Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1184

Carbon of letter from 310 Riverside Drive to Charles O’Connor Hennessy, 11 Park Place, New York City. Pencil notation that copies were sent to the Henry George School and to J.D. Miller, of Land and Freedom

July 16, 1936

My Dear Mr. Hennessy:

Please pardon my delay in giving response to your letter regarding my recent contribution to the Henry George School.

There can be no doubt as to my intention or the character of my contribution for I took particular pains to mark the face of my check thus: “Without restriction as to use.”

The Management of the School should always have a far better judgment than its contributors as to how to make the best disposition of its funds. I know that the School or any other organization is in grave and special danger whenever its executive head — always one person — is circumscribed as to the manner of carrying on the activity or any of its details. The responsibility for general or specific results can never be met except by those who have untrammeled authority as to methods and details, including control over subordinates and the allocation of funds. A highly capable and efficient directing head can produce little better results than an incompetent one unless he has an absolutely free hand. If he does not hold the confidence of those who engage him or if he fails to produce results he should be dismissed, not trammeled.

I happen to know that some contributions have been withheld from the School because of an impression that its directing head was being restricted as to methods and details instead of being held responsible solely for practical results. I hope Mr. Dorn or some equally capable and well chosen person will have full executive control and be held accountable only for the end results. Business is not done in any other way; it is only attempted. A wise and capable executive will apply this same principle in dealing with his subordinates and under such management there is no limit as to what the School may accomplish and achieve, not only as to numbers but as to its standing in the academic world as well.

I hope to be able to continue my support in the matter of funds and in giving personal services in a subordinate capacity.

Very sincerely yours,