Correspondence (outgoing) to David Starr Jordan, 1900 Jan - May 9

whom I prize so highly, while discussing this subject, let me say to you that when I take up a news-paper, as I did yesterday morning's "Call," and read of the utterances of "Professor Ross of Stanford University," at a political meeting - (for it was nothing else) and realize that a professor of the Leland Stanford Jr. University, who should prize the opportunities given him to distinguish himself among his students in the high and noble manner of his life and teachings before them, thus steps aside, and out of his sphere to associate himself with the political demagogues of this city, exciting their evil passions, drawing distinctions between man and man, all laborers and equal in the sight of God, and literally plays into the hands of

[left page] the lowest and vilest elements of socialism, it brings the tears to my eyes!

I must confess I am weary of Prof. Ross, and I think he ought not to be retained at Stanford University. This is not the first time he has over-stepped the bounds of propriety. Stanford University is not a political machine, nor should a professor of that college ever presume to get

[right page] 2 all education should tend toward this one aim, and this is only attained by following the teachings and maxims of that greatest of all teachers our world has ever known, our precious Saviour - Jesus Christ. and this phase in the education of youth is far more important than professors as a rule realize.

My dear friend and helper,

pander to the baser elements of prejudice. I thought when Prof. Ross was taken back, and resumed his former position, he had learned a lesson he would never forget, and I think he should now be dismissed.

My husband, as you know, was an ardent partisan of the Republican party; but never for one moment did he intend or expect that the University would ever in any way favor republicanism or democracy any more than it would favor the catholic, methodist or any other church.

This movement which has just been commenced against the immigration of Japanese to our country, will amount in a few months to very serious prportions. It is a repetition of Kearnyism and of the preju-

[left page] dice against the Chinese. At that time a reign of terror pervaded our city, and no one knows it better than I; for we had an armed guard in our house to protect us, and were also surrounded by a squad of police to prevent our house from being burned. At that time it is said Kearny, the leader of it all, was sustained by just such characters

[right page] 3 up before a political organization and air his prejudices and his preferences. God forbid that Stanfor University should ever favor socialism of any kind. Each man has a right, as a private citizen to vote and believe as he may choose, but no professor has the right to presume to use the influence of his position as professor Ross has done, nor to get upon the rustrum [sic] and

he will not be re-engaged for the new year.

Very sincerely your friend Jane L. Stanford

May 9th. 1900.