Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-16
Prospects for an Endowment Fund
for the Allegheny Free Library
THAT MAY EXCEED 100000.
A Citizens Meeting Called for to Receive
Subscriptions.
PITTSBURGs GIFT TO BE INCREASED

is now setting in in favor of the permanent
control of the free library and Carnegie
Hall by citizens instead of politicians. The
promoters of this movement to secure this
public expression OF opinion are the leading
citizens of Allegheny, and it is expected
that the fruits of the gathering will be the
raising of a large sum of money, condi-
tionaI upon the change of base in Councils
from the ground at present occupied.
Mr.. Utilities Baird, of 209 North avenue,
made the original suggestion of mass meet
ing of citizens to deal with the question OF
endowing the library. All whom be en-
countered yesterday waxed enthusiastic, and
it was finally decided last night that the best
plan would be to enlist The DIsPATCH's
services in the matter of announcing the
meeting and arousing and concentrating
public interest in the matter.
WHERE TWILL BE HELD.
1t was hoped that the meeting could be
held in Carnegie Hall, but as the entire
building will be in the hands of the cleaners
and devoted to the preparations for Presi-
dent Harrison's visit and formal opening, it
was deemed inadvisable to even request the
use of the hall from the Carnegie Free
Library Commission. A member of the
commission when appealed to suggested that
the meeting be held in Common Council
chamber, and, if no obstacles intervene, the
meeting vii! be accordingly held at s o'clock
next Tuesd y evening, provided the city
authorities will allow the use of the chamber.
Mr.. Baird was disinclined to appear as
an exponent of his own ideas when seen yes
terday, but finally consented to be quoted at
u H.. a. al
various checks alluded to By Mr. Arthur
Kennedy, last evening, at the session of the
Allegheny City Property Committee; in
fact we examined them together. Further
more, l know of number of men who will
come forward with substantial gifts if the
future control of the building be vested
in committee in which citizens predomi-
nate.
81 will myself give for the endowment of
the free library as much as any other single
citizen of Allegheny. 1 suggested a mass
meeting of citizens interested in the future
of that noble set of buildings given us by
Mr.. Andrew Carnegie for two reasons:
TWO REASONS FOR IT.
"First, it seems necessary to show to our
in Council what the real sem
timent of the citizens in the matter of per-
manent control of the building really is. |
Secondly, to give Alleghenians an oppor- |
tunity to show how much they appreciate |
Mr.. Carnegie's generosity by emulating it.
From what I have been able to gather 1t |
will be possible to raise 5000, 600 in hard
,ash to endow and establish the library the |
moment that an ordinance is adopted giving |
control and management to the citizens.
Such a possibility must certainly carry
weight with 1t, and commend itself to the |
Compare the plans SO far advanced. The
ordinance framed for adoption by Councils
provides for $4,000 to be expended the
irst year, with no mention of any
ubsequent amounts; but any sum raised
1y Councils must be levied upon the people
md all the people, both rich and poor. The
burden must fall upon all alike, and compe-
ent judges say that $3.50, 900 must be ex-
'ended to completely equip the library. On
he other hand, it is an assured fact that the
Fealthier citizens of Allegheny are both
BILE and willing to shoulder this large sum
nd save the people every dollar, so far as
he books are concerned.
eff, in the face of these liberal and pub
ic-spirited intentions, Councils should i'm
'ose such heavy burden of taxation upon
be people, the accounts might be balanced
esire to emulate the spirit which has actu-
ted Mr.. Carnegie, and which will develop
mong our wealthier citizens, it is not
reat sacrifice to allow the building to be
by citizens.
MOTIVES MIsCoNsTRUED.
"It is these silly filings at 'aristocracv' and
be Allegheny Four Hundred which tend
D make men of wealth hesitate when it
70 civ Eov he Al |
DR. fear their motives are going to be mis-
Mr.. Carnegie SO plainly indi-
ated his own wishes In the terms attached
} his offer to PIttsburg that it is a matter for
'onder that there are any citizens in either
'ittsburg or Allegheny who either can mis-
nderstand or choose to misunderstood what
nould be done.
81 would suggest that every citizen who
hooses to contribute to the free library
ook fund indicate for what purposes the
mounts should be expended. For instance,
ly hobby is mechanical literature,
ther men may believe in fiction,
Biography, history, art, science,
atural science, or modern languages.
ZACH section in the magazines could be
oted in the catalogue as the contribution of
lie donor, thus preserving an accurate
ecord of gifts and their scope and character.
Gail have said is simply in the line of
lggestion, but 1 think we cannot do too
uch to excite interest in such magnificent
1ditiOn to our city as the Carnegie Free
library, constitutes. A lively and we'll I
tended citizens meeting upon the subject ]
annot fail to be productive Of good.'
FOR THE FORMAL OPENING.
The traces of the five days occupancy of
lie Carnegie Free Library will be carefully
kal -.
eginning tomorrow. Preparations are to
. most elaborate for the event of Thursday.
transpires that Mr.. Carnegie desired to
i've an elaborate banquet to his guests in !
Ie free library, but the prospect of 1900
'vers was slightly appalling and the IDEA 7
as reluctantly abandoned.
The interior of Carnegie Hall will proba- S
y be decorated with national colors. The q
'iginal programe will be adhered to, with G
EDITIONS in the shape of several brief ad- 4
-esses by John h. Ricketson and others.
be change in the date has necessitated the t
ithdrawal OF the original invitation cards, T
I'd new ones are in process of issuance. q
The following Associated Press telegram
ows that Mr.: james G. Blaine viii make S
'od his promise given to Mr.. Andrew Car n
gle upward OF two months since: L
Secretary Blaine will probably be the only
ember of the Cabinet who will accompany T
g President to Pittsburg, the 18th inst, to Z
tend the dedicatorv exercises of the Carnegie =
orary. While in Pittsburg the President ana
r. Blaine will be the guests of Mr. Carnegie
the Duquesne Club and reception in honor A
the distinguished guests is on the pro- O
anime. A number of delegates to the Pan d
nerican Congress have also been invited to
tend the ceremonies and it is likely that a
ecial train over the Pennsylvania road will j;
nvey the guests to the scene of festivities Mr.: g
.rnegie has been at the NOrmandie for several t
VS. past making arrangements for the trip
d all the details for the journey have been
mpleted. y
Mr.. Carnegie returned to his home in n
ew York yesterday but will accompany
Presidential nartv from w Nashir n.tnr, 70 |