The Washingtonian., 1845-08-02
COM UNIcATIoMs.
/" Comminglng streams from pure tee-total Springs.
For the Washingtonian.
A YOUNG MEMS LIBRARY.

MEssRs. EDIToRs: I desire to draw the seri-
Gus attention of the young men Of our city TO
a matter that mere glance will show deeply
concerns them. My eye has frequently, of
late years, been attracted by notices, in vari-
GUS papers, Of Library Associations in each Of
our principal northern cities-notices contain
ing more or less information relative to the
foundation, rise, prosperous progress, and un-
doubted permanency of those most excellent
and, indeed, invaluable institutions. Among
them, thus far, those of the Mercantile "
title seem to stand pre-eminent; the reason
of which, in large commercial cities, is per-
fectly obvious; and it was only day or two
since that ] noticed, in paragraph Of the
Philadelphia Ledger, that the ssscaffolding
around the pillars " of the Mercantile Library
building, zone of the most beautiful specimens
of architecture in that city," was removed !; so
that the noble pillared edifce now proudly
stands grand and enduring monument of the
intelligence, laudable ambition, enlightened
lberality, and real Amsricanism, Of the young
men of Philadelphia Of the present day. But
that worthy and patriotic community, honored
as it thus is, ranks, in this respect, little, if
any, ahead of those of Boston, New York, and
Baltimore, where similar associations have
long existed, and with most gratifying success.
But at this point the good tale is almost told.
In the middle and southern sections of our
country, such societies are almost, If not
wholly unknown. 1t is true, and it is only
just that it should be mentioned, that we
have in our own city areally valuable, though
very unpretending and almost utterly neglected
little institution, framed on basis and con-
Quoted on principles somewhat similar TO those
in operation in the cities alluded to--I mean
the jefferson Library Association, for the
benefit Of Apprentices and Minors" (AduAs,
also, are allowed to become subscribers, by
paying SO per annum-double the subscription
required Of minor. 1t is conducted exclu-
siveIy by minors. Number Of volumes, be-
lieve, about 1,5OO,) located in the City Hall,
which, although i, has been for many years Of
great and steady usefulness in its limited
sphere, has, from want of due attention and
encouragement, never arrived at what its
youthful projectors anticipated. The g Wash
ington Library" too, from some cause or other,
perhaps the high terms of subscription, extends
its advantages to but a comparative few; in
deed, as far as young mechanics are concerned,
such an institution might almost as we'll be
entirely out OF existence. 1t will be seen,
then, that our young men, of all classes and
pursuits, must arouse and do for themselves.
On them devolves the duty-a duty they owe
no less to themselves than to their country and
posterty, in the deepest meaning Of the sen.
tence-to congregate, and under proper regu-
lations, and a full sense of the important
results to flow from the undertaking, mutu-
ally pledge and exert themselves to procure,
for their common use, to be conducted on such
easy terms as shall make it accessible to all,
a good Li6rary--a great storehouse Of intel
lectual aliment, 1.-THE blessings of which, like
the dews Of Heaven, shall be dispensed alike
on the rich and the poor !" and well assured
may all be that it will not only repay thousand
fold, whatever trouble and triaing expense it
may require to put the scheme in successful
operation, but will also reflect high and lasting
honor on all who shall have engaged in the
glorious enterprise. And then, as time rolls
on, might not we too see the " scaf'olding re-
moved from the pillars of our literary edi-
fce-a temple at once both Of education and
of liberty? Action can answer
If any startle and shrink back at the magni-
tude Of the proposition to rear up among us,
simply by means of donations, solicited or vol
untary, either Of books or money, an extensive
library, say TO them confidently, that their
fears are groundless--their misgivings without
reasonable cause their hesitation absurd.
The thing can be done-rerhaps not gerry
easily, for some attention and perseverance
are necessary TO every work; but, with
moderate portion Of these, it can be done, and
well done. The metropolis Of the nation at
all times abounds with literary and other gen.
tlemen, who would be proud, and whose
means would enable them to extend helping
hand in cause so noble and virtuous, when-
ever called on. The institution, once fairly on
foot, would be enabled, by means of its sub
sequent subscription fund, TO not only move
smoothly on in its operations, but to largely