Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-10

library in the country Is so conducted, and
why should this one be carried along On
this plan. He would vote for bill to re-
peal the law by which the general ex-
penses of the District are shared by the
United States.
Mr.. Powers of Vermont urged instead of
providing a new library to make available
the books which are already in the existing
government libraries here. There are over
l.0U0,OoO volumes in these libraries, and
which now keep the people away from
them. There are $1,000 duplicate copies Of
books which can be used.
Mr.. Powers Objection Met.
Mr.. Heard said that is just exactly what
this bill proposes to do; to make available
for free circulation the books now scatter
ed throughout the various Libraries.
Mr.. Powers endeavored to draw a paral-
lei to fit this case by asking If any state
government aids a municipal library. The
unfairneSs of his simile was Immediately
pointed out when il was explained that no.
where else is there parallel of the ar
rangement existing between the general
government and the District of Columbia
At this point Mr.. Caruth of Kentucky
came in with the suggestion that the Con-
gressional Library might serve the pur-
poses of the people, and Mr.. Heard had to
explain again that the use of the books
in this library is limited by law to a very
few persons.
Amendments Acted On.
An amendment offered by the committee
was agreed to. making the library free
to residents of Washington as well as
citizens. An amendment was agreed to
limiting the number of trustees to six
limiting their term of Office to six years
and providing that they shall serve without
compensation.
Mr.. Cannon offered his amendment ex-
Guiding the library from the new city post
office building, ard providing that inc
Commissioners shall find room for the
library. MIR. Cannon said the adoption of
his amendment would probably result In
the construction of separate building
for the library jointly by the District and
the government.
Mr. Heard said he would indorse this
amendment.
including Mr.. Cannon's scheme, which
provided that the entire expense of the
library shall be borne by the District.
Mr.. Cooper Supports the Bill.
Mr.. Cooper of Florida said that there ap-
pears to De a disposition the part of
some members to take a very narrow view
OF this bill. The spirit which prompts the
begrudging attitude assumed by some
members is not admirable one, and
will not be shared by the people of the
United States. This bill asks the House
to do that for education in the District
which Is being done all over the coun-
try. Lack Of sympathy with this bill be-
trays lack of knowledge of the progress
Of education in this line or lack of SYM
pathy with the people Of the United States
IN their relation to education.
Mr.. Caruth of Kentucky said he believed
the education of the people is the safety
Of the republic. and If there were not al
ready in this city the finest library In the
wcrld he would vote for this bill.
The people of this District have the right
to go to that library.
Mr. Powers feared that this library
would eventually Involve the expenditure
Of millions" and that 1t would ultimately
prove a burden to the nation. The people
of Vermont should not be called upon to
support a library In Washington, and he
would oppose any appropriation by the
government.
Mr.. Heard said Mr.. Powers was attempt
ng to evade a fair discussion of the ques-
ion. The share which the United States
pays of the District expenses is borne pro-
)ortionately by the people of the District.
aised out of their contributions to import
axes, internal revenue taxes and the other
means of raising the revenue
sr. Everett Elo qucntIy Defends the
Bill.
Dr. Everett of Massachusetts, consid-
cred that the expense of free library is
a legitimate part of the expense of a gov
eminent, just much the expense of
a free school The government Of the
United States is interested in the Districts
expenses and IL is impossible to draw the
line between water works and sewers, be-
tween water works and sewers and
schools. or between schools and a library.
He would favor the amendment of Mr..
Cannon, and with that would favor the
pill DIR. Everett made an eloquent and
mpassioned plea for nberality toward the
District, and was vigorously applauded.