St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-12-10
A LESSON FROM HISTORY.
now R0ME'S POPULATION WAS D0UB-
LED IN FIVE YEARS
WITH A LOCAL APPLICATION

Gen. Andrews Tells What Has
Been Done in st. Paul and
What May Be Done Again-A
Plea for a Library-Practical
Plan for Securing the. Much
Desired Building.
To the Editor of the Globe.
/ have been curious to notice how it
was that SiXtusV. doubled the population
OF Rome in his short reign of five years.
He was of Sclavonic origin, became
pope at the age of sixty-four and was
man of "all-accomplishing energy"
During his five years. administration he
opened several new streets and erected
some memorable buildings and monu-
ments. In less than two years he con-
structed that masterpiece of architect
ure, the dome of st. Peters, though the
builders at first rexuired ten years in
which to finish it. He constructed a
colossal aqUeduct twenty-five miles
long, which fed twenty-seve copious
fountains and rivaled in magnificence
the works of the ancient Caesars. He
kept thousands of men at work all the
time in improvements and gave the city
such prestige that people far and near
felt that their interests would be ad-
vanced by living there. As have said
he doubled the population of Rome in
five years, and gave it for the third time
nitS history the aspect of capital of the
world.
There was period when this city
seemed to be following his example. and
with equal success. When l returned
from Brazil in lS65-eight years ago
the Ryan hotel was just finished, and,
like all others. was much struck by its
splendid appearance. 1t deeply im-
pressed every visitor as to the public
spirit and energy of our city, and gave
it decided prestige. 1t indicated that
here was rapidly growing city, and
undoubtedly was one or the weightiest
things in influencing the capitalists who
came soon afterwards in deciding to
construct those magnificent tireproof
buildings which were undertaken and
which are now the ornament and pride
of st. Paul. l believe that the enter
prise which built the Hotel Ryan led to
those other costly improvements. When
they were in progress business was
good. the city was growing, and real
estate was active.
In about two years the walls of the
new pOstotfice and new state capitol
should be going up; and if at the same
time fine new tireproof library build
ing could he in course of erection, such
evidence of enterprise would impress
people, just as the improvements did
which | have just mentioned. They
would stimulate the growth and pros
perlty OF the city, and there would again
be activity in real estate. OF course,
there are many other and perhaps bet
ter reasons for a library building; but l
am regarding the matter now from
purely material standpoint-as means
of helping people sell their lots.
The first and important step towards
obtaining library building will be for
the common council, in the annual tax
levy, which. in few days, it must fix,
to include therein the half-mill tax for a
library fund, as allowed by the general
law of 1879. The burden of such tax
will be exactly so cents on every 81, 900
of assessed valuation of property and
no more. Such tax OH the S124,0OO, 600
assessed valuation Of property in st.
Paul will yield for next year S52, of
which $l2, 900 can be used for current
Library expenses, and $4,000 be in
vested as part of library fund until
needed. In three years, if the tax be
continued, S150,000 would then become
available; yet work OH building could
begin sooner. No one appreciates more
than the need of keeping down taxes.
Several years ago when high license
was adopted and the city realized S377.-
600 year from liquor licenses, it was
hoped that money for a library building
would be derived from that source.
But, mol Never dollar. The ouIy way
left therefore to obtain the money is by
tax.
EsThe common council has authority to
issue bonds to the amount of $4,000 for
tie purchase of site, but they will not
be issued until there is money for
building, if even then, as there is strong
opposition by influential citizens to in
creasing the bonded Indebtedness a
single dollar. Some people think the
proposed sale of the market house may
yield money for a library building; but
that is something uncertain and remote.
SO, also. we occasionally hear people
say that congress could be induced to
>tOhopN ehO piOoOh9 POolOliCO I'LL d
library. All SUCH suggestions are sim
ply obstructive. 1t will be three years
or more befor the present postoffice
building can be vacated, and then it
would he many years before congress
could be preya lied upon to pass all act
to give the property away. 1t is not in
the habit of doing such things. The
government will need the building for
warehouse. Besides, apprehend
our city would lose credit and influence
If it were TO appear before congress as
medicant for library building.
/ repeat that the first practical and
important thing to do toward securing
library building Is for the common
council to include in the coming tax
levy the half-mlIl for library fund;
and this, If done at all, must he done
when the levy is agreed upon--the 14th
inst. The common council. however,
will not do it unless compelled to by an
immediate and strong expression of
public sentiment. Friends of the
library, and ali who wish to see the city
take fresh start in enterprise and
prosperity should urge the matter on
tie attention of their aldermen. The
youth and school children Of the city
should use their persuasive eloquence
for 1t through their parents.
G. c. ANDREWS.
Royal Arcanum.
Terrace Coun Gil 1878 held a very en-
thusiastlc and largely attended meeting