The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-04-16 00:00:00

SHAW'S BROW.

which, from henceforth and for ever, will be remarkab'e
in the annals of Liverpool, and not only that, but in the
history of England; and the 15th of April will form a
peculiar epoch—if, indeed. not the beginning of a new era
—in our local memorials. Oar task to day is not to
speculate or philosophise on the untgld good that will
come of the great institution that has been so happily
commenced, but simply to record what took place on the
memorable and interesting occasion. On entering the
spot appropriated for the commencement of the building—
that is, " laying the first stone," the scene was more
brilliant and animated than even along the streets
where the procession passed. There were galleries
a'ong each side a quadrangle filled with the elite of the town
and district, many having come long distances to witness the
solemn ceremony. There was a galaxy of beauty and fashian
very rarely to be met with, arid, out of the metropolis, nothing
could equal— if, indeed,the sight could he surpassed even there.
The place was kept by Snporintendent Boyd, and a number
of p slice, who performed their duty with urbanity and
attention. The procession enter el in the same order as itleft the
Town Hall, and Lord S,anley, M.P, Sir John Pakington, M.P,
Mr. Monck ton Milnes, M.P, Mr. Wm Evart, M.P, Mr. J. C.
Ewart, M.P., and many other distinguished individuals also
entered. The cheering which arose at the entry of the party was
warm and hearty. Ihe plaee was beautifully laid out, so that all
could be properly accommodated, and, although the company
was extremely large, everything was so regularly and
correctly arranged, that there was not the slightest confusion
Many flags and banners floated from all quarters in and
about the place, and these, with the gay appearance of
the company, rendered the whole most .pleasing. The
procession, having formed about the "corner stone," the
members of the Corporation taking up the right hand
side, the noble and invited guests the north end, the pro-
fessional and other persons the east side, and those more
immediately concerned in the ceremony, the south. The
plans and elevations of the building were laid out and
explained, after which the ceremony commenced, the
people previously cheering heartily, and as the j yous
sounds went forth, the crowd outside caught them up,
and cheered to the echo.

Mr. Samuel Mime, acoompaniel by Mr. William
Brown, M.P., took their position on.the raised platform in
front of the place where the stone was to be deposited, and
the former, on presenting the trowel, said, addr‘ssing Mr.
Brown : During the continued indisposition of the Right
Worshipful the Mayer,whioh indisposition.had confined him
to his chamber, and had prevented him the gratifying
pleasure of presenting to you this trowel wherewith to lay

