The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-04-24

1t was formerly remark of the philoso-
pliers that the brain of the public was mar
vellOusly prepared for the reception of error
and surface sensation. A reference to the
annals of bygone centuries affords melan-
choly justification of the views thus express
ed. Happily for the good of mankind, the
statement is true of the present generation of
men, to a limited degree only. Thanks to
the potency of modern assimilation of
thought mankind is reaching out for the
best in everything, and is learning to dis
criminate between the merits of solid men,
tation and the gilded uselessness of inert
artifciality. 1t is still true, however, that
the popular impulses are more or less inclin-
ed toward the externally more attractive
mental and moral legerdemain that covers
error with the guise of truth and lends to the
pernicious dazzling semblance to the legit-
innate and useful. Especially is this true
with the untutored, inexperienced mind of
our youth, who are constantly exposed to
the inviting influence of baneful inventions
that find recognition in the book world under
the specious name of Fascinating fiction, -
and poison the fountain springs of their lit
erary conceptions.
In spite of the leavening process of eight
cen centuries of Christian civilization, the
conditions of society are still very far from
what they should be, and it is necessary to
oppose strong front on every side, to the
forces of error and evil that are insidiously
at work in every part af the world.
Inspired with the thought of assisting the
young minds of the community toward the
higher ideals, number of our citizens have
originated and put into practical shape the
idea of public library and reading room
for Ravenna.
Under statute enacted in 1892, any in
corporated village is authorized to levy a
tax, not exceeding one mill, for the purpose
of founding and maintaining public libra
ry and reading room.
The Legislature wisely recognized the
moral and educational utility of such an in
stitution in every municipality, and realized
also that the only way to insure its continu-
ance was to support it by public taxation.
And this is eminently right and just. A
public library and reading room is some.
thing that every resident of the city is per-
sonally interested in, and to which he has
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are equal to all, and all should therefore
contribute to their maintenance in accor'
dance with the property possessions OF the
individual beneficiary.
Among the pioneers in the movement the
names of Hon. C. A. Reed and Rev. w. G
Schoppe are particularly prominent. The
latter gentleman has thoroughly sounded
the sentiment among large number of the
representative citizens of the place, and his
suggestions everywhere met with hearty ap
proval, and his plans with hearty endorse
ment. After establishing basis of popular
acceptance, it was further planned, in order
| to get a still better and more complete ex
preston from the people, 10 call meeting
| for the public discussion of the project, al
| which representatives from all the various
| Orders and Churches in the town were lnvit
ed to be present. The meeting was held lasi
Friday evening al the Office of VIM. .Grinnel
in the Opera Block. 1t was well attended
and earnestly participated in by the large
delegation present, who represented sub
stantially all of Ravenna. Mr.. Grinnell wal
chosen Chairman, and E. w. MaXson al
Secretary. NJ. G. Garrison, County Treasur
er, was present, and spoke of the favorable
outcome of a similar movement in Kent
making an extended statement. Mr.. MaxSo1
told OF the successful and satisfactory opera
ton of the plan in Garrettsville.
C. A. Reed said that the business men o
| Ravenna owed something to the young mel
along this line, and earnestly advocated thu
consummation of the idea, which seemed t
him a wise and benefcent one.
Rev. w. G. Schoppe said he had probably
visited one hundred business and profession
al men, and understood them all to be IL
favor of such a movement. The materla
prosperity of the city would depend upor
Its mental and moral development, especial
ly of it's young men who are TO take thu
place of those now at the helm. His obser
vation had been that good public library
and reading room tones up the whole life O.
"a city or community.
Rev. Andrew Wilson spoke of the propos
ed institution as a long felt need in this city
and called attention to deceased citlzel
who had made provision in his will at on
time for the establishment of a public librar.
in Ravenna, but as nothing was done abou
It, he feared the will had been changed. MI
Wilson, it is needless to say, is an enthusi
astic believer in the efficiency of the plan.
Rev. B. F. Ashley said he had though
much of what bright young man once SAT-
to hinl-that young man was nowhere II
Ravenna unless he had girl. He though
a library and reading room were great,
needed here. Not every young man enjoye'
/ e 1odu in
and for such the area of intellectual enjoy
ment outside of private reading, must appea
barren indeed.
Remarks, practically of the same tenor
we're made by nearly all the representative
present, who spoke not only for themselves
but for large, intelligent and inf1uentia
constituency. They affirmed with muc
evident personal qualification, that the OF
| sanzations in whose behalf they were there
strongly favored the movement, and coul
be depended upon to assist in the work of it
future maintenance to the best OF their abl
tiles.
D. NJ. Clewell was present, and as usua
with him, manifested great and practical il
terest in an affair of general public concerl
He said that such library and readin
room was not only necessaryfor young mer
b 1t would greatly benefit all ages and class
es of the people, The sentiment in favor {
il. he said, was all settled. He did not bt
| eve anv one could be found who woul
think unfavorably OF the plan. The onl
Iquestion was how to get at it. In his pra'
teal business way he brought the matter
d point, and suggested the selection of
committee to present the matter before tn
City Council, and ask them to levy the ta1
Rev. Andrew Wilson, Rev. B. F. Ashley an
ID. NJ. Clewell were thereupon named as
committee for this purpose.
Duplicate petitions will be left at the po
ofice and other public places, after tomo
row morning, for signature by citizens, asl
| ING Council to make the necessary levy.
A special meeting of Council has bee
called for next Monday evening, to TAX
action in the matter.
In times like these, the safety of the n
| ions future is immensely fortified by tt
presence in the Executive Chair of a leVe
headed far seeing and firm minded Presiden
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