Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-03-26
lCoMNuNrcATEp.


THE LyCEuM CoNrANY.-Occasiohai re-
marks have been called forth Of late, among
our citizens, by the apparent disinclination
of the Lyceum Company to carry ont their
contemplated plans for the complete renova-
ton of the exterior Of the building and the
identifying Of the grounds 1t is, there
fore, but just to this Company, to make
some mention Of the peculiar circumstances
by which their course Of action, or rather
inaetion, has been necessarily influenced.
Some two years since, it will be recollec-
ted. the Hall was remodeed and handsome
ly fitted up, under the presumption it would
be in reasonable demand tor meetings, con-
certs, and rational exhibitions, and with the
tacit understanding, that the Library Com
pany would rent the same for Lectures,
from time to time in lieu Of an advance in
the rent of the room occupied by them.
Neither of these expectations has been
fully realized the Hall has been, 1t is true,
in occasional demand for the first named
purposes, but as respects the last named,
Ton which reliance was mainly placed) the
Library Company have not only largely
failed to need the Hall, but they have even
found themselves unable, for two years past,
to meet their annual rent, little though it
be, and, what is Still more unfortunate,
their limited means have compelled them to
rely, of latter years, solely upon boys as
Librarians, Now, however, honest and
faithful boy may be, however competent to
deliver books, collect dues, Sc, 1t must be
patent to all. that he cannot feol the reSponr
sibility of a man, nor can he hope 90 com
mand, among the boys who 80 largely fre-
ouent the Library, of late, the respect that
would be due, and which would be mea-
surably accorded, to person OF age and
experience.
Under the Joint influence Of the above,
and other causes, number OF evils have
grown up, unnecessary at this time to par
ticularize, but through the instrumsatality
of which, the property of the Lyceum Com
pany is, TO . certain extent, becoming de-
Perforated in value; and this deterioration,
il is plainly beyond the power of the Com
pany, under existing circumstances to ar
rest.
The Lyceum Company, in spirit OF iibc-
rality and kindness. some years since, e.
c7tsed the Library Company from their ar
rears of rent, and. in fact did what they
could towards the resuSctGtion of this ven
cradle and respected body. They are them
selves severely taxed both by the State and
By the city, while their Hall is mainly ap'
Piled fo. by those only, who desire its g'a-
tuitous use, so that they have not the means,
even had they the inclination. to do more
than they have already done, for the LIB
rary.
1t is proper, In this connection, 10 note,
that the rent of all other parts o. the build
ing. except the Hall and the Library Room,
is regularly collected, and is as regularly
CONSUMED in the payment OF taxes, insur-
auce, &c.
In view then Of what has been stated,
does it not appear Of importance, that the
citizens of Alexandria shall bestir them
selves in this matter. and assist the few gen
tlemen who are faithfully laboring to sus-
tain the Library? 4 short course of Lectures
| is proposed for the present season-to TINS
| Let US all make liberal subscription, AMI
when from it and other sources, the Library
shall once more find itself clear oF debt,
would it not be iudicious for the Directors
of that Company, to consider the propuety
OF soaking some other and less pretentioui
quarters, lest in this continued struggle tot
mere existence, they fEaliy fall, and, ~
their fall, carry with them their patient and
long Suffering friends, the Lyceum Com.
many ANXIOUS