The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1898-03-17

sparkling fountains to renew our strength
for the conflicts of life. Those who will
accept its blessings most and drink most
deeply from its springs will grow to be
the strongest and most enduring.
The question is; are We willing to as
sumo slight burden 10 order to place
within our midst a vast fountain of
thoughts, where tine best minds OF all
6ges have contributed their mighty re-
sources, where every citizen may draw
inspirations Gay after day, or would We
rather, like Issacher of old, crouch down
between two burdens, the burden OF nom
progression and the burden OF shame at
our unique folly without parallel in the
State OF Wisconsin. No one will DENY
but that 1t would be better to assume the
former. EDwARDL KELLEY.
free public library is one OF the i'm
perative needs Of our city. About this
all are agreed, but it Is contended that,
at present We cannot afford it, Oh account
OF great expenditure for work on the riv-
er, sewers, etc. The cost OF library,
hover, supported by taxation would
really be very small do not know what
the assessed valuation OF Manl.owoc Is,
but l suppose a one mill tax would yield
an annual revenue Of twenty five hundred
to three thousand dollars. This would
be ample for the purpose. The burden
of such an institution should, OF course,
be borne by the entire community.
| though considerable amount could be
easily raised by subscription, entertain
ments, etc, for beginning. | am some
what familiar with the history of library
/ in town OF four thousand Inhabitants
! in southern Michigan. It is wholly sup
| ported by one mill tax levied upon the
town and township. The amount thus
raised, less than two thousand dollars,
! lie sufficient TO defray all expenses of
management, and to add hundreds of
library. This library Is open daily from
/ 9 A. NJ. to 9 P. nj. Magazines OF every
description are taken, besides standard
daily and weekly papers. Ihe library is
in charge of competent hbrarlan,-a
young lady. The general interests of
the library are directed by a board of
Trustees composed OF representative
men and women Of the town. | think 1t
/ hardly necessary to dwell upon the need
of public library or to urge it's advan-
tages. There are no two opinions about
1 the benefit of such an institution. But
[ hear it's feasibility, at present. question
/ ed. / am told that we cannot afford IT..
But this objection has always been urged
In every city, suppose. The achieve
ments OF the smallest towns and villages
should silence any such objections The
demand for this library is not matter of
sentiment. A we'll equipped library Will
benefit every legitimate commercial and
manufacturing enterprise in our city.
We want place which will provide prac-
tlcal instruction and inspiration to our
students, mechanics and professional
men. All matter OF questionable inhu-
ence should find no place in library of
this nature, but it should be conducted
on broad and liberal lines, and for the
benefit OF all classes OF our people. We
cannot AFFORD much longer to be with
ont those we'll nigh universal indications
of life and progress: paved streets, arc
lights and free public library. Mantle
voc is said to be absolutely unique in
these respects. This is a pretty ExPEN-
sIvE reputation. E. W. RANKIN.