The actual removal of the college was not effected until the autumn of 1904. In the interval between the time when it was determined to take this step and when it was actually accomplished a number of important things affecting the course of Dr. Mateer’s life occurred. Mr. Hayes, as elsewhere stated, resigned the presidency; and Rev. Paul D. Bergen, who had come out to the mission in 1883, was chosen in his place. Dr. Mateer had been so closely associated with Mr. Hayes, and had such complete confidence in him, that the resignation came almost like a personal bereavement; but he rose nobly out of the depths, and wrote home to the Board: “Mr. Bergen is clearly the best man that our missions in Shantung afford for the place. He is very popular with the Chinese, which is much in his favor. The time is as auspicious as it is important. Educational affairs are taking a great boom, and it looks as if Shantung was going to lead the van. If it is properly supported the college should do a great work.” During the interval here covered Dr. Mateer came to the United States on his third and last furlough, reaching China again in the autumn of 1903, and bringing with him some substantial fruits of his efforts for the college. On his arrival he was confronted by another great problem as to the institution. A combination had already been almost effected by the American Presbyterians and the English Baptists in Shantung for a union in the work of higher education in the province. The matter had already gone so far that, although he feared that the scheme would bring about such radical changes as to endanger the real usefulness of the institution, yet he made no serious opposition, and it went steadily forward to consummation. Under the plan adopted the Shantung Christian University was established; and provision was made for a joint maintenance of three distinct colleges in it, each at a different location, chosen because of mission and other conditions—a college of arts and science at Wei Hsien, a theological college at Tsingchow fu, and a medical college at Tsinan fu. The plan also provides for a university council, to which is committed the general control of the institution, subject, of course, to certain fundamental regulations; and of this body Dr. Mateer was one of the original members. The first meeting was held at Tsingchow fu near the end of 1903. Writing to one of the secretaries of the Board of Missions concerning this, he said: “All were present. Our meeting was quite harmonious. We elected professors and discussed and drew out some general principles relating to the curriculum and the general management. Theoretically things seem quite promising; the difficulty will come in practical administration. The buildings at Wei Hsien are all up to the first floor. There should be no difficulty in getting all ready by next autumn, at which time the college ought by all means to be moved.” Early the next summer he wrote: “I started to Wei