Copy 
Dr. W. L. Sclimitt, 
Curator of -ferine Ij^vertebrates , 
U . S • !l ati onal PiU s eum • 
Dear Doctor Schinitt: 
Referring to your application of October 1, 1923, for t.he?felter 
Rathbone Bacon Scholarship, and your letter of March 10, 1924, I beg to say that 
$60,000 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 said scholarship* 
Upon receipt of your application in October, 19E3, it was forwarded 
to Dr. Stejneger, who held it up until H^veniber 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 tlie work is not expected 
to begin until July, 1925, or July, 192e3, they find it impossible to recommend 
action at the present time; fourth, that the applicat’ an be returned to you 
with the request that you re-submit it "when you are in position to take up the 
work mthout undue delay; fifth, that ttie scholarship again be advertised and be 
given wider publicity. 
There was nothing in the subcommittee’s renort or in Dr. Stejneger’s 
letter, dated February 23, transmitting same, suggesting that tiiey 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; fiirthermore that the Editor 
of the Smithsonian institution be asked to make suggestions as to fur-thor 
publicity. 
Upon receipt of your letter of March 10, I referred same to Dr. 
Stejneger for suggestions and recornmeniations as he desired to make. A copy 
of his reply is sent to you herevrith at his request. 
Very truly yours, 
/s/ ¥. de C. Ravenel 
Admi ni s tr at ive .As s i s t ant 
to the Secretary. 
Enc losures. 