the foundation stone of this great and magnificent building
—a building which will do honour to the town, and which
will hand your natte down to posterity for future•ages, and
be a blessing to unborn thousands, as it is your
munificent gift—l have been requested to perform
that pleasing duty. He then assured Mr. Brown and
the company, assembled, that he regretted that they
had been deprived of the attendance of the Mayor,
who was unable to take any part in the proceedings
of the day, because they would thus be deprived of his
presence and his facility of expressing himself in publicly
addressing the assembly, but he was sure he might say
that, for hiniself and for those assembled, the Mayor had
the good feeling, the good wishes, and the individual
respect of the whole of the community, (Cheers.) They
attended there for the purpose of recording the hospitable
gift of Mr. Brown, whose name would henceforth be
enrolled as a public benefactor., Ile (Mr. Holme) had
had the honour of taking a part in the inauguration of a
gift to this teens m
by a noble man, whose son had that day
done the:n the honotir df being resent on that occasion—
it was-the gift presented to the town by the Earl of
Derby—(cheers),—that beautiful colledtion • of oreetho-
logical specimens, then in the Museum in Duke street.
It had been found that that building was not sufficiently
capacious to contain all the specimens, and while he had the
honour of being the chief magistrate of the twin, he (Mr.
Brown) had stated, in a conversation on the subject of
enlarging the building, that he was willing to rne sent to the
Council £6 000 for the purpose of providing a building
sufficiently large ,enough to contain this collection.
(Cheers.) At the time that conversation took place, he
(Mr Brown) had made use of a most noble expression, an
as he was not bound by secrecy to keep that conversation
private, he would tell those assembled the noble
and patriotic sentiments to which Mr Brown
had given utterance on that occasion. (Hear, hear, and
cheers.) He stated to him, that as Providence had been
pleased to bless him, after a long life of exertion and -toil,
,cith abundant means, he felt it his duty to devote a portion
of those means for the benefit of the present and future
ages, amongst that class from whence his property had been
secured to him. That was a noble thought—that was a
noble idea—aced one that was Well worthy of imitatihn by
those who do process the weans of benefiting the community
in which they lived. By that act Mr. Brown bad taught a
great lesson, And Mr. Brown had taught others, that those
who were in the possession of plenty, that they had to give
an account to an authority higher than man, for the bless-
ings they possessed—that they bad to give an account to
the Maker of man, and also that the increase of wealth
brotight With it, the increase of responsibilities, and how
could that be done better than by endeavouring to better
the condition bath morally and religiously, than by devot-
ing that wealth to the improvenerit of that class from
whence that wealth sprung, and t he benefit of those around
him. (Cheers.) Mr. Brown's career bad been an
eventful one; be had lived in important times. He had
liVed to see part of this great town extend itself to its pre-
sent magnitude. 1810, the docks only occupied 36 acres
of land, but at the present time they occupied 200 acres,
and that did not include the fifteen acres of dock accommo-
dation that was then being constructed on the other
side of the river. The tonnage of the port he had
also lived to see increase from 734,000 tons to 4,320,000.
Ite bad sieo lived to see their colonial system increase.
He had seen ittatirnse Colonies spring up in ott,er parts of
the world, and with i,gertl to to the United States, to him
the people of this country owed a debt of de'p gratitude,
for it was mainly through his exertions, and through him
that this country was at peace with America. (Cheers )
Mr. Brown had Mist m aerially centributed to the preser-
vance of that peace, and by his enterprise and commercial
knowledge, they might attribute the great increase of trade
that was then being carried on between the two Countries,
and he was about to erect a building to perpe-
tuate his name, when he was called from hence.
(Cheers.) They lived in an age of progress nothing now
could stand still. They had lived to see distance almost
extetwinated by the locomotive engine and the steamboat : 3,nd
they had also liVed to see electricity become subservient tethe
wants of mankind. Progress could not stand still ; it hail no
eight to stand still. Education staa Spreading, and bearing its
influence on the mechanic and on all c;asees—that could not
stand still; and he would say that no form of government or
conventionality could try to stop its progress; therefore, it was
their duty to give every effort to carry it out, or they would
remain in darkness. By the erection of this building they would
enable the mechanic to keep pace with the world. In England
the artie in must be taught, and when that edifice was erected he
would be able to obtain the advantages of biography by
reading the lives. of educated men ; and would have a
much bettec chance of gainit information than those great
minds, and therefore would not be suffered to remain in
ignoraucie Here, then, they will be enabled to assemble
together and hold converse with the mighty dead ; and by
reading history, they would learn whet had b ,en done by
the thousands who had died betere them. Here, also, they
would be enabled to read the disnoVeries and travels of great
men—and from the study of geography they would learn
the extent of the world, from the Arctic to the
Antartic circles. (Loud cheers.) Here, also, they
•would real of the, daring exploits of their nation3's
warriors; and here alsalhe mechanic would ba able to
spe tie Inventions of other mechanics, which had not only
been a benefit to themselves but which had given em-
.ployment to hundreds of thotiands of their fellow men,
and they will also gain that knowledge which is of the
greatest importance to all —a knowledge of themselves.
(Cheers.) These were the lessons that might be learned
by the erection of this building. And now, sir, (again
addressing Mr. Brown) although this is a most fertile
field to expatiate upon, and looking at the time, I will
not detain you any longer at any greater length, but
I beg to express my hope, and I am assured that that
hope is shared in by all amongst this large assembly, and
that is, that your life may be long spared, and that you
may live to see the top stone of the building the founds
tion of which you are about to lay, and that, after the
termination of your earthly career, you may have a
mansion not made by the hands of man, eternal heaven,
built by the Maker of man, the great God. (Imm muse
cheering.)
Mr. Ho'me then presented the trowel to Mr. Brown,
and s Sir,—And now, in the name of the inha-
le:twits of Liverpool, al.ow .me to present to you this
trowel, wherewith to lay the foundation of this
building. (Cheers.)
The trowel was of silver, and was of the most magnifi-
cent workmanship, containing medallions of V:e three
great writers, Horner,Virgil, and Shakspeare, and other-
wise elaborately worked. When we say that it, was
executed by Mr. Mayer, of Lord street, that is sufficient
to say that it was splendidly got up.
Before laying the stone, preparations had been made
by the Photographic Society fo'r taking views of the scene,
and, hence, some little time was occupied in the
proper formation of the groups, and, as the sun
will not always shine, of getting a proper raise. In the first
zroup the most prominent personages were Mr. S. aolme,
the deputy mayor, the Bishop of Chester, Dr. Raffles, and
Mr. Platen, with Mr. Weightman, the architect. The
next group consisted of the deputy maypr, with the invited
enests, General Sir Harry Smith, Lord Stanley, Sir .T.
Pakington, and others. 'We have no doubt but that when
these photographic views are exhibited to the public, that
they will reflect credit upon Messrs. Berry and Ford, who
were the artists on the occasion.
Before the stone was laid,

Mr. Holme again ascended the platform, and said—
Permit me to supply an omission I made in my first qbser.
vatiens. I then stated that Mr. Brown had offered to give
4'6,000 towards the building of this Free Library and
Museum, but I omitted to state that he has since quad-
rupled that sum, and had taken upon himself to pay the
entire cost of the whole building.
At this announcement three most hearty cheers were
given to Mr. Brown by the ladies and gentlemen within
the area, and was speedily taken up by the thoUsands of
people outside.
Mr. Brown then proceeded to lay the foundation stone
of the building, being assisted by the architect and head
mason.

