34 The Chicago Academy of Sciences. 



This period of inactivity and depression lasted till 

 the latter part of the year 1891, when the old interest 

 and ambitions were aroused in the minds of many of 

 the members. The cause of this renewed activity, 

 when affairs seemed to have reached their most disas- 

 trous limit, was a proposition made to the board of 

 trustees by the University of Chicago. This offer 

 included the proposal to remove the Academy's head- 

 quarters and its property to the University campus and 

 to unite its fortunes with those of the University. The 

 overtures made by the University were in the fullest 

 degree courteous, kindly in spirit and commendable in 

 promise. The University offered in substance to fur- 

 nish room for the collections and apartments for the 

 meeting's and offices. They agreed to pay the curator's 

 salary and the incidental expenses incurred in the 

 care of the property. They gave assurance that the 

 Academy's autonomy should be maintained ; that it 

 should elect its own officers and have fall control of its- 

 own property, thus preserving its own independent 

 existence. 



This plan was favored by some of the most faith- 

 ful patrons of the Academy. They were men who had 

 supported its tottering- fortunes during long years of 

 adversity, not merely by their countenance and influ- 

 ence, but by constantly repeated pecuniary help, which 

 aggregated large sums of money. They found in this 

 plan the only hope for the perpetuating of an enter- 

 prise which they had always held dear. Upon the 

 advisability of accepting the proposition of the Univer- 

 sity these friends, really the fathers of the Academy, 

 were agreed. These views were adopted by the board 

 of trustees and referred, before final action, to the 

 members for a decision regarding the acceptance of 

 the offer. 



One of those who most strenuously favored the 

 acceptance of this offer was Mr. George C. Walker, a 

 trustee since its organization, and always a champion 



