Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-12
INCREASING ITSUSEFULNESS
Proposed Opening of the Congressional
Library at Night
Giving Thousands of Readers Access
barred From Their Contents.

Mr. VIM A COe, In speaking OF the de-
sirability of Congress making appro-
priation TO open the Congressional Library
evenings, in accordance with Librarian
Youngs recommendation, said to Star
reporter:
Not long since 4 leading member of the
present Congress was overhead to remark
when referring to the proposed opening
of the library evenings to the public: Why,
that beautiful building would be turned
into common loafing place If such
course were to be pursued He seems to
be unaware of the fact that Superintendent
Green of tire library building has in op-
Grafton within its walls as perfect a sys-
tenn of government can be found in any
other department of this city or elsewhere
for that matter. Most efficient watchmen
and doorkeeoers are stationed in various
parts OF the library, and nothing of a char
ncter such as that mentioned by the con-
gresham referred to would be counte-
nanced.
The men and women from the various
districts of the states and territories hold
ing positions here in the departments, a
large percentage of whom are young, are
above the average. as far as intellectual
attainnent5 and social qualifications are
concerned. coming. as they do. from the
leading families of the districts from whicc
they hail.
Students in the Department.
There is no doubt whatever that large
number of the young people who hold office
mere gladly accepted their positions as the
best possible means whereby they would
De enabled to prepare themselves, if not
Tor college, for their chosen profession in
life, and today it is estimated by a CONNIE
tent Judge that there are between 10000
ana 9,on students now the pay rolls
OF the government here in the District
being employed daily between the hours of
am. and 4:30 pm. who, if not pursuing
nun course of study, are interested in at
least one or more branches and out of
ONCE hours. far as possible devote a
portion of their time to acquiring knowl-
edge In their special line or lines
III proof were at all necessary it would
seem TO be afforded in the fact that in all
the departments here petitions are being
universally signed tsome having already
gone IND praying Congress to allow the
pubic access to the library extending the
time from to 10 pm, thus enabling the
thousands who are thirsting for knowledge.
but because of force of circumstances are
debarred from the greatest privilege that
can be afforded Them of study and CON
sultation with works of the worlds en,i
nent. famous authors, on any subject
known to man.
In the Public Schools.
Inc daily enrolment of pupils in the pub
TIC scnoois OF the District during 1897 ay-
eraged about 5000: 5000 white. 1900
colored, 1,lOl teachers; total, 44.1O7 This
army OF our rising generation and their
teachers stand ready to cast a unanimous
vote in favor CT the present Congress
granting the appropriation asked for by
Librarian Young, so that after school
hours they may. in preparing for the
studies of the future, be permitted to make
researches and take notes from the books
In your 90 superb intellectual store house.
Three public libraries of nOte-Boston
Carnegie Of Pittsburg and the Chicapo puh
lie Library-open to the public in the even
ing, as we'll as during the day and the re-
suits wherever this plan has been adopted
are most gratifying. thousands of per-
sons VINO heretofore seldom, if ever en-
tered the buildings because of daily occu-
patton. now often spend a delightful hour
or so in study or with their favori,e au-
thcrS.
The books are in place. the library force
IS III complete working order. and the pub
lie are daily taking advantage of their
privileges But while all must admit that
the collection is invaluable to and closely
identified with all interests of Congress
being of its own creation-is it not equally
patent to all that in order to increase its
usefulness to degree not vet attained its
doors must swing wide open during the
hours when practically all of the reading
masses are at liberty to CRAFTY their in
tellectual inclinationS?
Every official in the library. from Libra
rian Young down. heartily indorses the
contemplated opening. Every man woman
and child who within the hounds referred to
appreciates Intelligence and desires to in
crease the usefulness of mankind. also ac-
quiesces- Now il remains for the Fifty
fifth Congress to agree to the proposition
ana by placing the required sum at the Ii
hrarian's disposal merit the praise honor
and everlasting gratitude of the residents
Of Washington likewise of the American
people who are constantly visiting our
city"