OFFICIAL NOTICE ABOUT SIGNS

The following notice is posted this morning upon the official bulletin-board in University Hall: "HARVARD UNIVERSITY,   "Cambridge, May 4, 1903.

"The circumstances attending the recent removal of 'signs' and other apparently stolen articles from College rooms were such that the occupants of those rooms are reasonably entitled to the following explanation:

"About eight years ago the Corporation ordered that all apparently stolen articles displayed in College rooms should be removed; and from all buildings where servants of the College were employed they were actually removed. It was understood that thereafter the exhibition of such articles was forbidden and it was the intention of the Corporation that the rule should be strictly enforced. During the recent recess an incident occurred which showed, in an entirely fortuitous way, that in one room, at least, the rule had not been enforced. An explanation being sought, it appeared that there had been an unauthorized relaxation of the rule, and that apparently stolen articles, including some which were actually acquired by gift or purchase, were on exhibition in a large number of rooms. The attention of the responsible officers was called to this infringement of the rule, and its immediate enforcement was ordered. It consisted in the removal of all apparently stolen articles displayed in the rooms. Nothing fairly described as a 'search' for stolen articles was authorized: only those displayed were to be taken. The discovery of the infringement having been made on the last day of the recess, the enforcement fell within the same period. It was far from being intended that advantage should be taken of the absence of the students, but, the immediate execution of the orders given to the Janitor undoubtedly lent itself to that interpretation, and is to be regretted.

"The occupant of any room from which apparently stolen articles have been removed by the Janitor or his subordinates in pursuance of the orders given, may procure their return by making written application to the Bursar, stating (1) that they are the applicant's own property, rightfully acquired, in which case it is to be understood that they shall not be kept on exhibition in future: or, (2) if he has no right to them, that he will return each article to its rightful owner. After May 15 any of the above-mentioned articles remaining unclaimed by the occupants of the rooms from which they were taken will, so far as practicable, be restored by the College to the rightful owners.

"It is obvious that the display of apparently Steven property in students' rooms is regarded by the College anther, ities as a breach of good order. It may be expected therefore that such display will be prohibited in all buildings which are under the supervision of the Parietal Board.