Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-06-10
The Alexandria Library---NO. 3.


Amid varied vicissitudes the Library pro-
gressed under the charter OF 1878. 1t anguish
ed decidedly from 1880 to 1910. On the estab-
lishmeut of the Alexandria Lyceum, union
was effected between the two companies. The
books we're all removed to the Lyceum build
ing
Iu 1914 this connection was dissolved by mu-
tual consent. The Library Company then re-
manned in state of suspended animation till
1852, when it was reorganizcd with conslde-
rable addition to the list of stockho There
were then nearly 1900 volumes on hand.
During the years Immediately preceding the
''war between the States the President chair
was filled by several citizens successlvely-Alr
Francis Miller, Mr.. VIM g. Cazeuove and
Mr.. Richard L. Carne. Mr. Carne was Presi
dent OF the Library until 1870 At the break
ing out of the war commenced a series OF trials
which might we'll have been the death OF
much stronger institution. ln May, 1861, the
Lyccum building was occupied by camp follow
ers of the Federal army. They used it to store
away their supplies of provisions, and burned
the books in cooking. The Federal commander,
General Heiplzlemau, upon application OF Mr..
Carne Ito whom | am indebted for many de-
tails, and one Of the Library Directors, afford
ed temporary relief to the situation by ejecting
the in,ruders aud placing sentinel at the door
aud hunting up and restoring some OF the stolen
property.
On the memorable retreat from Manassas
the room was again occupied, but only tor
few days. The Alexandria Union Associa
ton" commenced holding meetings in the up
per room, forciby gaining access when the
doors we're locked. When the doors were Sc
cured too firmly for access to be had without
the keys, the President Of that Association de-
manded Of the President Of the Library Com
paDy the custody of his keys. Upon MIR. Carne's
refusal, application was made to the notorious
"Judge Frecse" and from him was obtained
written order transferring the care OF the
Library to the President Of the Union Assocla-
tiOn.
They then compelled the surrender Of the
keys under this pretext, but they were after
wards recovered by Mr. Andrew Jameson.
The Lyceum building was afterwards used
as Federal hospital, the stewards using the
Library Room. The books would have been
removed upon an order which was then OBJ
tanned, but no safe arrangements could be
made aud the cases we're screwed up.
About | 900 valuable books were stolen dur
ing the war A lady testified to seeiug large
box Of them expressed North, and the Presi-
dent, early one morning, overheard slgnlhcant
remarks concerning the nice books which had
been obtained. Many of the most valuable
books we're saved by A. E. Bassford, G. +:
Lee, jr, and r. L. Carne, who kept them hid
10 their houses till the end of the war. During
portion of the time when things we're COM
paratively quiet, books we're issued to a few
old subscribers Mr.. q. L. Lee acting Libra
ran without pay.
Three years after the war closed the books
we're given over by special contract to the care
of the Alexandria Christian Association.
This contract was dropped by mutual con-
sent 10 1870, when the company was reorganiz-
ed with K Kemper as President MIR. Kemp
er was re- elected in II.
President Janrey succeed him, and was, 10
turn, elected for second term giving place In
the present year to the able and popular gen.
tlemau who now occupies the Presidential chair.