The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-09-30
A New Project.
THE INAUGURATION or ''RETURy pAYr IN
EACH YEAR, AND THROUGHOUT THE UNION,
PROPOSED.


THE INAUGURATION or "RETURN DAY" IN
EACH YEAR, AND THROUGHOUT THE UNION,
PROPOSED.
RICHMOND, September "a, 1888.
To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
For several years have thought OF sug-
costing the adoption OF one day in the
year for the return of borrowed property.
About forty years ago began TO lend out
books. Those that pleased and protited me
most was glad to lend to others, with the
very natural hope that they also would be
benefited. This kept up for long
while, greatly to my loss. On one occasion
| was so anxious to extend the circulation
Of book that bought two copies---one tc
keep and the other to lend. II has beer
years since saw either OF them. Editor,
are doubtless great sufferers in this way
They are men OF books.
The failure to return borrowed property
Is the result OF carelessness. Having been
saved the cost OF book by friend, you
are guilty OF holding his property. though
Of no turtle Use to you, and it may be TO
his serious loss. Whole sets OF valuable
books are thus rendered almost useless to
the owner. This Is poor return for an
act Of disinterested kindness. A borrowed
book should never be put into your book
case, but kept on your desk before you. II
once in the case il may sleep there for quar-
ter Of a century. Never lend out borrowed
books.
But books are not the only things Dor
rowed in town and country. In the country
there is more borrowing than I'm the city,
and for obvious reasons. i have known
farmers 10 be compelled TO send miles for
borrowed utensils after suggesting their
speedy return. A farmer borrowed har-
row, and after the owner waited two years
for its return he had to send for 1t at his
own cost.
The Bible makes it our duty to "lend,"
but it is certainly equally our duty to "re-
turn" | was speaking TO a medical friend
a few days ago on this subject, and on
going home he discovered a piece OF my
property (of little value, but often needed
by mel which had been in his possession
fifteen years. Another friend reported to
me few days ago that he had had two OF
my books zone exceedingly valuable to me,
for ten years. | confess that | have not
been altogether "without sin" in this
matter. Books will get misplaced some
times even when we are careful.
Now. the 1st Of October is the day that
most housewives set apart TO clean up and
prepare for winter. | have thought OF
other days, but this seems the best. Most
people are stronger and i'm better health in
this than in the spring months. The Isl
OF January would not be suitable.
Now. the LIST OF October is near ut hand,
and let the house he searched for borrowed
books and everything else borrowed. When
the LIST falls on Sunday, then the day follow
ing. In this great country millions Of dollars
worth OF property is in the borrowers
hands. Let it be returned at once with
thanks and apologies.
With the aid OF our newspapers much
can be done; without their aid, no
thing. | hardly think IL necessary to urg,
upon these intelligent gentlemen TO 60
operate in this good work. The interest I,
not sectional. Should | live will try tC
keep this subject alive. Only very limited
SUCCESS can be expected at first. II Is only
by perseverance we can accomplish any.
thing lasting.
II every reader Of these lines will do
what he can, good will follow. Let every
good citizen aid in the establishment OF
good habits among the people. Let the
lender be encouraged and the borrower in
structed.
rarely, as you know, Mr.. Editor, sign
my name to communications for the press
but to show my earnestness and to commit
myself 10 this work, beg leave to sign
mysely. very respectfully, your obedient
|! servant, W. W. PARKER, NJ. ID.
=. S.-All newspapers friendly 10 this
project are respectfully requested to copy