Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1889-10-05
WASHINGTON LETTER.


The mighty building which is to
cost we'll nigh 100000 and which
will contain, and be sufficient to ac-
commodate the Congressional Library
for one hundred years to come, is at
the second story. The walls are of a
New Hampshire granite, so like white
marble that it would seem to be that
substance vaguely washed with light
solution of India ink. Librarian
Spofford is delighted at the prospect Of
an early occupancy, and is especially
pleased with the idea of having the
inner court walls of glazed white En-
glish tile, from which the light will be
so amply reflected that the titles Of
books may be easily read by the libra
rians in the more remote hooks of the
library.
1t goes without saying that Mr..
Spofford has high and mighty rever-
ence for the Library and he defends,
in warm terms, the mental character
of its patrons. First Of all, Mr.. Spot
ford believes that the Congressman is
above the average man of education in
culture and intelligence. He vindi-
Gates the literary character of the
legislator.
Mr.. Spofford finds that Congress
sional reading is of a practical turn.
There is large demand for books re-
lating to economic science, taxation i'll
all. forms, internal revenue and pensions
at home and abroad. Public senti-
ment may be sensibly traced in the
tenor of this reading. Just now the
amount of reading on tariff is greatly
reduced. The American people read
comparatively large amount of his
tory and the historical division of the
Congressional Library is we'll worked
mine of information. Outside pure
politics, science most interests the
statesmen. Some study electricity,
while others find hobbies in worlds
fairs and International exhibitions.
The search is for precenents as to ex-
penditure, receipts, area of ground
needed and effect on commerce and
manufacturing. Another class Of
Congressman apply themselves to in
ternational law and their study never
ends.
Very few Congressman read polite
literature. Most of the novels and
miscellaneous works taken from the
Library are drawn for the families Of
these members. When you see the
latest novel of some giddy gusher you
can wager it is not drawn for the
Congressman undivided benefit.
The magnificent effort being made
by Chicago to secure the worlds fair
! of 1892 Tor that city, together with the
generous offers of St. Louis and the
vague demands of New York, have
Weakened the people of Washington to
renewed energy in urging The claims
Of Washington to the celebration. The
necessity of having the celebration OF a
national character is paramount. The
people of the other Americans visiting
This country during The exposition can
best understand our institutions by
seeing the fair at the center Of govern
ment. 1t is essentially the proper To-
cation. If money can be secured, and
Congress can be made to appropriate
the necessary amount, and it is likely
that after Che big cites have spent
their energy Washington will step in
the victor. All the rival cities look
upon the worlds fair as business
speculation. Every wholesale mer-
chant in Chicago is urged to subscribe
heavily on the ground that the country
merchants from all over the west will
visit Chicago during the exposition
and buy their stocks there. That is it,
the matter is put entirely on a business
basis. How markets like Minneapolis,
St. Paul, and Kansas City will relish
the idea of losing half their trade for a
season is not hard to guess. BY the
time choice must be made Chicago
will hardly be so far in advance as at
present. In fact the solid, conserva-
tive business men and politicians of the
day, throwing personal interest aside,
are favorable to Washin9ton's claim.
The chances of Mr.. A. B. Campbell,
of Kansas, for the Commissionership
of Pensions are very bright and he will
likely be appointed to the position
within few days unless Gen. Brown,
of Ohio, who was an original candidate
for the place is well urged by his
friends. The President appears de-
sirous of Kidding himself of the question