The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-12-06
A FREE LIBRARY FOa CHICAGO.

To THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK, HERALD
4 fortnight ago l proposed that England sho1ld
present new Free Library to Chicago, to remain
there as mark OF sympathy now, and q Keepsake
and token OF true brotherly kindness forever nav-
Ing drawn up scheme according TO which this
movement could be started. carried on and COM
peted, found many misunderstanding as to lis
scope. Perhaps, therefore, you win permit me to
give brief outline OF my proposal. In The nrst
place, the approval and aid OF certain eminent per.
sons were to be solicited. 2 committee OF public
men was 10 be organized from various parties and
professions 3 In the name or that committee do
nations OF boJks--cld and new, and In all depart
ments of hterature-were to be solicited from
private persons. heads OF colleges and or
learned societies, authors publishers, and
the public generally. 4. Donations Of money
would be received 70 purchase books not otherwise
optainable, and TO deiray necessary expenses; and
purposes. s. Every work would bear the donors
name with memorial date. 1871; and a list or all
donations OF books ami money would accompany
added, relating TO tue days when the English and
American peoples had one common history I.
The objection likely to be made that the Ameri.
cans, with money OF their own or sent there by us,
DO met by the consideration that In a library 40
large the works OF living authors, and works over
land, viii form but small portion; that in great
national oct such as that contemplated the question
OF economy OF O the conduct oil American publishers
will not be thought worthy OF consideration by
the English people, and that the undoubted spon-
taneOus generosity OF the English even recall 10
the American mind the propriev OF dong us Justice
In this very question:. AS to the sending a money
subscription Tor library Is TO be remembered that
this gift to Chicago Will possess all the charm OF
keepsake which can never be impressed on
gold or bank notes.
such Is briet outline OF the plan which was SUD-
mitted TO Mr.. Hughes, and by nm brought before
the Anglo American Association. That society has
undertaken 70 organize general committee for the
direction OF the scheme. IL has given the use OF It's
Offices mo. Adam street. Adelph) tor the reception
oil letters and 1t mas requested me 10 act ht
airy secretary After this statement OF the breadth
OF the projeci, 1t Is only necessary add that IL is
not INTENDED thai living authors should give all the
books they have written. Ths would, In many cases,
DC too heavy tax on the patronage
or class who not always rolling
10 riches. believe all our authors VIII
give volume or two the rest In that depart
ment VIII be done by our great publishers, several
OF whom have already promised generous support.
such 10 the state OF matters at present. When tho
committee Is formed 1t WILL think, DC found 10 be
fairy representative OF all parties and professions
ana thus OF the nation at large, and thus DO IN q
position to ASK, with a certainty OF success for the
support OF the puoiic and the AID OF tho press |
am YOUR obcdicnt servant, A. ii. BURGESS.
LONDON. Now ~. lS7k M NtNI