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March 20, 1924.

Dr. W. L. Schmitt,
Curator of Marine Invertebrates, 
U. S. National Museum.

Dear Doctor Schmitt:

Referring to your application of October 1, 1923, for the Walter Rathbone Bacon Scholarship, and your letter of March 10, 1924, I beg to say that $50,000 was provided for this scholarship in the will of Mrs. Bacon as a memorial to her husband. During the years 1919 and 1920 securities valued at $45,000 were received from her executors. The income resulting from the securities for 1920, 1921, and 1922 was added to the $45,000 already received, making a total of $48,000 so that late in 1923 the sum of $2400 became available for the carrying out of the conditions of the scholarship. 

Upon receipt of your application in October 1923, it was forwarded to Dr. Stejneger, who held it up until November 28, in the hope that other applications might come in. On that date he appointed a subcommittee for the purpose of examining your application, and on December 10, the committed submitted its report, copy of which is enclosed. 

In making its report the committee calls attention, first, that the project is satisfactory as to merit, scope and general plan; second, it conforms with the rules approved by the Secretary; third, that as the work is not expected to begin until July, 1925, or July, 1926, they find it impossible to recommend action at the present time; fourth, that the application be returned to you with the request that you re-submit it when you are in position to take up the work without undue delay; fifth, that the scholarship again be advertised and be given wider publicity. 

There was nothing in the subcommittee's report or in Dr. Stejneger's letter, dated February 23, transmitting same, suggesting that they were prejudiced against you, or any member of the staff being granted this scholarship. I am, therefore, forwarding all papers in the matter to the Secretary with the recommendation that announcement of this scholarship be made in Science every other week for two months, as a paid advertisement; furthermore that the Editor of the Smithsonian institution be asked to make suggestions as to further publicity. 

Upon receipt of your letter March 10, I referred same to Dr. Stejneger for suggestions and recommendations as he desired to make. A copy of his reply is sent to you herewith at his request. 

Very truly yours, 

/s/ W. de C. Ravenel
Administrative Assistant
to the Secretary. 

Enclosures.