The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-03-18


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OPENING or THE PUBLIC READINti-RooM AND
LIBRARY FOR APPRENTICEs-The movement
among the white worklngmen OF Charleston,
though commenced by few hopeful spirits,
already shows encouraging signs OF what may
be done by earnest hearts and willing hands.
There are few cities in the Union, Of the size Of
Charleston and OF equal commercial Importance,
that do not offer their working classes the bene-
fits OF free reading-rooms, evening schools and
lectures. 1t was to remedy this want, and, II
possible, to advance the condition OF the work
ing classes, that meetings were held, plans dis
cussed and vigorous united action commenced
that has resulted In the creation OF reading and
lecture.room. The building known as the "Old
Picket Guardhouse," 3" on the Citadel Green, was
procured, divesJed OF its military character and
transformed into place where the kindliDgs of
genius could be encouraged, and the working
man taught that mind was superior to matter.
The south wing OF the building has been ar
ranged for a lecture room and is. furnished with
benches and rostrum for the speaker. 1t is
well lighted and Is capable OF seating between
two hundred and three hundred people. On the
opposite side OF the archway Is the reading-room
and library. The former Is large room with
readIng-desEs and tables. that are already graced
with goodly quantity OF newspaper literature,
from all parts Of the country. The library is yet
to he formed, but some donations have been
made and books viii soon be forthcoming. The
inteb5r of both wings Of the building have been
fitted up in plain but substantial manner. and
the reading-room has already become popular
resort among artisans OF every branch.
The meeting last night was called for the pur-
pose OF organizing and electing officers
and by o'clock a large number OF per-
sons from all classes but principally mechanics
were present. Mr.. James NJ. Rabb called the
meeting to order, and explained briefly that Its
object was to form an association and to conduct
a library and reading room. He trusted that they
would be encouraged to carry it on, and hoped
that all present would lend 1t their cordial aid
and support.
On motion, Mr.. W. F. Paddon was then called
to the chair, and Messrs. VIM. F. Dunlap and ].
J. MilIigan requested to act as secre taries
Mayor Pillsbury, who was present, declined to
preside, the chair having been rendered him by
Mr. Paddon.
Mr. Rabb moved that the chair appoint o com.
m!ttee OF five, who would nominate board OF
directors. Messrs. Rabb, Fisher, Brewer, Ma
lonec and Chaplin were appointed. and retired to
consult.
The Rev. ]. T. wightmaI, in response to
numerous calls, then addressed the meeting. He
said that he felt some embarrassment at stepping
beyond his usual sphere, aud would rather set at
their feet and learn, but thought, that as the
clergy were usually called upon to aid In the
baptism OF any new enterprise, he accepte the
position assigned him. After congratulatlng his
hearers on their organization, and commencing
the progress already made, he referred to the Ap-
prentices' Library, aud spoke OF the aid
and encouragement it had given In the
past to the very class that have now
formed an association with similar
object In view, the creation Of q readlng.room and
library for mechanics and apprentices. The first
library had been destroyed by fire, and Its books
were scattered aud lost during the war. This
rises Phnix-like on the ashes Of its predecessor,
and would doubtless prove worthy son OF a no
BILE sire. Remunerative labor depended on the
grade OF the Skill employed. II man preferred
the dull routine OF a pacI.horse he could work al
low rate and seek no further Advancement; but
IL he has the promptings OF genius, he will feel
that his mind is superior to his EN- ployment, and
orI II biu
tive capacity to raise and benefit himself.
Mr. Wtghtman described In graphic language
the gradual improvement OF the untutored mind
by the advancement OF ideas gained from obser-
vaton and close attention. The rude canoe OF
the savage gave place to the sail boat, which was
improved until the era OF steam made the ocean
the great highway Of travel. Soft was with other
discoveries God had given man a mind en-
kindled with thought, and by economlzing time,
learning how labor may be saved, and then adapt
ing the crude ideas, advancement was certain.
The mechanics OF Charleston labored under. many
emba;rassments. The war had interrupted all
educational facilities, and numbers have grown
up without the benefit OF an academic course.
The proposed library and reading-r0on was
adapted for such persons, as 1t offered food fer
reflection and give hints how they could become
more useful members ofsociety. TIE speaker dwelt
upon the many advantages Of Charleston, and
spoke OF the bright future that was in store for 1t
as one Of the great commercial seaperts Of the
UnioS% In closing he congratulated his hearers
on the effort now being made to rise above their
former level, and impressed upon them the fact
that rcmuneratye labor Is only gained by master
ing he trade or business, and not remaining at
one standpoint.
Mr.. W. p. Russell, in response to numerous
calls said that 1t gave him pleasure to address
his fellow-craftsmen on subject In which he took
deep interest He thought that the present move
ment was the first determined enort that had
been made to elevate the worklngman for twenty
years, and pledged his hearty cooperation In any
measure that looked to that end. Mr.. Russell
spoke Of the beneficial workings Of similar insl-
tutions in other cities, and said that wherever
they were started, the condition Of the mechanics
had been fmDrOyei. He urped contnua Of