His presence here cannot restrain me from rendering a public tribute of gratitude for this wise and timely munificence.

As a state senator Tompkins argued for the creation of the University of California as recommended by the previous governor, Frederick Low.

[13][14][15] Upon Tompkins's death in 1872, his position on the board of regents was filled by his brother-in-law, former Governor Haight.

[3][19][20] Tompkins's interest in Oriental studies grew out of his anticipation of expanded trans-Pacific commerce.

Tompkins said that he felt "deeply the humiliation" of seeing Asian students go to the East Coast "in search of that intellectual hospitality that we are not yet enlightened enough to extend to them.