The stone, which contained specimens of all the coins of
the realm, from a sovereign to a silver penny pierse, and :he
usual scroll, having been lowered into its final resting
place, another photographic view of the scene was taken
by the above artists.

Over the enclosed co ins in the stone, was the following
inscription on brass
This first stone of a building for the Free Public
Library and Museum of the Borough of Liverpool was
set on the 15th of April, 1857, by William Brown, Esq.,
M.P. for South Lancashire, at whose sole coat the build-
ing was erected, and by him presented as a free gift to
his fellow townsmen.

FRANCIS SHAND, Esquire,- Mayor.
J. A. PICTON, Chairman of the Library
and Museum Committee.
JOHN WEIGHTMAN, Surveyor, to the Cor•
poration, Architect.

WILLIAM SHUTTLEWORTH, Town Clerk.

The Lord Bishop of Chester'then offered up a most suitable
prayer for the occasion, earnestly hoping that the building, and
all those who had taken a part in its erection, and all those
for whom it was intended, would receive the benefits contem
plated, and enjoy tho blessings of the Most High,
W. Brown, Esq., M.P., then came forward, and was
received with he most enthusiastic applause. He said : Mr.
Mayor, Ladies, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—l feel myself
personally so much mixed up with the proceedings of the
day, soqleeply interested in them, and so much carried
away by reflections on the
past, the present, and the
future, that I cannot trust myself to speak without notes.i
I therefore beg your indulgence if I freely refer to thuse
hold in my hand, Since I had the honour of addressing
you, Mr. Mayor, in December last, on the, subject of the
Free Library, the opinion of all classes has been so
universal in approbation of my conduct, it is to me most

