The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-08-02
our xAr1oxAE Ernn1nr.
TsasrAs ceneetisa which n mas end Ras-
crofI.s Cellecfion Nyhich II Ilnn Nnf.

ererrs Csllection whieh II vsas sst.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 1.-The successful trans
Ter Of that portion Of the Congressional Library
known as the Toner collection from the recesses
OF the crypt beneath the dome OF the Capitol,
where 1t has been hidden from the light OF day
Tor nearly n quarter OF q century, to permanent
quarters in the new building, recalls tho failure
OF Congress to secure for the library the extern
siVe and In some respects unequalled collection
OF Americana made by the late George Bancroft.
Tho Toner collection was the work Of a
Washington resident, DIR. J. NJ. Toner,
who was an industrious but not at all
times discriminating collector. He was an enthu-
aiastic admirer OF Librarian SpofTord. and In
his collecting awaited himself oftentimes of the
services and skill OF the Librarian. When tho
mass OF books and pamphlets outgrew the ac-
commodations OF q private residence DR.. Toner
turned 10 over to the Congressional Library, but
did not cease his efforts to add to its size aud
value until his death. a short time ago. Tho
collection Is particularly rich in publications
that obtained but little circulation or reputa-
ton, and will be valuable to the historian and
writer on domestic affairs OF American life.
Heretofore, owing to the lack of accommoda-
tion In the Capitol, It has been impossible to
place the collection at the service Of writers, but
in its new quarters II will DO open to all.
The Bancroft library would have supple
mented the Toner library in a direction in
which It was lacking, as Mr.. Bancroft's colleo-
ton was secured by him almost altogether an
. historian, and It comprises many historical
the Congress- Of the United States was to have
an option on the purchase Of the library for two
mined SiaTs sf' Pur l ) nRP so tsfs y p4oT,s hsa 1 Sis e aeeeu:
tors, O. O. Glover and James NJ. Johnston of this
nv Nv ; Ys9R' %b sh p|. ssfv,G ys, %. y 5G ssy BOD ); s ssSln ,S Of
on the iiSrary. in both the Senate and House to
Harmer in the Fifty-third Congress, near the
s%uficient TO prevent eonsidsration Of the meas.
ure, It had been Mr.. Harmer's understanding
an Smendment to one Of the general approppia.
ton biliA, and thus secure the money necessary
to soS S9se e. ta aoopp uFs cr ,S:. But .nsI he was .S, unable NAB ITO to
Goyernment 70 acquire the library, passed away.
spoford in speaking Of the matter, that J. Ken
nedy Tod oame down from New York and made
library Cd their hands for $4,000. They con.
suited With me about the matter, and as there
would act, even IL another opportunity were
given, IT. was concluded to accept the offer.
tisr sas II 5GSSs Now f fS9Ra L IL VIII VIZ n ias0 t saS d aee Il
Nov YorS, sSe ss.sSiisS%ent Of Which has Been
FOUNDATION q tSst aS a,slS'V VIII u Be- sp The s eonsol tns
ton of the Lenox and Aston libraries, and Of the
tendent Of tie new consressionai Library. Is
passing q part Of his time in New York asa
d %s%9ef fo y! the he s so%a1ssss npS 81 is new sS 'f home :
p pssisio have ySd Ss SSii SIf En- SsiIsTRa lsn po SssTsa Vim IL i Ss .
hne one. II will not compare in any respect with
the building in which the Congressional Library
will soon be placed
very desirable addition to tho Congressional Ii
brafy." continued Mr.. spofford. ''for in the
materials for his history he became possessed Of
some uniGues For instance he had the original
IT'S. for Which the State Of Msssadhusetts
s TS1 ss. stT e i sss S Z sss' fh s:sq aoeams shs' b Re ass
s~etsrisio q their authors. and which perme-
found sSaSsr ih. hla ss.si HSt Plssos y Z. tie NATIONAL %iSas; {. eap assS
the value and eItent OF the congaressional Libra.
THE Congressional Library" he said. speak
ing OF bis purpose In this regard, ought to DO
ieans. and i ann preparing lists Of publications
desirable and necessary to effect this end 1t 10
I n0S this su Fsspsss x IL o9B| iis GaS i!@s5 MUSEUM in t bs. w sS.s
f. not strange when one considers the radically
d Hnises s, psl,S go gnssSrisss ID l * the G ftaS sSs, Of Of p the
lament toward the British Museum. I. has;
and ndn has had s,t for M mSaIng years re- Ts. the sum me Of pc 1000
he0 ~ "4l,A ~ ihNASooo -
while at times we have been without any funds
at all. and never had anything, like that amount
now to secure some Of the old publications., be-
cause for forty years the British Museum has
refused to exchange duplicates. Prior to that
time It did dispose of ite extra copies. and a great
many Of these have found their way to tho
saelyes Of the Congressional Library.
THE influence OF that magnificent building.
the finest of its kind that was ever constructed,
and. with possibly two or three exceptions, the
handsomest building ever erected, upon the
public mind. We hope. viii be reflected upon
Congress. 90 that in the future its dealings for
the library viii DO upon q moro liberal scale.
No visitor to tho library building fails to go
without being greatly impressed, and II Con-
gressmen will but carry out the desire Of
their constituents who have seen and studied
its scheme of interior decoration, combined
with It's majestic proportions and grace Of
as may be 1t shall DO filed with a collection
worthy the place in which 1t Is found. To this
end. too, present conditions In tho personnel Of
the library stat win greatly contribute. Mr..
Young. the Librarian. by reason Of his long con-
necton with the press. will be able, as we have
never been IN the past, TO reach the newspapers
with the demands Of the library, and by bringing
them thus before tho public secure many yalu-