l88 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION 



main body of investigators would advance the service into one of 

 the highest utility. 



Such an undertaking has been suggeste<l as appropriate for the 

 Carnegie Institution, and was mentioned in the deliberations of the 

 Advisory Committee on Bibliography, but was deemed more appro- 

 priate for consideration and recommendation by the Advisory Com- 

 mittees on Historical and Economic Research. A proposal for an 

 investigation into the sources for historical research at Washington 

 has already been acted upon. Should similar investigations be under- 

 taken of the sources in other places and abroad, accompanied by 

 transcripts of important material, I should be glad, as Librarian of 

 Congress, to submit some suggestions as to possible contributions to 

 them by the Library of Congress which may result in a broader 

 scope, a greater efficiency, and less expense to the funds of the 

 Institution. 



Very respectfully, 



Herbert Putnam. 



