HERBERT PUTNAM: I ask your indulgence, Mr. President, for a few words.
The readiness of the Library of Congress to take up the work of
supplying printed cards has been stated. For the Library of Congress, I
wish to say that we do not repudiate anything of what has been stated as
to our readiness; it must be understood, however, that we are justified
in entering upon this undertaking only in case it presents a reasonable
probability of success. Now, for that probability three elements are
essential. First, some body that should represent judgment and
experience, in such co-operative work, and be in touch with the
interests at large of the Library Association. That body is furnished by
the Publishing Board. Second, there was necessary some office that was
directly in relation with the publishers of this country. That office is
the _Publishers' Weekly_, and the _Publishers' Weekly_ has generously
offered to place at our disposal all of its facilities for securing
prompt information as to every recent publication. Third, there is a
strong probability that during the first year at least there will be
some deficit, while the experiment is merely beginning. That danger has
been met. Mr. Bowker, personally, has tendered a guaranty amounting, if
necessary, to $1000, to meet the possible deficit of the undertaking
during the present calendar year. Repudiating nothing of what has been
said about the readiness of the Library of Congress to serve in this
undertaking, I nevertheless wish this matter to appear in its proper
proportions, and we should not be willing to have these other elements
overlooked.
In the absence of THORVALD SOLBERG, J. C. HANSON read Mr. Solberg's
paper on