Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-05-03
THE NASH LIBRARY.
A People Who Can Expend So Much on
Public and Private Amusements
Should Not Lose Such an
Opportunity as that Offered by Mr.. Nash
to Secure Grand Public Library,
Palace for the People.

"Lors" complains of the languishing inter-
est displayed by the citizens OF Memphis in
the public library scheme. "Lors, naturally,
ranks that scheme with the vital interests OF
our town. 1t, undoubtedly, stands among
her reproaches, that she has not long since
possessed one.
1t would seem almost as difficult to super
induce general interest in the future of the
brain az in the soul, the masses seeming to
take it for granted that an intellectual provi-
dence will look after the one and a spiritual
providence after the other, leaving the re-
cipient of such bounty free 10 solve the more
important problems, "Bhat shall we eat and
whereWithal shall we be clothed?"
One wonders at the difficulty in building
this library in view of the lavish expendi-
ture and free-handed giving TO almost any
other project set a-foot. Almost every night
there is some description of amusement
offered for which the masses gladly pay
their half-dollars. There is nothing to be
said against those amusements, for, with the
: exception of the walking matches, they have
all been of refined sort. But whoever has
the interest Of Memphis at heart must GER
tainly desire very cordially TO see the Nash
Library made an immediate and triumphant
success.
The matter stands thus in the comprehen-
sion OF one only partially informed concern
ing the city's past history: A wealthy and
generous individual has literally offered to
donate $4,000, in money or in books, for a
public library for Memphis if the city will
erect a suitable building for the purpose.
How we weuld marvel at private iudivid-
ual who, having a priceless jewel offered
him on condition of his furnishing a casket
for its reception, should hesitate to furnish
that casketl Which is just what Memphis
is doing-throwing away the premise of
jewel more precious than rubies.
1t is impossible 10 over-estimate the value
of public library regarded from the moral
lists point of view. As asource of intellectual
pleasure and incentive to mental activity
its virtues are patent; but as moral resource,
as an inducement to higher and better life,
a check upon downward tendencies, its
virtues are just as real if not SO patent.
Memphis swsrms with young people of both
sexes to whom this scheme ought to be very
near and dear. 1t is not every young clerk
or every poor sewing girl who can afford to
pay fifty cents to be entertained by sweet
music or snowy spectacles after his work is
done; these, then, will seek their recreation
in cheaper and les harmless ways. For
such the resources of public library would
prove an undoubted boon.
Ii dozen or two of our wealthiest citi-
zens would emulate the muniicence of Msjor
John ID. Adams, who, without the obligation
of citizenship, has given $500 to this scheme,
dccompii.
We of the South are prone to bristle at
any imputation cast upon us as an unintel-
lectual people. "Gath's" impertinences have
thrown hundreds of us into frenzies OF indig-
nation. But, for all that, it is an indisputa-
BILE fact, that we are wofully ignorant set
of folks. Many Cincinnati seamstress no
Boston shop-boy could put some of US to the
blush if we met them on the neutral ground
nf Ea or mt Of ha
1t is said by those who ought to know, that
this is not reading community. Perhaps
not, but it remains to be proven that it can
not be coaxed into an improvement in that
line.
Memphis has received many severe blows
as city. She has been sick nigh unto death.
She has displayed wonderful recuperative
powers. Those who know best, say that she
is on the eve of a new and more healthful
existence than the old. Assuredly, judged
by the purple and fine linen of her daugh-
tiers, she is not impoverished. There is,
however, great dearth of handsome public
buildings. There is scarcely anything to
attract the eye or interest of stranger.
Now is the appointed time to erect hand
some building for the Nash Library, wiping
out two reproaches by one united effort
If "Lors" can suggest any meats by which
the project can be puzzled vigorously for
ward, surely he may depend upon the CO.
operation of all good citizens, especially the
wealthy business men, to whom the moral
and mental welfare of their numerous en-
ployes ought to be an object of deep interest
As for "Mother Goose" whose assistance he
has so fatteripgly enlisted, she promises to
cackle with an energy worthy of the good
cause.
The cackle of goose once saved Rome.
Who knows what other miracle may be
wrought through the same humble instru-
mentality MOTHER GOOSE