American AcornsPDF page 83, printed page 75
← Page 82 (printed p. 74) All pages Page 84 (printed p. 76) →
Unproofread OCR text, not checked against the scan above. Report a misreading via family feedback.
LIBRARIAN 75 current topic, particularly if it were connected with his work or the library, and in the expression of opinion he was not timid. It has been my custom from the beginning to discuss freely with him, and others, every question of importance arising in my work. Often radical difTerences of opinion have arisen between Oak and myself, but during the many pleasant years we have labored together, the first unkind word has yet to be spoken. "It is a remarkable fact that this man (Oak) is the only live Yankee to find permanent occupation in my work. Working in the library at one time, I have had representatives from England, Ireland and Scotland, from France, Germany and Switzerland; from Russia, Poland, Spain and Italy, with but one from any part of the United States. But let me say that this one, in re- gard to ability, integrity and life-devotion to me and my cause, was surpassed by none." (Originally written "surpassed them all.") These words of testimony show what Mr. Bancroft thought of Mr. Oak's ability, integrity and fidelity. The intimacy and companionship of the two men were much more close than Mr. Bancroft would naturally put in print. Each man was a complement of the other, and together they made a complete unit, working in harmony and with skill. Mr. Bancroft was expansive in his ideas. No common busi- ness, no common library, no ordinary publication, would satisfy him. He must be leader in all that he undertook. His eye was ever on the end ; the means he would leave to others. He was sanguine, bold, aggressive. Mr. Oak was conservative, cautious, exact, never to be caught in error if care could prevent it. He was obviously the man to carry out the details of Mr. Bancroft's large conceptions. Mr. Bancroft had the means and the will; Mr. Oak had the patience and skill to work out the various prob- lems as they came up. Their relations were more intimate than those of an ordinary employer and employee. They were more than friendly. Mr. Bancroft did everything that Mr. Oak would permit to make his task congenial. He invited him to his home, introduced him to his friends, gave literary visitors to under- stand that Mr. Oak was authority in all matters pertaining to the library, etc., etc. He paid him the largest salary of any of his helpers, and then acknowledged that Mr. Oak's manuscript was the least expensive of any. In fact, Mr. Bancroft left all the
← Page 82 (printed p. 74) All pages Page 84 (printed p. 76) →