Many incidents which illustrate this independence could be given; one will suffice.  In 1907 and 1908, Page’s magazine published the “Random Reminiscences of John D. Rockefeller.”  While the articles were appearing, the Hearst newspapers obtained a large number of letters that, some years before, had passed between Mr. John D. Archbold, President of the Standard Oil Company and one of Mr. Rockefeller’s business associates from the earliest days, and Senator Joseph B. Foraker, of Ohio.  These letters uncovered one of the gravest scandals that had ever involved an American public man; they instantaneously destroyed Senator Foraker’s political career and hastened his death.  They showed that this brilliant man had been obtaining large sums of money from the Standard Oil Company while he was filling the post of United States Senator and that at the same time he was receiving suggestions from Mr. Archbold about pending legislation.  Mr. Rockefeller was not personally involved, for he had retired from active business many years before these things had been done; but the Standard Oil Company, with which his name was intimately associated, was involved and in a way that seemed to substantiate the worst charges that had been made against it.  At this time Page, as a member of the General Education Board, was doing his part in helping to disperse the Rockefeller millions for public purposes; his magazine was publishing Mr. Rockefeller’s reminiscences; there are editors who would have felt a certain embarrassment in commenting on the Archbold transaction.  Page, however, did not hesitate.  Mr. Archbold, hearing that he intended to treat the subject fully, asked him to come and see him.  Page replied that he would be glad to have Mr. Archbold call upon him.  The two men were brought together by friendly intermediaries in a neutral place; but the great oil magnate’s explanation of his iniquities did not satisfy Page.  The November, 1908, issue of the magazine contained, in one section, an interesting chapter by Mr. Rockefeller, describing the early days of the Standard Oil Company, and, in another, ten columns by Page, discussing the Archbold disclosures in language that was discriminating and well tempered, but not at all complimentary to Mr. Archbold or to the Standard Oil Company.

Occasionally Page was summoned for services of a public character.  Thus President Roosevelt, whose friendship he had enjoyed for many years, asked him to serve upon his Country Life Commission—­a group of men called by the President to study ways of improving the surroundings and extending the opportunities of American farmers.  Page’s interest in Negro education led to his appointment to the Jeanes Board.  He early became an admirer of Booker Washington, and especially approved his plan for uplifting the Negro by industrial training.  One of the great services that Page rendered literature was his persuasion of Washington to write that really great autobiography,