Part 1 - The Institute Libraries - Institute for Advanced Study

On the same day he wrote to Mr. BamLerger; he was hppy that the Insti-
tute was acquiring a site, and had talked with both Haass and Veblen.
He continued:
Though I do not wish to criticize either ... 1 think there is
some dznger that they will both be too enthusiastic about
the acquisition of additional land, My % inclination fa
to go very slowly.. ,fTn order to continu=/ to acquire men of
the highest quality,
This I s the first criticism the Director had permitted himself to mke
of any of his colleagues. He must hsve had reason to think it was neces-
sary for the good of the Institute to dissociate himself in Mr. Barhergerqs
eyes frm the acticns of the Cmittee, for he was not given to pettiness
or to gossip. Mr. Barnbergex's answer confirmed his wisdom:
Your letter of October 28 was quite impressive, as it ex-
pressed the thought that possibly som of our co-workers in
the r~nagement of the Institute were inclined to rush along
with more haste than wisdom. Mrs. Fuld has repeatedly com-
mented on a policy of acquiring so mch land for an institu-
tion that proclzims not size but highest standards. This
also has been try feeling.
After our present cmitments have been completed, our re-
sources will not pennit of further expansfan at the present
time. So far everything has developed beyond our fondest
expectation% thanks to you. Nor have I any misgivings about
the future.
Flexner still had their confidence -- an importent factor in
his intention to overcome their displeasure and cause them to reverse the
decision. And so they added their final contribution to end-nt --
$994,000 -- which would serve to pay far the land and capitalize in part
the salaries of the h.rmanists. The only victory apparent In thf~ grave
situation was Mr. kidesdorf's. FIE evidently asked that the major part of
the gfft be wde in equities rather than in bonds, and accordingly several
letters reached him from Hr, Bamberger noting the transfer and the deposit