Democratic banner., 1846-11-30
(For the Banner

inhabitants, there should be neither a circu'
lating Library, nor a Lyceum? Why i:
this? The general utility Of such institu'
lions, is conceded by all, and yet we art
either wanting in that public spirit, neces'
tary to their support, or, are SO much ell,
grossed with the mere business affairs OF
the day, that We overlook them.
One evening of each week, might be
spent not only a~greeably, but with much
profit to those engaged, i'll the discussion
of questions of practical utility; for as fire
is evolved by the contact of the flint and
steel, so in the mental conflict: new ideas
and facts are developed, thus adding TO the
common stock Of knowledge. Nor are the
pleasure and profit of those Immediately
engaged, the only benefits to be derived
from such an institution. Such exhibitions
are always attended with cagerness by the
youth, and if they should derive no Informal
ton worth remembering, they will at least be
preserved, for the time, from those evil asso-
Citations, and hauntS Of vice that belong TO
all towns and villages.
a well selected Social Library affords
the best and cheapest means of acquiring
general information, and if properly con-
Quoted, my be the means of materially aid
ing parents, in discharging the duty ofgiv-
ing to their children, Il good cducation.-lt
is sometimes, however, objected, that we
are not able to get good Library. If a
whole community be not able TO DO SO, sure
.ly but few individuals of that community
can do so-ahd it would follow that one
whole community must remain destitute.
But | apprchend that this difficulty is more
imaginary than real. There are few per-
in this county so poor, that they could
not pay five dollars, for u share in Il good
Library; and surely, there could be found
one hundred persons able to pay that "a
which would furnish a very hand
some stock Ia begin with, and thus, for five
any person paying it, can have the
Use Of the whole stock. Nor need that sum,
in all cases be paid in cash. Many per-
sons have excellent books which they would.
be willing to put into such an institution al
a fail valuation. In this way many sub
scriptions might be paid, by persons who.
could not conveniently pay otherwise, and
the general interests of the institution he,
at the same time Subscrvcd.
Will the citizrns of Louisiana take hold
Of this matter in Good earnest? Come
let us hear from YOU.
Mr. EdInr-Will you allow he to in-
luirc through the medium of your paper,
what has become Of Tie "L.nuisiana Bible
If | remember rightly such Il
was formed here last winter or
iprinS, but since that time nothing has been
heard of its operations, except TIE mere de-
posite of the books with its Treasurer.
What measures have been takcn TO as
certain how many families, within the limits
If the society, are destitute of Tie Bible?
md what measures TO supply such dcstitu-
ion as may exist? And if none, are not the
grossly negligent Of :hcir duty, and
wanting in good faith TO the Parent Society.
% allow the books furnished to remain on
land, neither sold nor donated? i
These arc questions, requiring the ~scri-'i
'us consideration of the officers. indie +
.'endcntly of all its bearings in a religious 3D.,
'oint of view, the influence of a general |.
dissemination of the Bible. on the civil audil
POLITICAL welfare of our country, is sufi- {
'ient TO justify all the labor and cost nee I
'SSary. For no country has, in mudernIES
ines, made any great advances in the REL :,
lnemcntS of civilization. without a general +
dissemination of the Scriptures. u
The fact that an annual report must be h
nadc soon, is an additional reason why ac. Il
i've measures should be taken, tina, there :
nay be something TO report. It's respect !,
Illy suggested, therefore, that a meeting Il
the Executive Committee of the society. IL
q called at an early day, that This m..,, n