Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-11-26
Librarian spo8ord and Superintendent
Green Both Examined.
BOOKS can Be MOVED IN THIRTY DAYS
The Question Of Appointment Of
Assistants Discussed.
UNFIT FOR INAUGURAL BALL

library resumed its session at the Capitol
today. As heretofore explained in The
Star, this committee Is conducting an in
quiry into all matters relating to the Con-
gressional Library, with the purpose in
view Of reporting to Congress such legisla-
ton as may be necessary to put the admin
istration of the library upon the mot ade-
quate footing when 1t is moved into its
new quarters. In this connection new
system Of conducting the copyright branch
Of the library will probably be recommend
ed by the committee provi6- -ng for the sep
aration of the duties Of the librarian Of
Congress from those pertaining to the issue
of copyrights
also a mass Of historical data relative
to the Library of Congress, and, in accord
ance with suggestion made by Repre-
sentative Quigg, will also take in de-
scription of the functions Of the Smith
sonian Institution and the scientific branch
es Of the government that may be In any
way related to the Congressional Library.
The committee will summon before 1t
several Of the most prominent Librarians Of
the country to obtain their views and ideas
upon the details of library work. Mr..
Brett of Cleveland. Ohio, chairman Of the
American Association Of Librarians, has
teen requested to appear next week, and
others will be called.
TOday's Session.
At today's session Of the committee the
n;sin points brought out were in connec-
ton with the proposed removal of the Con-
gressional Library to the new quarters i'm
mediately after the 4th of March next.
Superintendent Green said this could be
done within thirty days if, as suggested by
Mr.. Quigg, there should be an extra ses-
sion of Congress, and the quick removal of
the library necesSitated.
Librarian Spofford came before the COM
mittee today and was asked to give his
views upon the question Of more intimate
joint committee on library in regard to the
auditing Of accounts, the purchase Of books
and the selection of employees.
Mr.. Spofford said the committee should
have closer relations with the librarian in
regard to the purchase of books and audit
Ing OF accounts. There is no great institu-
ton where some such system does not pre-
vail. 1t had long been a matter of regret
more earnest Interest in the library
However, with the incessant and diversified
matters of business claiming the attention
Of Senators and Representatives. he had
not wondered at their failure to take a
closer interest in the library.
Mr.. Quigg suggested that this seeming
indifference OF Congressman might be due
In part to the fact that the law does not
impose direct responsibility upon the COM
mittee.
Mr.. Spofford concurred in this view, and
added that the temporary tenure of office
Of the committee might also have had to
do with the situation. He had thought at
times that some permanent body Of trus-
tees or directors, to be chosen by Congress-
might take supervision of the library
In regard to the selection of employees by
the joint committee he would hesitate to
express a positive opinion. owing to the
practical and technical responsibilities of
such selection and the necessity of the ex-
ercise Of great deal Of care.
Appointing Assistants.
do you think the selection of the librar-
ian's efsassistant should be left to your
own choice, without advice" asked Mr..
Quigg.
Mr.. spofford answered that he did not
think it should be entirely 30, but the IL
brarian should have the means of control
ling the selection Of the men who were to
enable him to best fulfill the functions of
the library. Mr.. Spofford added that he
regretted very much he had been forced in
the past to assume the responsibility Of
selecting his force from the hundreds Of ap-
plicants He would have preferred to have
had them chosen by competitive examina-
system of appointment is a grave one, and
it should be considered in relation to the
civil service system.
Mr.. Quigg asked Mr.. spofford what he
thought of plan by which appointments
should be made by the library committee.
on the recommendation Of the librarian, the
custodian Of the building and the proposed
register of copyrights, with the right Of re-
moval for incapacity exercised by those
officials.
Mr.. Spofford said such plan might work
satisfactorily, but that fact could be DEM
onstrated only by actual application and
experiences
Superintendent Green Examined.
Mr.. Bernard R. Green. superintendent of
the new library building, was then exam
ined. Mr.. Quigg called his attention to the
estimates submitted by Librarian Spot
fcrd Of an appropriation Of $4s,GOO for the
employment Of seventy-eight persons in
the care and custody of the new build
ing. Mr.. Green concurred in the estimate,
which. he said. had been made after con-
In answer to further questions Mr.
Green said that in the construction of the
building Gen. Casey and himself had made
the contracts and employed the workmen,
being responsible only to the accounting
officers of the treasury and to Congress.
The operations were reported to Congress
every year. Mr.. Green thought that a civil
engineer should be employed as custodian
Of the new building. A man of ability
would save to the government in the course
OF year many times the amount of his
salary Of 5000 year.
Mr.. Quigg asked Mr.. Green to draw up a
paper defining rules for the conduct Of the
building by such an official and setting
forth his authority.
Mr.. Green was asked what he thought
Of the proposition put to Mr.. Spofford. that
the employment of the custodian should be
selected upon his recommendation by the
committee on library. He replied that n
the element Of personal influence" could
be kept out Of the question it would work
satisfactorily. Some sort of plan should
certainly be adopted that would provide
the best men for the best work.
Mr.. Quigg said that was what the com.
mittee desired. The good of the public
service was the desired end in this matter.
1t was not desirable to throw these an
pointments open to the sole discretion, Of
one official. -
Mr.. Green concurred in this idea and
added that II he were in an executive ca,
pacity in the building he would be aia,i to
have some supervision of his actions bv a
responsible power. Mr.. Green then entered
into detailed statement OF the duties Of
the watchmen, engineers and firemen nra-
posed to be employed IN the new boildin~.
He also explained his estimates for cnsi
and fuel He also gave his views upon the
details Of furnishing the rooms Of the
building. He said there will be an ,,nar.
pended balance of appropriations cs about
$4,000 or $4,000. which he should ba an
thorized to use In purchasing furnffure
and fitting up the building Tor occupancy. !,
ne1eval - the Deohs,
Have you considered method for the