l88 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION 



main body of investigators would advance the service into one of 

 the highest utility. 



Such an undertaking has been suggested as appropriate for the 

 Carnegie Institution, and was mentioned in the deliberations of the 

 Advisor}^ 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 lyibrarian 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 efi&ciency, and less expense to the funds of the 

 Institution. 



Very respectfully, 



Herbert Putnam. 



