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On February 28, 1923, I submitted a formal application for consideration under the terms of the Virginia Purdy Bacon bequest. Receiving no word regarding this application, some months later, on inquiry, you referred me to Dr. Stejneger, chairman of a committee directed to draw up regulations regarding the award of the scholarship. Dr. Stejneger [[underline]]told[[/underline]] me (your note of March 5, 1924, is the first written word I have had in connection with either of my two applications) that my application would not be considered until the Scholarship was suitably advertised! This was done in the July 20, 1923, number of "Science".

In view of the regulations therein set forth, I submitted a revised application, October 1, 1923, the last day specified for the submission of applications. Then five months later, inquiring as to the fate of this application, I am acquainted with the amazing recommendations of a subcommittee.

With respect to my original application I was told by Dr. Stejneger that it was not to be considered until the Walter Rathbone Bacon Scholarship should first be suitably advertised. Is it now intended that before my [[underline]]second[[/underline]] application will be considered, the scholarship must "AGAIN be advertised and given WIDER publicity" in the face of a refusal on the same grounds of my first application, and the announcement of the terms of the bequest in "Local Notes", the daily press, the Annual Report, and the approximately 10,000 monthly paid circulation of "Science"?

Lut us suppose, for instance, that my application is again the only one submitted, where would the advertising and publicity cease? you will recall that those were the very arguments advanced for refusing consideration of my first application.

After reading Dr. Stejneger's forceful exposition in the Annual Report of the Museum for 1919, pages 73-74, of the necessity of field study for members of the Museum staff and the value of such studies to the Institution, followed by his statement that the Walter Rathbone Bacon Scholarship "is to be hailed as a first step in the right direction," I am constrained to ask if members of the Museum staff are to be excluded from the benefits of this scholarship?

It is by reason of the facts here presented that I appeal to you and to the Secretary, through you, for a favorable decision on my application for the Walter Rathbone Bacon Scholarship.

Respectfully,

/s/ Waldo L. Schmitt.

WLS:C

Thru: Dr. Stejneger,
Head Curator of Biology.