The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-03-06
MOntpelier's Golden Opportunity.

MOntpelier's Golden Opportunity.
Editor of Wdtchman:-I have read with
interest the discussion in the newspapers OF
the all .pervading library question and have
watched the trend OF opinion which the
publ ,ation of Mr.. Woods offer has devel-
oped, hoping to find only deep solicitude
for the present and future welfare and glory
Of Montpelier. l have been glad to hear
much OF the right sentiment expressed, and
grieved to find here aud there state OF
feeling that ought not to exist. Har nony
should prevail in all our affairs as a com
munity. Personal rancor and bitterness
should not come into the consideration OF
any matter, particularly this library ques
ton, which should be treated and decided
in the light of reason and common sense.
What has been done cannot be changed.
A compromise, whether wise or unwise it
does not matter now, was made with the
Kellogg heir. He is apparently carrying
out in good faith his part OF the agreement.
II he is departing in any way from its terms,
it is in putting more money into library
building than the contract calls for. Let
criticsing and carping and invidious com
ment stop. When the building is finished,
books to fill it must be bought, the library
must be maintained and running expens ,s
paid. Very likely these bridges will be
crossed successfully when they are reached,
and the public will pass on into the benefits
Of library complete in all that constitutes
q well-appointed institution of the kind.
People enjoying its blessings will not be
concerning themselves very much about the
manner of its ownership and administra
ton. They will accept the goods the gods
have provided, grateful for the deities' be-
neficence.
But the gods are devisiug other goods for
Montpelier through the famous artist,
Thomas W. Wood. His proposition, il &C.
copied, will make this city the envy of
lovers of art everywhere. Why should not
all the people Of this city ardently welcome
Mr. Woods offer and graf ,fully embrace it2
Why should there be a doubt about its &C.
ceptance, and why should there be an in-
siant's hesitation or a breath of opposition?
Such offers do not go begging How
many communities In Vermont, how many
in New England, or in all the land, would
take Mr.. Woods offer, with the assurances
of fine new building, at its face value?
La accepting it, the Montpelier Public
Library will part with none OF its prop
erty and will relinquish no right it
possesses now. II the understanding on
tenant OF the Young Mems Christian
Association is not fulfilled, the associa-
ton, If it assents, can terminate its ten
ancy or reconsider its action, and turn over
its books to the Kellogg Hubbard Library
or any one else, II it desires. The time be
is to be completed, or even before the Mont
pelier library would leave its present quar-
tiers, should settle all the questions as to
the suff1ciency Of the home the Young
Mems Christian Association will be able to
provide. But it is not supposable that Mr..
Wood will permanently hang his pictures
in rooms unsuited to their proper exhibit
ton. It must necessarily follow that
building with suitable gallery will be
forthcoming, building affording also rooms
for the library and the Young Mems Chris
tian Association; and this edifce, it is
reasona 'le to assume, would be a gem
among the many fine specimens of archi-
lecture in this city. The library is asked to
take rooms in this proposed building, with.
out charge for rent, heat or light. 1t keeps
under its absolute control all its property,
its chartered rights, aud maintains its own
stances, will any one ask the beneficiary or
benefciaries to give bonds for the perform
ance of their benefaction?
Some people object that this community
does not need two libraries, and cannot sup
port two. Would there not be as much rea.
son in the assertion that Montpelier doesn't
need two church societies and can't support
two; or two dry goods or grocery stores?
Will it be commended that the Church Of the
Messiah, or Bethany, or any one OF the six
in this city could fill the field and meet the
requirements of all? The Montpelier Public
Library and the Wood Art Gallery would
be unique scheme for more widely extend
ing the wholesome influences that proceed
from institutions of this kind. 1t would fill
place OF its own. 1t would trench upon no
other. 1t and the Kellogg Hubbard Library
would be co-laborers, just az the church So
cieties are CO. workers. Each would have
its own financial support and backing.
Neither would withdraw one dollar from the
other. The elevating influences of good
literature will be reinforced by the uplifting
power OF art. II the condi ions of Mr..
Woods offer were hundred fold more ex-
acting, the price would be exceeding low.
The books OF the Montpelier Public Library
would cut no considerable figure in the new
library. That institution would hardly miss
them. The Kellogg Hubbard Library will
not be made poorer by the acceptance Of
Mr.. Woods proposition, but Montpelier and
the surrounding comm antics would be
made UNNECESSARILY richer. / look to see
wise and unimpassioned counsels prevail in
the end, the Montpelier Public Library &C.
cepting Mr.. Woods proposal with substan-
tial unanimity, and the Kellogg Hubbard
trustees counseling such acceptance and
bidding the association God-speed in its new
sphere OF usefulness Then would the era
OF good feeling be re established and Mont
pelier saved the reproach OF spurning gift
the metropolis OF the nation would hail with
gladness.
An onlooker, Mr.. Editor, in this conten-
ton, nevertheless feel deep interest in
its right determination. My pen has been
employed in many good causes, but never
in one better than this. My identity and
right to be heard will be recognized, by
many OF the older generation at least, when
/ subscribe myself,
Yours for the glory of Montpelier,
Pro Bono PUBLIco.