The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-06-02

description OF 1t that the report rur-
nishes:
"It is a matter of congratulation,
says Librarian Foster In his report, "that
after what has certainly been sufficient
ly long period for deliberation, seal
has been adopted for the library, and is
used for the first time on the title-poge
OF this years report. Such symbol of
authority as this has two aspects, artistic
and historical So far as the former is
concerned, the following technical de-
scription OF the design, which has been
kindly supplied by Mr.. Updike, is of in
terest.
"sThe seal OF the library consists of an
Italian shield, bearing upon II repre-
sentation of a lighted candle In a candle
stick. Across the face Of the shield are
the words-Providence Public Library;
and at the base of the candlestick the
date, 1874. This shield Is superimposed
upon scroll. and this circular scroll
forms the outer rim OF the seal. Between
the scroll and the shield are conventional
sprays of flowers. treated somewhat in
the classic manner. The scroll itself bears
the word Enlig ightenment, motto chosen
for it by the library committee.
OF the library, by Mr.. Berkeley Updike,
Boston, and made by Bertram G. Good
hue of the same city,
viewing it from the historial aspect
the following very lucid memorandum,
by Judge Stiness, of the board of trus-
tees, explains the selection OF 1874 as the
date employed, 1t being the date of
organization
IA charter was obtained in 1871, to in
corporate free library, art gallery and
museum in Providence, under a plan of
pooling the collections of several So
cieties, as a nucleus. 1t allowed an or
ganization when their subscriptions, Of
$4,000 each, had been received. The
hope was to get the city building in
Market square, when the city hall should
be built, or else the lot where the court
house now stands; and SO. the scheme
awaited the course of municipal events.
After the subscriptions Of Mr.. Joseph
A. Barker, Mr.. Alex. Duncan. and Mrs.
Anna Richmond had been made, it was
thought best to drop the institute plan
and TO have library only. Accordingly
these person organized under the charter
in Nov, 1874, and procured an amend
ment or revision OF the charter in 1875.
The question arises, therefore, which
date should be put upon the seal.
A charter is simply a warrant for
corporate existence. The corporation be-
gins when 1t organizes. Hence 1877 should
not be the date, though there may seem
to be discrepancy between the dates of
1874 or 1875 on the seal and 1871 ON the
charter. The charter wss not to be oper-
atlve until certain subscriptions should
be secured. IL did not start the library
and 80 should not be the date upon its
SEAL IL a charter date were to be taken,
that OF 1875 may be claimed to be appro-
pirate because the library, in its present
form, began then. But in 1875 the corpo-
ration, with money paid in, was already
organized under the former charter. This
disposes of that date. The selection OF
1874 necessarily follows.
"'There is striking analogy between
the incorporation Of our colony and this
library.
:" 'The first charter OF ths colony was
given in 1914, but the colony did not or
ganize under 1t until 1647. In 1863 a new
charter was obtained from the King. The
town governments continued until i647,
and then the colonial government began.
Clearly, that would be the proper corpo-
rate date OF the colony and equally SO,
1874 is the proper corporate date OF the
library