Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-21
OUR MAIL POUCH.
New Ideas on the Iibrary-Why Net Make
the Pittsburg Gift an Institute tori In
sfructiOn M Well e-Some Suggestions.

| New Ideas on the Idbrary-Why Not MIKE
the Pittsburg Gift Institute tori In
sIructlOn NJ weIIs-some Suggestions.
To the Editor of The Dispatch:
| A million dollars for another library the
benencent giftof the generous-hearted, open
handed Scotsman. Do Pittsburgers realize
the degree of benefit which thus will accrue to
them; and do they adequately appreciate 1t In
its fullness? Time will show and will prove
itself-the test aqua forts. Of true, or spurious
metal.
nWill the "people' derive the full benefit de-
signed by the noble donor, or merely the big
solid bone. depuded of its tit-bits, by the crib
bage of a privileged and prescribed few7
Maybe Pittsburg claims exemption from moral
parasItesl If SO. it be ''paradiseP' Cribbage Is
fashionable game, tits in order Of the day in
such matters in general.
Now, what does the science of economics
teach To direct our energies, the employ
ment of our resources-of whatever they may
consst-all that constitutes wealth (actual or
implied), in that direction which must ulti-
mately prove the most productive. The ques-
tion is as to the true nature of productiveness.
Would it be expedient or productive to place a
Buckett cyloric engine in the hands Of a pure
natural" without the acquired knowledge
and skill to manipulate it So would it not
be in accordance with the fitness of things to
educate the people to an appreciation of the
benefits proffered by the library, by a means of
instilling into Pittsburg little life-blood
Now, with doubled resources, would not there
be scope sufficient for practical test Of this by
approprlating little corner of the new pro-
posed library building to little hall in all es:
sentials stout ensemble" for use as small
Carnegie Institute" practically
A hall. where all subject matter would be
thoroughly and skillfully dealt with, varied in
nature so to enlist the interest alike Of those
Of denser capabilities or merely average men,
tai standard, viz: treating Of sciences, arts.
literature. business, political. social and domes
tic economics; not so much howery education,
but what is in truth needed, education of the
practical based on real logic and sound common
sense (the rarest of attributes nowadays).
This would combine recreation and enjoyment
with real, genuine advancement, len masse'
and individually, stimulating zest for healthy
pleasure, for what is there to equal the graft.
fcati0n derived from the acQuirement OF
knowledge and personal, mental advancement?
NothingI for do not the sweets Of knowledge
afford deep and lasting pleasure? And
would not this requirement of knowledge OF
the practical be OF infinite incalculable ad-
vantage 20 the community in every essential in
daily life, improving each as citizens anc neigh
bors, throwing thus a by no means unimDortant
drift into the hearts, heads and lives OF these
people. and so maybe producing more citizens
Of the order of Andrew Carnegie. each to have
his influence on the surroundings OF others,
and to do his work among them as his reason
and own sweet will dictate him to be the most
productive; so benetting all around. helping
and smoothing the thorny path of many who
are earnestly struggling upward and onward,
enabling these in their turn to contribute to
the general veal of the community.
A small general institute, where all essential
matter, culled and selected, be dealt with sys-
tematically, and presented in fine form at the
hands of an experienced master upon the sub
iect on hand. could not fail to meet with re-
sponse of vital interest of all classes and ages;
and if so desired might in short time be rem
dered self-supporting. Who will deny that
knowledge is more permanently acquired BY
oral teaching than by mere personal study, the
impressiVeness Of the human voice-the modu-
lation of which really constitutes so much Of
the true rendering of words-haVing its due
effect.
The library will doubtless meet with due ap-
probation as the hands of those engaged in
literary pursuits, who will avail themselves OF
the privilege tor study, reference or research.
but the specimens of such order are Of some
what limited order in Pittsburg as yet.
Speaking from some knowledge and much
intimate observation of the order.
Sincerely yours,
A GENERAL FREQUENTER OF LIBRARIES
AND INSTITUTES.
PTTTsBURG, February 20, 1880.