THE HARVARD ANNEX 195 



able that a very small number of women will be 

 found at first, but it may grow. 



I am aware that some of the professors now give 

 instruction to private pupils and teach elsewhere. 

 If my plan prove a success, it will relieve them from 

 such irregular labor and give them a regular addi- 

 tion to their income. 



It is, however, needless that I enlarge or trouble 

 you at greater length. I desire only to be assured 

 that if I make approaches to any of the faculty, 

 I shall be asking them for services that they can 

 render or not, without in any way interfering with 

 their first obligations to the University. 

 I am 



Very truly yours, 



Arthur Oilman 



The Notes continue: 



1878, December 24-. President Eliot replied in person 

 that I was at liberty to arrange with professors. He 

 suggests that the young women would need a home. 



1879, January H. Conferred with Professor Green- 

 ough. He has spoken to Professor William James, N. S. 

 Shaler, and others who are favorable. We discussed 

 funds and plans at length, Mrs. Greenough and Mrs. 

 Oilman being present. Proposed forming a committee 

 of ladies to manage the matter, I being secretary. 



Ten days later, as we learn from the Notes, a meeting 

 was held at which Miss Alice Longfellow, who had been 

 mentioned on January 14 as a possible member of the com- 

 mittee, was present in addition to the four other conspira- 



