Volume 49 · 1267

Public Law 74–371

Authorizing the recognition of the three-hundredth anniversary of the founding of Harvard College and the beginning of higher education in the United States and providing for the representation of the Government and people of the United States in the observance of the anniversary.

Approved May 7, 1936

Statutory text

JOINT RESOLUTION

Harvard University Tercentenary.

Preamble.

Whereas there are to be held at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and at other places during the year 1936 celebrations commemorating the three-hundredth anniversary of the founding of Harvard University, said university being the first college to be established in what are now the United States; and

Whereas, in accordance with resolutions of the president and fellows of Harvard College, there will take place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of September 1936 formal ceremonies of celebration of the tercentenary, in the presence of the governing boards, faculties, students, and alumni of the university, the delegates of other institutions, distinguished guests, and a large number of friends and benefactors; and

Whereas the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cities of Cambridge and Boston will be officially represented at the ceremonies; and

Whereas Harvard University endeavors to foster and maintain the ideals of truth and freedom so dear to Americans: Therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and Rouse of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

That the

Government participation, etc.

Government and people of the United States unite with Harvard University in a fitting and appropriate observance of the three-hundredth anniversary of its founding, which marked the formal beginning of higher education in the United States.

Sec. 2.

There is hereby established a commission to be known as

Commission established; composition, etc.

the United States Harvard University Tercentenary Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) to be composed of fifteen commissioners, as follows: The President of the United States and four persons to be appointed by him, the President of the Senate and four Members of the Senate to be appointed by said President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and four Members of the House to be appointed by said Speaker.

Sec. 3.

The Commission, on behalf of the United States, shall

Duties.

cooperate with representatives of Harvard University, the Common-wealth of Massachusetts, and the cities of Cambridge and Boston in the appropriate observance of such anniversary, and shall extend appropriate courtesies to the delegates of foreign universities and other foreign learned bodies or individuals attending the celebration as guests of Harvard University.

Sec. 4.

The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation

Members to serve without pay; chairman.

President designated “Honorary Chairman”.

Appropriation for expenses, authorized.

Post, p. 1608.

and shall select a chairman from among their number, but the President of the United States shall be designated the “Honorary Chairman” of the Commission.

Sec. 5.

There is hereby authorized to be appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of $10,000 to be expended by the Commission for expenses, including actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses, incurred while discharging its functions under this resolution. The

Other personal services.

Commission shall have power to select, hire, and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as shall be necessary for the performance of its duties without regard to the provisions of other laws applicable to employment or compensation of officers or employees of the United States.

Sec. 6.

Any vacancies occurring in the membership of the

Filling of vacancies.

Commission shall be filled by the President of the United States.

Approved, May 7, 1936.