The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-06-06


with the Athenian Institute in the support of
yearly courses Of lectures Of a more extended
and miscellaneous character. Since that time
this has been one of the most prominent fea-
In 1885 It was again found necessary to re-
move the Library, on account OF it's increase, TO
the building at No. 1874 Chestnut street; but IN
few years these quarters were found to be too
restricted, and the number Of members had
increased so considerably that measures we're
taken for securing large and suitable accommo'
datlons. During the year 1928 the Association
had received charter from the Supreme Court
of the State, under the general law of l791; and
the first step towards the proposed removal was
an application to TIE Legislature, at the session
of lS4l-42, for special Act Of incorporation,
with the grant of more extended DO wers and
privileges than it bad hitherto enjoyed. On the
lst OF July, lS42, the new charter was approved
by the Governor, and soon after q new code Of
by laws was adopted by the members. The
ASSOCIATION has continued to act under the
charter then procured until the present time.
Arrangements we're then made for the erec-
tion of and removal into
The Building at the Corner OF Fifth and
Library Streets.
In 1874, the lot at the corner, containing
thirty.six feet on Fifth street, and one hundred
teet on Libr any street. was purchased OF the
heirs of DR.. James Gallagher, at an annual
glound-rent of 5000, with the stipulation that
it should be redeemed within ten years for the
sum of $4,000. The lot adjoining the above,
and containing fourteen feet in front, with q
depth of one hundred feet was soou after pur-
chased of the directors of the Philadelphia
Dispensary, at an annual grouud-rent of $3.50,
Iedeemable at pleasure on the payment OF
$4,000.
For the purpose of meeting these payments
and erecting "A suitable building, the Associa-
ton had accumulated, and put aside as build
ing FUND.- the sum Of $34O0, the proceeds of the
lectures delivered under its auspices up to that
perIod, Before anything could be done, 1t was
necessary greatly to augment this. Tue object
was accomplished by Issuing scrip, and allowing
the subscribers thereto to hold it free from
taxation until such time as they might select
for converting II into active stock, which should
entitle the holders 10 the use of the Library.
The project succeeded so well that the Directors
soon found themselves able TO award the con-
tract for the erection OF the building.
The present building was commenced in Octo-
Der, 1884, the contractors being Messrs. Kilgore
and Hudars, and the architect Mr.. William
Johnston. In less than year 1T was COM
pleed, AZ an expense of $23, ,l9942 which in
cuded the cost of the bookcases, desks, reading
tables, furniture, aud gas fixtures, as we'll as
the ground and water rents, taxes, and other
Incidental expenses TO the lst of July, Is45. At
that time the removal of the books TO the new
building was elected, and the institution was
fully prepared for the active career OF useful
ness which followed.
On the completion of the building there was
still floating debt oil $250O upon it; but this
was soon fully paid of, and the ground
rent of $50 Per annum payable TO the Directors
of the PhIladel phia Dlspensary, was ike wise
redeemed. Tue ground-rent of 5000 per
annum, payable to the heirs of DR.. Gallagher,
has also been reduced to $3.50, the principle
amounting at present to only $1,000.
The Recent History of the Library.
Mr.. Thomas p. Cope's term OF office as Presi
dent of the Association terminated in 1854, when
he was succeeded by Mr.. william E. Bowen,
who held the position until 1860. In January,
1861, Mr.. T. Morris Perot was elected, aud has
been regularly re- elected every year since then.
Repeated attempts have been made by portion
of the stockholders, during late years, to secure
the election of an opposition ticket, but the
policy Of the present managers at each succeed
ing election has been ratified by large major-
ties. The last election was held on the evening
OF the 18th of February, when 1887 votes were
pOlled; the number of persons entitled to vote
being between six and seven thousand. Mr..
Perot at this election, received HOO votes, and
his competitor 4S7. The lady members polled
15G votes, of which number MIR. Perot re-
Ceived l9l.
In December, 1S49, new system was inaugu-
rated in the management of the everyday affairs
OF the Institution, by the selection of Mr.. McEl-
roy as Librarian, with a salary of $1,000. In re-
turn for this, Mr.. McElroy agreed to superIn-
tend the concerns OF the Library and building;
to let the rooms and offices in the building, and
collect the rents of the same; to collect the
annual dues from the stockholders; and to per-
form the duties OF Librarian, employing such
assistance as he mig hit require.
Mr.. McElroy remained Librarian until 1866,
when he was succeeded by Mr.. s. c. Brace. In
1856 the present incumbent Mr.. Jas. Z tmands,
was selected. He is assisted by Mr., G. Corllss
and Mr.. F: DOssone, and by six young ladies
and an errand boy-all of whom are employed
at the discretion of the Directors, and upon a
fixed salary.
Finances OF the Library.
In addition to the dues from members the
rent of such portions of the building as were
not appropriated to the use of the Library has
been the source of considerable income. In
1850 it amounted to $500, and in 1866 to $3529.
Several substantial legacies and donations have
also Increased the funds of the institution. In
1851 MIR. Thomas P. Cope made a donation of
$1,000, the income from which was ordered nv
the stockholders to be devoted to the purchase
of works on History and Commerce. Just pre-
vious to this certificate of loan for S10O, bear
ing interest at 81 per cent, was bequeathed by
Mr.. Paul Beck, Jr. In 1866 a donation of q
$1,000 United States 7'30 bond was made by Mr..
Samuel c. Morton; while Mr. S. Morris VAIN
recently presented the Library with $1,000 in
per cent. bonds OF the Huntingdon and Broad
Top Railroad Company. The only assistance
other than the above that has ever been
received by the Library is yearly
bequest of $500, for five years, from Mr.. Alger-
non S. Roberts, the first payment of which was
with the income derived from the $4l0O tn.
received are bound in peculiar fashion, =. as
tnguish them from the others. - us
The fines imposed Tor the dete~ - 90 loo,-z
Beyond iN the time allowed ,y the g rules s. have
Of a consIdersbIo -, proved 10 be the source
| the amonr. income. Up to the year 1860
| SING .aC ranged below 500 per annum
time ipnrnagnd a