258 ANNUAL REPORT 



but to the university; hence it was purchased out of the current 

 expense account of the university. Of course it belongs to th& 

 state as all public institutions do, but the governor was requested, 

 to appoint Mr. Gideon, and hence he became partially respon- 

 sible to the governor and partially to the board of regents. 

 Neither one feels like touching the matter, and have not for 

 several years past. 



He said when he first took charge of the agricultural depart- 

 ment of the university he was informed that the management of 

 that station would be placed under his direction and Mr. Gideon 

 would report to him, but on coming to investigate the matter he 

 found it one of those things that he wanted to keep his fingers 

 off just as long as possible; that if responsible he had no author- 

 ity in the matter. As responsibility and authority went hand 

 in hand, if he did not have authority he didn't intend to assume 

 responsibility; consequently he had kept entirely aloof from the 

 Minnetonka station. He had endeavored to put Mr. Gideon into 

 harmonious relations with the Society at one time, and some of 

 them would remember the somewhat remarkable love-feast held 

 for his benefit at one of the annual meetings, and it was hoped 

 with all the "hugging and kissing" he might start in anew 

 and the friendship might continue; however, it only lasted about 

 six months, and he had seen no results from that union since L 

 (Laughter). 



A year ago, or last spring, this matter had been brought before 

 the board of regents in a decided manner, in order that something; 

 might be done, for the reason that Mr. Gideon announced the 

 fact that he was going to leave the place and leave the state. 

 The matter was referred to him by the board to inquire what 

 Mr. Gideon was going to do. He had then written him, stating 

 the circumstances and requesting some definite statement as to 

 his plans and views. Mr. Gideon replied that he would remain 

 in the state during the current season, and that in the fall he ex- 

 pected to close up all of the work that had been commenced in 

 relation to that station; that the seedlings would all be distrib. 

 uted, and the impression was gathered from the letter that there 

 would be a prompt announcement of his resignation made by 

 fall. However, nothing of that kind had been received and nO' 

 communication whatever from him, so far as he was aware, ex- 

 cept he had understood from President Korthrop that a report, 

 had been received as to the work at the station. 



