Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-31
JASB, SCOTT T'SVIEWS
The Ghairman-Of the Carnegie
Free Library Commission
gALKSINAPRACTICALW WAY
Ie Argues Strongly for Permanent
Control Ofthe Project.
GRAVE RESPONSIBILITIES CITED.

Aldl MGAA oaAA W W NSAy ASSA A. AS+SA
ence to the eventual acceptance by the city
Of Allegheny of Mr.. Carnegie's superb gift,
and the manner in which it is destined to
be controlled. The action of the Allegheny
CITY Property Committee on last Saturday
evening has stirred up great deal of dis
cussion of the various phases of the future
Of the library. Some surprise has been
manifested that the control OF a gift of such
scope and such character should be made
the subject of an unseemly wrangle-at least
the views Of leading Alleghenians SO style
the committee discussion. Others say that
had Mr. Carnegie supposed that ward Doli-
tics and filings at aristocracy would be
lugged into a matter so widely removed
from ordinary councilmanic business he
might have hesitated before depositing in
the lap of Allegheny gift which could be
made the subject of the bear-gsrden politics
which might be reasonably supposed to ap-
pertain to the appointment of a hog en-
FOUNDER.
There were absolutely no limitations or con-
ditions imposed bv Mr.. Carnegie in the Gre
alton of his magnificent library, and it was
undoubtedly his hope and belief that dis
erection and good sense would characterize
the acceptance of the gift and its permanent
control. A DISPATCH representative, who
made tour yesterday among Allegheny's
best citizens, found that without a single
reception there was great disappointment
1pressed that any member of Councils
hould stand upon political niceties or ex-
,edienees, or be tenacious of hard-won po-
itical prestige in any matter that apper-
aimed to the library. The feeling was that
the whole matter should be placed upon a
business plane as far removed from the
lurly-burly of politics as was the institu-
lion itself That an improper spirit had al
ready cropped out seemed to be universally
admitted.
ONE CITIZENS OPINION.
A man who can write seven figures after
his name gave utterarce to the opinion that
in no city of America could be found a
more complete and beautifully appointed
library than that which Mr.. Carnegie was now
nearly ready to call upon the Allegheny
public TO admire and enjoy. Lavishly ap-
pointed, with absolutely nothing neglected
which could conduce either to exterior or
interior, with the original estimates long
since and most generously exceeded, the
free library is unique and eXqulSitely
beautiful to the last degree. The Million
hire IN question said that when Mr.. Car
nevie came to the city with such a real and
genuine benefaction, it would be a most
grave and irreparable mistake if the cathO-
Eeity of the donors views were not met
more than half way by the citizens repre-
antatives In Council. 'It the city of AL
egheny,' concluded the speaker, "cannot
ford to receive that gift and maintain il
DOn the broadest-minded and most non
,olltical plane, the solid citizens of Ale
henv want 20 know it Z
Another Alleghenian said that he hoped
lcerely that those gentlemen in Councils
.ho were, jocularly speaking, "clothed in a
lnttle brief authority, would pause before
insisting upon attaching political signif-
canoe to matters in connection with the
free library. The institution was intended
essentially for the people, and not as a rally
ing ground for politicians or a citadel tor
the use of political factions in or out of
Councils "It's at a critical stage in its
history, is this free library" said this gen.
tleman, 'and there should be nothing done
which the light Of experience will show to
have been a mistake. I'm afraid to speak
my mind in regard to the phase which has
shown to the people that the relentless
spoilsmen intend to swoop upon our beauti-
full library, for 1 might say something which
would offend some one. But all I feel like
saving is to echo Pdnch'S famous advice TO
young people contemplating matrimony,
which was Don't"
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION.
Many efforts have been recently made to
obtain from Mr.. James B. Scott, Chairman
OF the Carnegie Free Library Building Com
mission, his views upon the subject of the
permanent control of the magnificent library
and music hall, which have grown to their
present exquisite proportions and admirable
completeness under his experienced eye. AS
chairman of the commission, and charged
with the expenditure of any sums necessary
to make the enterprise success .ul entirety,
Mr.. Scott has worked incessantly to obtain
the best results from the expenditures of the
committee. During the entire time of build
ing Mr. Scott has at least once day, and
frequently oftener, visited the building.
MANY notifications of the original plans
have been made by him, and when the orig
inal gift Of $3.50, 600 was consumed, Mr.. Scott
was made the disburser of Mr.. Carnegie's
further liberalitY in the completion of de-
tails and the elaboration of designs
If then, anyone should be considered
qualified to speak ex cathedrs upon the sub
feet, Mr.. Scott can be considered the man.
He was seen Yesterday at his Office, and re-
queste5 to give The DISPATCH the benefit
Of his views.
"Now, really" remarked Mr.. Scott 81
am very reluctant to say anything upon this
matter Sustaining the peculiar relations
70 the whole enterprise that do have
felt the utmost disinclination to appearing
IN print."
"But, Mr.. Scott" demonstrated the re-
porter, 'now is the very time to scquaint
the public with the views of those who have
zen the benefactiOn of Mr.. Carnegie ripen
and expand"
appeal Tor his views, and squared himself
for statement in detail as follows:
Wei, since you put il in that light, suppose
must be led like a lamb TO the slaughter 1
may remark, by the way, that was more thau
pleased with the temperate editorial in The
DESPATCH in comment upon the recent meet
Ing Of the Allegheny City Property Committee
Il awakened, assure you. an amount of crit
icism and an expression of views which cannot
fail to have salutary effect upon the future of
the enterprise.
SCOPE OF THE COMMISSION.
have read with great interest the discussion
IN regard to the ultimate control of the tree
library and Music Hail. but have taken no part
in it at al Ny relations are simply with the |
Building Commission. and our duties will end |
with the completion of the edifice, in about |
usouth. at which time we win be entirely re- |
heyed of all connection with the noble gift of /
MI Carnegie to Allegheny. 1 have no greater 4
interest in the project than any other citizen. /
utI sincerely hope that Councils will evolve /
pne plan which viii be broad and cOmprehen-
Ne. and effective OF the best results to the |
community IN general. am not in sympathy
Win tie usual denunciations lereled at Coun-
nim2nlc bodies. because recognize that they
gentlemen OF intelligence and ability l
ftoflp lp5e outside
I