The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-03-11
MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL sUNDAY3MAncH n. 1883.
POPULAR SUBSCRIPTION.
A PLAN FOR ENLIsTING ALL IN The
LIBRARY PROJECT.
There Should Be at Least also, 900
Added to the MuniHcent Donation Of
the Late Mr.. Cossltt-Mr. Darlington

The muni6cent donation OF S1j, 900 by
the late +. II. Cosstt has opened up airesh
the popular demand for u free public
library. This revival was also heightened
by the designation OF such sterling gentle
men as Messrs. Darlington Mason, D. 7,
Iladden, William NJ. Randolph, :. 7.
Read, w. NJ. Harrington, J. I. Fargason,
]. G. Nicely. Napoleon Hill and Eliston
Mason 10 execute the trust, and the move
ment was still further given impetus by
the magnanimous offer OF Mr.. Napoleon
Hill 10 be one OF twenty-five gentlemen to
contribute $1,000 each toward placing the
cherished plan Of Mr.. Cossitt OH sub
stantal and crcditable basis II has since
been learned that the late Capt. William
II. Wood, father-in-law Of Mr.. Napoleon
Hill, bequeatbed ~ 900 10 apublic library,
in case such an institution assumed shape
within'a reasonable time. Thus 5000
have been thrown into the project with
out any organized canvass or even solicita-
ton.
As II by common consent, inspired by
deep-seated desire for library, the people
have promptly espoused the cause, and
seem 10 be waiting only for some one TO
organize for action. Mr. Napolean Hill
was asked by an AprEAL reporter, yester-
day, II he had found any one TO swell the
total OF contributions.
"No less than dozen gentlemen have
approached me ON the subject today, said
he. "1hey all spoke In about the same
strain that an avenue should be opened
up for popular subscriptions. am Of the
same opinion, and the trustees will no
doubt set 30 work 10 inaugurate the oppor-
tunity. While my offer stands, and ex.
pcct the twenty-four other gentleman and
probably more will meet IT, that would on
ly he $4,000. We should raise at least
100000, but as much more rs necessary.
II the total amount were not needed for
actual outlay on the library, then IL could
be invested in bonds and the interest APP
piled to its maintenance. With such an
institution, we would OF course need some
one TO select the works, arrange them and
serve as librarian. confess that would
not know where 10 begin in the premises,
but there are numbers Of people trained as
librarians who could be secured TO manage
II.
"And wo do not want TO stop
with mere library" continued
Mr.. Hill. make IL place
where art work may be seen, admired and
studied, along with every other feature
that goes with complete library. In con-
structing the building, II can be done In
such way as 10 command sufficient reye-
nue. 10 keep up the library and leave sur
plus IN the treasury. ] believe II would
be good idea 10 have a music hall In Goa.
nectiOn with il. Whatever comes ~ Tie
enterprise ] believe We Wiz UN
umph-popular subscriptions should Dc
opened upat once. am convinced. lom
expressions heard ON every hand. tht
Sl0O 900 can be raised here IN tweniy-tour
hours. II one man, who lived here only
short time, felt enough interest in the city
10 leave her $40, 900, then surely the 10000
people who live here now. should RAISE
double that amount, or Sl50,0OO. That
would only be ~ apiece, and there are few
who would refuse that contribution.
Mr.. I'LL, though heart and soul In the
enterprise. is q modest gentleman, and in
sisis upon being allowed TO rcihain iif'tbe
ranks. Mr.. Darlington Mason, lie shys, is
the one to he honorcd rs the pioneer IN
the cause. II was he who frequently
talked with aud wrote TO Mr.. Cossitt on
the subject, and virtually obtained the gift.
Mr.. Mason will continue his Efforts In the
direction, and, sustained by the able board
oi trustees and the $1,000, live 20 see
completed institution, the pride not only
II Memphis hut the entire southwest.
Mr.. Mason, like his coad tutors, h working
Tor the library, however, and not glory.
That IL something an apprcciativo public
will amply beslow at the proper time.