The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-06
THE C0SSITT LIBRARY.
AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE FOR
GENEROUS SUPPORT.
Money Needed to Construct Build
Ing without Draining the Fund Left
by Mr.. Cossitt--A Chancs 10 Aid a
Worthy Object.

issued yesterday by the trustees Of the
Cossilt Library fund:
To the People oi Memphis
II is very generally known that the ex-
ecutors OF III" late Frederick II. Cossitt, OF
New York City, in behalf OF his daughters
aud their husbands, soon after Mr.. Co.'S
sits death. and In order 10 carry out
purpose he had formed in his lifetime,
generously declared their intention to do
nate the SUN OF $4,000, 10 bc used in es-
tablishing free public library in the city
OF Memphis, and requested the under
signed TO net Us trustees 10 receive the
fund and see to lis application 10 the pur-
pose indicated. We accepted the trust.
In order 10 secure the proper management
and provide for the support Of the library
IN the future. W. applied Tor and obtained
a charter Of Incorporation under the laws
OF the State Of Tennessee, by tho name Of
the "Cossiu Library"
We have organized the corporation, and
are now iIs board OF Directors. We pro-
pose TO establish n free public library Tor
the equal benefit Of all the people. Such
was the purpose OF Mr. CoSsiit, and is the
wish of those who have undertaken To
carry this design into elect. In view Of
this iact We applied 10 our municipal gov
eminent for the grant Of the right porma-
ncntly TO locate the buildings required for
the library on that portion Of the public
ground fronting on the west side VI Front
street, south oi tho United States custom
house aud north of Monroe street, and the
grant was promptly made.
II IL necessary that the General Ass IN
bly, should also consent 20 this grant, aud
"a
consent ~ soon as II cunycnos, aud We
have every reason 10 believe II will be at
once given. In the meantime the cxccu.
tors of Mr.. Cossiit's will. ms the rcprc-
scnintiycs Of the donors have notified Us
that the fund donated awaits our order,
and will DO paid when We desire IL. II il,
therefore, safe 10 assume that We have the
ground ON which TO locate the library
building aud reasonably adequate fund
10 pay for the books for the library.
hut We have not the money both 10
construct the buildings and improvements
aud buy the books.
To apply any part Of the fund We now
have Ia hand 20 the purpose OF construct
ing the buildings would seriously impair
our ability 10 establish aud maintain such
public library as the people Of Memphis
ought o. have. Certainly our people aro
able and willing TO give enough 20 provide
the bnil,ling, when the public furnishes
the ground un which 10 construct them,
aud the children oil one who lad long
ceased 10 be one OF our citizens. and who
are themselves Strangers ~ "a, have
already provided the means with which To
III the buildings with books No soon ~
they arr completed.
We, therefore, appeal 10 tile people, one
and all, rich AMI poor. to come up and
help In this noble enterprise. We ask
each one 10 give accorling 10 his ability
aud inclination, and will thankfully accept
any donation, lnrgc or small
We hopC a. be able Ia construct build
ings which will bo q credit % our people
aud an ornament 10 our city, aud will GER
ialnly DO ~ II the money u furnished with
which 10 pay f0r them. liut u n all with
the people. We shall incur no debt which
w have not the means 10 pay, and " tho
money given us will not pay lor such
buildings ~ W. desire W. Nill b. obliged
10 put up such only ~ wo can
pay for. We will commence tho
erection Of the buildings thr moment we
have the assurances Of the money necessary
to pay for them. We hope. therefore,
that every ono who can contribute will do
20 nj the caflics, opportunity. We do not
need nor desire an the Donations paid
down In cash at once. We win receive
donations in such instnllmrnls as may suit
the donors. All We want il tho money to
pay TOT the buildings as they progress and
the certain assurance before We contract
COT them that the means 10 pay for them
will not bn wanting when the buildings
arc completed. Mr. Darlington Mason,
Secretary OF tho Board, will receive aud
receipt for all donations, whether In the
form Of money 10 otherwise. lie can bc
found At his Office. No. II Madison street.
VA. NJ. fARRiNGroN,
President
CAmfNuroN Mason,
ssvriary aud Treasurer.
W. NJ. RANpoLru.
JNo. 4. FAnuAsoN,
ELLisroN MWoN,
u. T. lllbDEs,
s. l.. RgAp,
]. &. NrrLY,
NAPOLEON Hut,
Trustees.