The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-01-19
fFor the Journal |
Mr.. EpiroR:

some matters which deeply concern all Of
US, in which we should feel an interest. A
state OF things exist in Evansville unworthy
of community who have so many reasons
to be procd OF its rapid growth and impor.
lance. While others, both in icons and
cities, not more favored than we, have -four.
ishing literary and library associations, and
are enjoying the rich advantages Of weekly
lectures on scientific and literary subjects,
the citizens of Evansville can boast Of no.
thing of the kind. True. now and then
zone sojourner drawn hther in the pursuit
of his profession, treats our people to free
lecture, Gmany of mesit,) still there is no.
thing for which we can claim credit.
We have large and comparatively
wealthy and independent population, extern.
sise commercIal. manufacturing aud other
facilities, in short eterything requisite 10
build up a wealthy and important city, and
place within the reach Of oil whatever is
necessary 10 render life comfortable. We
are driving ahead with commendable zeal in
all enterprises which tend to enrich us-still
much is neglected, very much that is actual
ly essential to give our city that tone and
character of which it is capable. II TaeFe
riches elevated the mind and refined the
HEARTH the possession Of much estate sup
piled what other communities zealously
strive for, the cultivation of the mind and a
good literary taste, then We might be sati.f-
cd. But such is not the case. Too often
We find that the neglect Of these is followed
by ignorance. We have none OF those as
sociatons for the diffusion of general and
scientific knowledge and the establishment
Of libraries which the people of Boston,
! Louisville, Cincinnati, Madison and Indiana
polls, and some other towns | might n me,
regard OF SO great vasue. These cities and
towns have in successful operation such es.
sociations, and rough them their citizens
enjoy the benefit OF lectures from the most
learned in our land. They have large libra
ries, extensive reading rooms, and every ia
cility for introducing n general tone of in
telligencs. They regard literary associa-
tons as the proudest ornaments Of their cit
les. At their rooms congregate the rich and
the poor, the learned and the unlearned, TO
listen to the abfest discourses upon oil sub
ijects calculated to improve the heart and in
form the mind. There they go for the latest
and most authentic Information about all
parts Of the globe. But we-citizens Of the
commercial emporium Of lndiana-wiih our
four or five banks, extensive mercantile md
m snufacturing establishments. Cur con-
merce spreading far and wide, our railroads
and river and canal connections with all
parts Of the country, our wealth Of all kinds
what have We! We have no sufficient H.
brary, We have no weekly or even monthly
lectures, no learned disconrses--none OF
those advantages WHICH other cities prize so
highly
J, Would it not, Mr.. Editor, be q profitable
) investment for orr citizens TO Use little
time and attic ntion, and very snail portion
!. Of their eallh, to secure the spec jy organ.
ization of associations for library and litera-
5 ry representation which would be of
/ iincalculable value not only for rational re-
creation, but in elevating the mental and
! moral condition Of the community. Fathers
, should take Il is matter into consideration.
, and Withdraw for time their minds and
, hearts from the pursuit Of perishable riches,
and secure what would be Of infinite benefit
to their children. We have among US
young men of talent and promise, who if ad-
mitted to the advantages and opportunities
. which are to be net with in ether places.
and which we could have with little exertion.
, would elevate the name they besr and re-
fleet koaor unon the city. AS it is, they
, have no inducements, no proper incentives
to great exertion Of the mind-no imsae diate,
, present existing inaue nee > te.urge them for.
ward in the pursuit of knowledge. And our
, young ladies', brilliant and charming as they
are, what could they not become il there ex-
listed in society the opportunity and induce.
ment to develop their mind to half its oopa-
city!
Establish a good library of the choicest
. books-take measures TO secure a regular
eourse of public lectures by men Of ability
and a new order Of things will come TO
pass Throw BOOKS and papers in the way
Of boys and girls aad they will read--open
to The public reading rooms, where can be
} found the monthly and quarterly periodicals,
: the weekly and daily journals from all parts
of the globe, and our people will not only be
7 h,pper and more intelligent, but bar rooms
aud ,t hor nlacaa 10 horo mon v;u cooC-.or,. 30