satisfactory ;'and the manner in which the corporation
has deemed it right to associate my name with the library,
and to be honoured by a resolution of the council that
should be requested to lay the foundation stone, could
not be than particularly gratifying. The trowe
and mallet, the necessary implements to lay the foundation
stone of this new library, which you, Mr. Mayor, have
presented to me, are extremely beautiful, and mark, in the
strongest manner, the Readers' appreciation of my desire
to aid the increasing intelligence of my fellow townsmen.
The trowel shows the classic taste of the artist why
designed it. It will descend as an heir loom to my family,
and will, I hope, afford them many pleasing
When I intimated my desire that my name in some way
Or other should be associated with it, I was far from
expecting or dreaming of the highly complimentary man-
ner in which you propose to carry out my wishes. I
should be wanting in respect to the corporation, and not
de justice to my own feelings, if I did not avail myself of
this public opportureity of sincerely thanking it for the re-
selutions it has passed. They are the highest honour it can
confer on me, although I feel it far over-rates my deserts.
It has long been the conviction of my mind, that to
place within the reach pf our fellow-townsmen a free
library and miueutte where they will have aufaeient
space, and comfortably warmed aed ventilated apart teen s
to reeort to. to read and pursue their studies, will be a
great inducement for many to come here and spend their
time profitably its place of wasting hours in listlessness, or
possibly something W i 3 evia at that there is a
growing taste and anxiety on the part of the public to
avail theMselves of oppertunitics to acquire knowledge
and cultivate their minis, at which I sincerely rej
And it is the duty of us all to promote !his good feeling
as much as lies in our power. Here they w:!1 meet with
the accumulated intelligence of ages, and which .1 hope
will be eagerly sougat after by many. And no one,
doubt this who visits the library in Doke street and sees iftt
crowded state, the parties who attend there, and the class
of books that are asked for It is hardly necessary to say,
that knowledge aids us in providing with greater ease for
oar physical wants, improves our social position in this
world, and I trust, morally and mentally, wall tit us for a
better. Books, at one period, were too costly to be
within the reach of any but the great and the wealthy.
Happily that period has passed away, and cheap editions
of standard works enable U 3 to have a neural more extended
circulation of them, even to the poor man's cottage, which
contributes to the happiness of thousands, I may say
of millions, who cannot afford to have a private library of
their own; and I am not without hope that, at no distant
period, the finances of the country will enable the Caen-
cellor of the Exchequer to take off the paper duty alto•
tether, and further afel in reducing the price of books. As
soon as this building is r'ady it will affera a safe deposi-
tory for that valuable coltee•ion of subjects of enthral
history for which we are all citaPlY indebted to Lord
Derby. (Hear, hear.) I hope, by jiving every encou-
ragement to masters of vessels. and othe;"a. to come here
and inspect these treasures, it will induce them when
opportunity serves to make the museum still more valuable
by collecting when abroad such specimens and artic,,`q as
will continue to enrich it. Many valuable collections are.
now lost for want of a suitable place to receive them,
where they would be taken care of. This difficulty %via
now be removed. (Hear, hear.) There is a suhject in
which the town has taken much interest, as the means of
saving labour; not only in alt our commercial, mechanical,
and scientific pursuits, but in the education of the people,
as it would relieve the schoolmaster from much drudgery
in teaching, save the scholar much time in learning
accounts, and allow more leisure to acquire knowledge on
other subjects: If in place of continuing our barbarous
system of currency, weights and measures; we would
adopt a simple decimal notation, it would give us equal
advantages with'other nations who use it. (Hear, hear.)
Brineing the subject prominently forward now, is in
unison with the business we have in hand. In December,
1852, the Liverpool and the American Chambers of Com-
merce took this question up, and were supported by a'
public meeting og the inhabitants, presided over by the
Mayor. They memorialised Government on the subject.
but, no action was taken on it until Parliament met in
1854, when I obtained a committee to enquire into the
merits of the system. and which made a unanimous report
of its impertaeol and in its favour. (Hear, hear, and
cheers.) Still Government could not be moved to advance.
In 1855 I deemed it advisable to bring the subject before
the House of Commons, and was most ably seconded and
supported by a speech from the noble Lord Stanley, who,
lam pleased, is now present. We carried our point by a
large majority, which forced on the Government the
appointment of a royal commission, which is now exam-
ining evidence on the subject. (Cheers.) I am afraid
that neither the Prime Minister nor tite Chancellor of the
Exchequer sufficiently appreciate the aptitude of the
industrial classes readily to conform to any change, and
their great desire to avail themselves of the best and
quickest means of getting their children educated. I view
this decimal question as exceedingly important in facili-
tating educatiou, and the more we forward it the more
we shall be in a position to avail ourselves of the advan-
tages of libraries. (Loud cheers) It is only the want
of time and opportunity in having access to those silent
friends—well chosen books and museums—which prevent,
in many cases, valuable talent being developed that lies
dormant and lost for ever to the world. We owe a debt or
gratitude to men of science and of letters, when we con-
sider the time and treasure they have spent in solving
problems, trying experiments' making discoveries, and
perfecting machinery. (Hear, hear.) We ought to hold
them in the highest estimation as the benefactors of m en-
kind, and must regret that for want of access to public
libraries, to ascertain what was done by others, they had
sometimes to go over the same ground to arrive at the
same result, and lost both their time and their labour,
which was a great discouragement to further advances.
Hence; the more we can facilitate the researches of such
men, the more we contribute to the general good in Great
Britain and throughout the world. (Hear, hear) Look
at the history of many of our great and distinguished men,
who have become so in spite of the difficultie3 they had
to encounter. Let us remove thole difficulties as far as
we possibly can, and aid the work of progt ess. (Cheers.)
It will not be questioned that knowledge makes us more
reflecting beings, enables us better to anpreeiate the value
of the Constitution under which we live, and the many
advantages that we enjoy, and be less liable to those un-
fortunate and ill judged ebullitions of public opinion which
generally add to that distress which it was intended to
alleviate. I have-great faith in free libraries, freedom of
discussion, and a free press, which we pre-emiuently
enjoy, being the best guarantees for our liberty, aryl for
our onward progress as a nation in virtue and knowledge,
So long as we in tintain these elements of instruction, we
add to the happiness of the people, the power of the State,
the permanency of the Constitution, and secure the stability
of the Throne. And, let me add the wish in which I am sure
all here present will heartily join me, that our present
virtuous Queen, who sets an excellent example to all the
Sovereigns of the earth,enay long reign over her loyal
and faithful subjects. (Loud and prolonged cheering.)
in conlusion, he said, since I have written the foregoing
remarks, I have heard that the Queen has been confined of a
daughter—(eheers)—and that they are both doing well.
Mr. Holme After that, I think we cannot do better than
give three hearty cheers for the Queen, and hope that she may
have a speedy recovery.
When the ceremony had been gone through, a
trumpeter, who was stationed on one of the galleries,
sounded the signal, and Ihen nine pieces of ordnance that
had been brought up from the North Battery, and placed
inside the railings at