The morning call., 1891-03-29
WITH SIMPLE
CEREMONIES.
Laying of the Mercantile Library
Cornerstone.
Mayor sanderson and William Greer Harri-
son Delivered Addresses = Everything
Was of the Most Simple Character.

About 200 people witnessed the ceremo-
MES attending the laying Of the corner
stone of the Nero camille Library building, at
the corner of Golden Gate and Van Ness
avenues, yesterday afternoon.
A platform had been erected within the
half completed walls, on which were seated
the Mayor aud the library association
officials. For the accommodation of the
guests chairs had been provided, which
were arranged ON the temporary floor of the
building.
At 8 o'clock President E. J. Molera arose
and said: you have been invited to be
present to-day at the laying of the corner
stone of new building of the pioneer library
of the Pacific Coast. 1t is our belief that
the change of locality will bring return of
our old prosperity. We had invited to adj
dress you this afternoon man well known
to you all for his eloquence and scholarly
attainments, but owing to illness he is IN
able to be present"
MR. HARRIsON's REMARKS.
Mr.. Molera then read note from W. q.
l., Barnes, in which the latter stated that a
severe cold, accompanied by high fever,
would prevent his appearance. William
Greer Harrison was then introduced and in
few well chosen words reviewed the his
tory OF the various libraries of the world.
In conclusion be said:
" No nation has given more consideration
to books than this great nation in which we
have the honor to claim citizenship. San
Francisco has not been behind in the effort
to erlighten her people. IshOuld be able to
say to you to-day that the history of this
library is the history Of San Francisco, but
unfortunately | cannot With this new
building, however, We all hope and trust
that this library may be enabled to en-
ter upon new career of prosperity.
regret to say that our busy men
smaller inclination, toward the pursuit of
literature, and To the women we must look
in large part for our knowledge OF literary
subjects. To the latter, therefore, it is the
library, so that TREY will give us their best
efforts to aid in the work we have under
taken"
MAYOR sANDERsoN INTRODUCED.
The President announced Mayor Sander
son, who expressed great pleasure at being
able to attend. 81 have" lie further said,
been member of this library for nearly
twentysix years. To my shame. | must con-
TESS that | have never been an active
worker. There are too many such in San
Francisco, and | trust that this days work
may bring the people to an awakening sense
OF lne importance Oh THIS venture. can. IN
fancy. see going out from this building an
influence that will aid in driving out the
powers of darkness and superstition. In
after years we will feel the effects of this
great enterprise"
The cornerstone was then laid by the
Mayor without formal ceremony. The
stone itself was a hollow granite cube
measuring 90 inches in diameter, with a
cavity Of inches in all its dimensions, con-
tanning copper box in which were laid a
set Of Mercantile Library Association cata-
losues, the associations annual reports, all
the blanks in use in the library, tickets of
invitation to the ceremony. copies of all the
daily papers published in the city, photo
graph of the new building and a copy of the
minutes of yesterdays meeting OF the Di-
rect0rs. The minutes read as follows:
On the 2Slh day Of March, A. d. 1891, and the
115th year of the foundation of the United States
OF America. BenjdmIn Harrison, President,
Henry IL. Markham, Governor of California, and
George II. SandersOn. the Mayor of the city of
San francisco, tie officers and Directors OF the
Mercantile Library Association met al the call
OF the President Tor The purpose of placing in
the box to be deposited In lie cornerstone Of the
new building, at the northeast corner of Van
Ness and Golden Gate avenues.
The entire ceremonies occupied about one
hour.