as to the feasibility of adopting a system in this institution. 
This committee made its report and was requested to submit 
such a plan as it deemed would meet the requirements of 
all classes of employees. 
A sub-committee of the Trustees was then appointed to 
cooperate with the employees’ committee. This joint com- 
mittee was requested to formulate a system embodying 
the best features of the work of the employees’ committee, 
and to present, if possible, a broader scheme, which would 
be equally substantial in all its provisions, of undoubted 
resources, and carry with it the assurance of its ability to 
meet all prospective liabilities, such a one as would protect 
the employee while engaged in the service by some form of 
insurance and which would guarantee a visible, sufficient 
and effective source of income to those who, after long, 
faithful and efficient years of service, become superannuated. 
The services of Mr. S. H. Wolfe, an actuary, who has 
specialized in work of this character, were provided for 
through the generosity of one of the Trustees, and Mr. 
Lewis L. Delafield, an eminent lawyer of this city, con- 
tributed his valuable time and consideration to the legal 
phases of the plan and finally drafted the same in its pres- 
ent legal terminology. 
It is ‘believed that this is the first pension plan to be 
adopted by an educational institution of this character. In 
its scope it affords generous protection to the employee and 
those dependent upon him, debarring all traces of paternal- 
ism, working under a broad codperative scheme and elimi- 
nating the dependent and charitable characteristics of non- 
contributory systems. 
It is our belief that the incorporation of this system, as 
an integral part of the wise administrative working plans of 
this institution, will attract persons of superior character, 
ability and industry to Museum employment, by assuring 
them of their retention in the service as long as they con- 
tinue efficient, and will conduce harmony and cheerfulness 
among them. 
a 
* Ph 
. 
