The Reading Room Fund.

The agitation which was started two years ago with the purpose of building a new reading room to the present library was taken up with great energy last year by Henry Phipps Ross '91. Very largely by his personal efforts letters were sent to al living Harvard graduates asking aid for the enterprise. Mr. Ross went abroad last June, and now, contrary to his previous plans, has decided not to return for another year, so that some other person interested in the success of the scheme should be immediately chosen to fill his place.

Mr. Moses Williams kindly consented to act as treasurer and trustee of the fund on the understanding that he should not be called upon to assume the duties of the undergraduate officers of the committee.

The CRIMSON is in receipt of letters from Mr. Williams in which he reports the total amount of cash paid in $12,454.88. Out of this the expenses of the committee, amounting to $25.67 have been paid, leaving a balance of $12,429.21. The amount of subscriptions not yet paid is $9,685.00, which will bring the total amount of the fund up to $22,114.21.

Mr. Williams further says that he has received a letter from Mr. Ross stating that he had done everything in his power to get in subscriptions from undergraduates, and that he advised the publishing of the notice printed in another column, asking for a prompt payment of all such unpaid subscriptions.

The necessity of some such movement is apparent, for if all promised money be paid promptly the new much-needed reading room will shortly be a reality.