The Portland daily press., 1889-02-22

such wholesome and honorable institution
has been source Of solicitude and regret.
Barred by constitutional limitation, our
municipality in its corporate capacity, could
not wholly supply the existing need. This
task generous and patriotic citizens under
took to accomplish, and, by means of pri-
vate contribution and the requirement Of
work to that degree Of success, where, il
only suitable and permanent quarters could
be obtained by donation. the long sought ad-
vantage OF free library would at last be
realized. At this iuncture the opportunity
became possible Of bestowing an immense
advantage upon the public,-who, Of all cur
citizens, would rise TO meet this grand OPP
pOrtunity?
To Portland's credit be it said, her citizens
with characteristic public spirit and quick
appreciation of exigencles, have never
failed of right action at the opportune mo-
ment. 1t was this quality in time of rebel
lion which promptly rallied our townsmen
on board the Chesapeake and trlumphantly
captured the pirates marauding in our har-
bor A similar spirit moved by tender i'm,
pulse, years ago, established the memorial
offering that will ever stimulate the zeal and
smooth the pathway of our students seeking
higher and collegiate education. The self
same spirit. later on. preserved for our own
and succeeding generations the historic
Deering's woods, and has but recently dis
played itself anew in an "artistic memorial
OF him who. looking down upon their lofty
d0mes and deep shadows" sits enthroned as
king of poets in the universal heart. And
can omit to mention, also,its gracious pres
ence in the act which has just consigned TO a
final home in this abode the most celebrated
marble statue of our gifted Akers? But l
hasten on to speak of its loftier manifesto
ton, distinguishing the grander opportunity
before described; for, as we know, that OPP
portunity promptly developed the hero,
who with noble example for philanthr-
py the influence of which shall increase with
succeeding years, erected this magnificent
building, and does now Internationally do
nate it TO the cause of education and free
popular enlightenment An ediice, central
and accessible In location, classic and artis-
tically handsome in exterior appearance,
spacious and convenient in interior arrange
ment, supplied with apartments proof
against confagration, with large and we'll
lighted rooms for reading and study, with
library space sufficient for present use and
future expansion, with commodious quarters
for the reyerred historical association Of our
commonwealth, and, over all, this unique
and much admired hall destined without
doubt to become favorite meeting-place for
the apostles and disciples of science, lit
srature and art.
In what wiser form could philanthropic
spirit have taken shape? Why, sir, Of the
utility and far-reaching value of this most
generous deed l believe that we do not as
ly, to those who mry appreciate its full i'm
portance, language Is but mockery in vain
attempt to express Portland's just cause for
thankfulness and joy upon her supreme
good fortune. Henceforth our city will pos
sess suitable repository for such a library
an ideal library which has been we'll likened
to q dictionary-not mere mass Of pages
to be read through, but a vast repository Of
learning for the continual reference and use
OF all enquirers, where, even, each humble
pamphlet and never so modest volume may
find secure resting place until perchance,
called forth at some future date to settle a
disputed point of historic interest, or help
reward the toll of some diligent worker in
other difficult fields OF research, and as the
alcoves and shelves of the library be-
come more fully inhabited-for love to en-
tertain the idea of Cicero that when
he had introduced a new book to his library
he had introduced another soul into his
dwelling, with what varied and delightful
companioDship will this spot increasingly
abound! What an atmosphere of philosophy,
knowledge and fancy,-with all their kim
dred relations-will pervade this edifying
place, imparting mental invigoration to the
frequenters, and through them radiating
the meandering paths Of human life. II, as
Carlyle says,the true universityof these days
Is collection Of books, then how manifold
the lessons that will be inculcated here,-
lessons, not only of practical science and in
formation, but Of moral and spiritual truths
as well object lessons, too, OF courage, pa
tience, charity and faith, illustrated by ex-
amples so impressive as to leave lasting eff
feet upon character and life. In this view,
also, who can overrate the Importance of the
Library as an aid to national perpetuity?
The lamented Garfield truthfully remarked,
without popular knowledge neither justice
nor freedom can be permanently obtained"
During the Constitutional Centennial atPhil-
adelphia 1t was my pleasure to listen to simi-
lar sentiments from President White. "There
Is" he said, "a conviction growing more aud
more that without adequate means for the
enlightenment OF a vast majority Of our peo-
pie we have no security for the permanence
Of this complex of institutions, and, especial
ly, Of the Constitution of the United States,
which Is their radiant centre. The thought
full observer of khuman society knows that
this conviction is we'll founded He knows
that all the great republics OF antiquity and
Of the medieval period failed for want of
that enlightenment which should enable
their citizens to appreciate free institutions,
and maintain them. He knows, too, that
most of the efforts for republican institu-
tions in modernI times have been drowned
in unreason, fanaticism and blood. Nay
even as to republics, which are today sue
cessful,-he knows that unenlightened polit-
ical conduct subjects them to the greatest
dangers at home and gives point and force to
the arguments OF enemies abroad" These
truths accepted, ,-and who can doubt them
u follows logically that true patriotism lies
directly along the line Of popular enlighter
ment. Measured by this tuls nc erander .sr-
vice can be rendered cur republic. wheth
or py citizen, community or legislative boflv
-tnan through liberal contributions of money
ana service for the dissemination Of right
knowleuge amonglthe people. In this work
sne iree pubic library from its very nature