The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-16
TIE C0SSITT LIBRARY.
THUNDERoUs ARGUMENTS AGAINST
IT'S LOCATION ON THE BLUFF.
An Expert Architect and q Famous LII
brarian Strongly Brace the opposi-
ton OF Judge Hammond-Case of the
Newberry Library, Chicago.

oito iOt tuc NOSSltI lIipiaiy Has uOt DeSI
taken up by them for widespread and So
\ rious discussion.
Judge Hammond alone, OF all the capa-
BILE outsiders, has entered protest against
its location ON the bluff south OF and adj
jacent to the custom-house.
1t was but a few days ago that THE AP-
PEAL contained an interview with Judge
Hammond on this important question. In
the talk reported the Judge took the
ground that the river front and extreme
western border OF the city was no place
for a public library, or any other public
building. For a very few years, barring
noises made by railroad trains and steam
boats, the proposed site might be be made
to do. With the growth OF the city, and
dispersion of banks from Madison street,
certain to come at no far distant day, the
character of the locality would undergo a
marked change. Theriver front will be taken
up with warehouses, and given over to
warehousemen, draymen, truckmen, and
become the center of shipping iterests.
With this almost certain revolution in his
minds eye, and the undeniable fact that
20 library should be located with view to
permanency and fitness, the Judge stood
squarely upon the ground that the Cossitt
Library should not be located upon the
bluff, as nearly as possible in the heart Of
the city Of the near future.
Some unknown "old Memphian," now
resident OF Chicago, sent Judge Ham
mond copy Of the Chicago Herald, OF
Saturday, June s. The paper contained a
lengthy article on "The New Newberry
Library Site" in which was much that
should claim the best judgment and most
studious consideration OF the Cossitt
Library trustees. On the margin OF the
paper, the sender had written his senti-
ments, as follows
81 have been interested in your ideas on
the location Of the Cossitt Library. This
1.-THE article referred TO- covers the ground
as to such surroundings. II Memphis is
ever to be anything more than a stage
route village with one street, she must
look to something except the Bluff for To-
calities for public buildings. My location
for the Cossitt Library Is the triangle at
New and Old Madison streets and Charles
ton avenue, converted into public park,
city hall and library"
The article intended for the conudera-
ton OF Judge Hammond was based upon
an act OF the Newberry Library trustees,
changing the site for the prospective instiz
tuition. The change was influenced by
Henry Ives Cobb, architect OF the Library,
and Librarian W. +. Poole. The former
was appointed blythe trustees about year
ago, since which time he has been devot-
ing his thoughts 10 the study Of libraries
and library buildings He details the re.
suit Of his research in foreign cities and
cites one example at home, the new Bos-
ton Library, all Of which pay high regard
TO the value OF space about them. Con-
tinung, Mr.. Cobb says;
Another, and certainly the most i'm
portant point OF view from which you
have already carefully considered the
Homestead Lot is that Of convenience
TO the majority Of the people 10 whom Mr..
Newberry left his great gift. Where do
there people live, and where will they live
fifty or 100 years from now2 A few, per.
haps per cent, will live east OF State
street, but that per cent. is liable 10 have
many books OF their own. The great mass
OF the people for whom the library is 20 be
built will live west Of State street. Owing
10 the great future size OF our city, most OF
the visitors 10 the library will depend
upon some means OF public conveyance 10
reach Il; hence, the present and future
means OF public transportation about the
site are Of vital importance"
The recommendation OF Architect Cobb
was submitted 10 w. i. Poole, one OF the
greatest librarians Of the country. In the
midst Of his elaborate reply this gentleman
said
1.-THE selection Of location for the per.
manent building regard as the most inn
poriant question connected with the or.
ganiation Of the Newberry Library. The
decision must be made not with reference
e the needs OF the library for a decade. q
Lali century, or a century; but for all time.
Removal from dwelling.house. store OF
factory Is attended with some embarrass-
menis; but the removal Of large library,
which has been established for years, from
its original site, is attended with great diff
iiculties and with enormous expense. Tho
city OF Boston. In moving the location oil
It's public library building-whosc corner
stone was laid less than thiriy-iour years
ago--is row passing through this expe.
Ticnce. Such n removal Is practical
Abandonment OF the whole structure and
Of all the improvements made upon the
premises. Tho best selection, In view OF
all the elements m the problem. should
, therefore, be made nj liTst; for fifty or q
hundred years hence Il will not be possible
to procure location large and central
enough for the purpose OF the Newberry
Library without an immense expenditure
OF money"
Further ON Il Il said:
1T may be said that an institution Of
the importance Of the Newbcry Library
will atimct 10 II scholarly readers wher
ever Il Is located. Tho remark IA true con.
corning a large class OF readers; aud YET
experience shows that another large elias,
OF readers will not visit library habitual
~ u its location be remote from the usua
lines Of travel. Tho fact Is shown In the
two branches Of the Philadelphia Library
Company The branch on Juniper street
Is much iroqucntcd because IL Is easily ac
cessible, while tho Rldgcway branch on
Broad street. having a structure which
cost OO.001, las only score Of visitor
daily, because Il Ia not readily accessible
at may he objected 10 the Ogden LOT
that business has already invaded the
vicinity, whereas, In the region Of Ontario
and Rush streets, quioiudc and somno
lencc reign suprcmo-a condition which Il
supposed 10 be conducive to literary nnC
scientific pursuits. Assuming the suppo.
eiton-vhich Is qucsiionablo-lo be cor
rect, Il might DO advisable 10 use the Home
stead lot for few years II a permanent
library building could be moved with the
facility Of circus tent and a new location
as easily be found for Il. Business IL In.
yadng the whole southern portion OF the
North Division. and the Homestead loI
cannot escape this inevitable movement.