To him the horizon of the future was always rosy and inviting. Confidence and hope were the buoyant elements of his character, which lighted his path. Out of present toil he looked forward, and, while making the most out of present conditions, in his mind created larger limits, devised an ampler theatre, and planned the conquest and occupation of both. In private life his friendships were sturdy, and all the revelations of that side of his character are gentle and enjoying."

His funeral took place from the University Quadrangle on Saturday, June 24th, the remains being deposited in the magnificient mausoleum that he erected on his private grounds. Right Rev. Bishop Nichols officiated, and Rev. Dr. Stebbins delivered an address. Among the pall bearers and those who were present during the obsequies were some of the most distinguished citizens of the State.

Last edit about 3 years ago by shashathree
Untitled Page 10
Complete

Untitled Page 10

San Francisco August 14.93

Susie B Bristol Respected Madame

Referring to a letter addressed by me to Mrs Stanford some days ago, in which I called her attention to the extracts accompanying said letter from my paper the Vindicator, and which was replied to on the 5th current by yourself, to the effect that Mrs Stanford could not admit that I had any claim upon her, or on the late

Last edit about 3 years ago by shashathree
Displaying pages 6 - 10 of 18 in total