We shall realize that the result could not have been otherwise if 
we recall that the organization and development of the Garden 
has been carried out with faithful adherence to plans that had met 
the unreserved approval of the founder of the Garden, the late 
Mr, Altred 1. White; 
In the second place, the generous response of the citizens who 
contributed to the fund is an asset hardly second to that of Mr. 
Rockefeller’s own endorsement. Their response not only means 
public approval of the Garden’s work, but is also the most con- 
vincing evidence that the Garden fills a real need in the com- 
munity, and has won public approbation and confidence, 
A Crisis Passed 
The third significance of the new fund has reference to the fu- 
ture, and to the type of institution which is now assured. In 
connection with the death of the president of one of our great 
public museums the corporation entered on its records a minute 
which contained the following words: “ When he came to the 
Presidency, the Museum had passed through the period of early 
struggles and local significance, and the point had been reached 
when the question was to be determined whether the original im- 
pulse was to spend itself, satisfied with a local and provincial suc- 
cess, or whether, on the other hand, the institution was to be de- 
veloped into one of the great musetums and educational influences 
of the world.” 
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was facing precisely this situa- 
tion when our needs were first presented to Mr. Rockefeller by 
the director. Was the original impulse, given by Mr. Alfred T. 
White and the two so closely connected with him in the establish- 
ment of the Garden, to spend itself, satisfied with a local, pro- 
vincial, and otherwise limited success; or was the local value of 
the Garden to be multiplied manyfold by its becoming one of the 
great botanic gardens of world-wide influence and service to 
botanical science and education? Mr. Rockefeller’s pledge and 
the public response to our canvass have decided that question. No 
ideal short of this has, from the beginning, made any appeal to the 
director and staff, nor did it to Mr. White and those who were 
associated with him in laying the foundations. 
