Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-05-10

all works of human intellect in all fields OF
thought. There can be no exclusion or Sc
clusion. Free to every reader, it will also be
free to their books. Neither nationality,
party or creed can take offense, because
the shelves are ready to receive
the books of all creeds and schools that
may be sent here or which the means
of the board will enable them to
purchase. Except as to works Of positively
vicious character, no works should be eXclud-
ed from library intended for the use of all
classes and maintained by a tax upon the prop
erty Of the people. Every church, creed,
philosophy, profession or school, may and no
doubt in time will, have its own best repre-
sentatives on our shelves, and any disciple of
such faith and profession may seek its own
most eloquent expounders. Chicago is allow
ed to raise tax of one-fifth of mill to sup
port its free library. Comparing it with any
other city improvement for which our people
are taxed, how infinitely greater is it in point
of advantage, and as mere moral agency,
how far does it exceed all others.
"sLord Macauly says that the vicinity of a
good library in itself produces perceptible
improvement upon all who have access to its
does not leave it with improved
trains of feeling or thought
What man is there that does not carry from
good collection of books some moral aid
against some temptation to follow in the lower
courses of vice that in all large cities lead
men down to the depths of crime and infamy?
The civilization of the age demands them
Gree libraries), and as an educational institu-
ton the free library is more efficient as a
means of diminishing the number Of crimes
and criminals than the best disciplined and
best paid police agencies of the state
SIN their fifth annual report the directors
say: The library statistics given above show
the number aud kind of books taken out or
consulted. These statistics are significant.
They manifestly indicate an increasing
familiarity with and appreciation of the
library, and the general desire of the people
to read and consult good books. Nor is it diff
ficult for careful observer to note many signs
of improvement directly traceable to the in
fiuence of this excellent library. 1t is only
within the last three years that it has been
possible for a scholar in this city to make a
fair investigation of any subject that requires
much use of books for its treatment. It is
one of the greatest advantages of the library
that it has made some Investigations in some
degree possible. All who speak, write, or in
any way teach for the instruction of the pub
lie, do, or may do, their work better by its
help. OF all the clubs organized in this COM
munity, in these later years, for social and
mental culture, there is not one of them that
does not draw deeply from the acquisitions of
the library"
The council gave the application most re-
spectful consideration, and, in q full and in
terestipg report, concurred in the argument
of our board, and only suggested delay for
financial reasons.
Nearly three years have passed since
these proceedings and the interval has wit
messed a wonderful growth in the wealth and
population of our city, and especially has
there been an increase of that intelligent,
reading population who are longing for
greater library facilities. Our public schools
have been annually graduating large numbers
of the young of both sexes well advanced in
scholarship, and for all of these it is incum-
bent in some way or other to make more
provision than formerly, and believing the
auspices now favorable we would recommend
you to direct the new board to make re-
newed effort before the Council.
ALEX RAMSEY, President.
All the above reports were accepted,
and the board proceeded to the
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
All were elected by ballot, the officers
being balloted for separately. The mem
beers of the board of directors the Z,
were balloted for all at once, on one and
the same ticket, and for the first
time in the history of the organization,
all seven of the directors were elected on
the first ballot. The following is the
list of officers and directors so chosen S
President-Alex Ramsey.
Vice-President- Wann.
Corresponding Secretary-George w.
Lamson.
Recording Secretary-W. II. Kelley.
Treasurer-B. f. Wright.
Directors-H. X. Taylor, F. Willius,
nj. D. Kenyon, John D. O'Brien, F. A.
Fogg, Z. N. Bell, IL. q. i5quires.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr.. Ludden called attention to the
matter of opening the reading room on
Sundays, and made a motion that the di-
rectors recommend the opening of the
reg ing room every day and evening in
the week. Mr.. Mayo moved to amend by
having the board "direct" that it be so
opened. The amendment was lost and
Mr.. Ludden's motion was adopted.
The board Of directors are to confer
with the council as to raising money for
the library.
This concluding the business the board
adjourned.