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lop fee Commentary Members have expressed a deep concern about the financial condition in which the Dossin Museum was placed through general Detroit city cutbacks in spending. It is regretable that it has not been possible to include a report before this late date, but timing of TELESCOPE publication miti- gated against it. We had just sent the last issue to press when the cuts were initiated, and as this issue is being prepared we are unable to give you a complete report. However, this partial report will help, we feel, to set minds at rest, just a bit. First of all, the Detroit Historical Commission has expressed its very deep appreciation for the manner in which our friends responded to our need. The staff of the Dossin Museum joins in that expression. Our friends proved they were very good friends, indeed, and we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of friends we have. Our letter to the members was not intended to convey any idea that the future of TELESCOPE was in danger, but it appeared that this notion did enter some minds. We are sorry if we added this worry needlessly. What we did say was that the museum made TELESCOPE in its present form possible by the assistance the museum lends to publication. We also said that this will continue...and it will. TELEScoPpE is far too valuable an organ to permit a temporary condition in which it played no part to influence the the future of its publication. As this is written, we are pleased to report that our campaign for funds has been an unqualified success. The Institute started the campaign with a $1,000.00 contribution from the general treasury. The Marine His+ torical Society of Detroit followed closely with $200.00. The mail appeal was begun, and other major gifts came in: Algonquin Club $150.00, Edward F. Knight Foundation $500.00, International Shipmasters Association and their Ladies' Auxiliary $600.00, and the Michigan Railroad Club $500.00. There were many individual $100.00 contributions. In all, as this is pre- pared, the total stands at $10,200.00, more than two-thirds of the amount needed...and we still have until July 1 to raise the balance. What of the future? Frankly we don't know. There is every indication that the Detroit budget for 1972-73 fiscal year will be as tight, if not tighter, than the present condition. Many persons have asked why we do not charge an admission. We are not permitted to do so under the city charter. However, there is to be a charter amendment placed before the voters asking that this be changed, and we hope it passes. It will help although it will not completely solve the problem. The real problem is that the museums are supported by the City of Det- roit taxpayers alone. Although our records indicate that suburban and out-of-town users outnumber Detroiters four-to-one, we receive not one cent of support from the suburban users. Some suburban users will argue that point, but we believe our facts will substantiate our claim. So, in the end, we believe that regional support is the only answer to the problem. This may be a long time coming, but come it must. In the meantime we have overcome one dilemma....thanks in a very large part to the support of you, the Institute membership. We are not out of the woods by a longshot. The need is still here...and we have plenty more D&C stock certificates for anyone wishing them. If you were part of the present excellent response and you know someone who was not, speak to them. If you have not yet made a contribution yourself, please do. oa