| Description | Foster notes that from various communications and their interview on 23 May, Murray will be aware that the Government have decided to place on the supplementary estimates for the year, the sum of 1600 pounds for the completion of the "Challenger" reports. Foster explains the lengthy discussion leading to the decision, and the condition that the sum appear as a grant to the Royal Society and that the Society arrange for the completion of the reports.
Foster is now directed to ask whether, providing the House of Commons consents, Murray remains willing to undertake the completion of the reports, as per the conditions stated in his letter of 16 March. Namely, to continue the work to its conclusion with the exception that he will defray all expenses aside from those which will fall to the Stationary Office; to publish the three remaining volumes by the end of March 1890, understanding that in the case of the 'Deep Sea Deposits' volume a slight delay is possible; to prepare and edit a summary of exhibition results within a reasonable time, for instance two to three years; to arrange and supervise the transmission of specimens to the British Museum, excepting those more suitably sent elsewhere and the 'Deep Sea Deposits' which will remain with Murray for as long as desirable.
Foster states a mode of payment has not been arranged, but suggests instalments may be suitable. He emphasises the Committee's wish to avoid unnecessary interference in Murray's management of the work, with the present steps taken only to persuade the Government to complete the Reports publication in a suitable manner. But they do ask that, given the Society's responsibility for the matter, they be kept informed of progress. Foster therefore asks that Murray be prepared in October 1890 to inform the Committe of the state of affairs, and do so again at other convenient times. |