The times., 1899-03-31
CARNEGIE OFFERS TO
SUPPLY MORE MONEY
lie Talks of Building Branch
Libraries Here.
Interviewed in New York by
Washington Delegation.
Willing To Cover Any Additional Ex-
pcnse on the Mount Vernon
square Structure.

Commissioner Wight returned yesterday
from New York, where he, together with
b. H. Warner, Vice President Of the Wash
ington Public Library, and Bernard R.
Green, Superintendent Of Construction for
the proposed new building, conferred with
Andrew Carnegie relative TO the s250,0oo
building to be erected in Mount Vernon
Square with funds contributed by the
Pitisburg millionaire.
The news is brought back that Mr.. Car
negie was not only delighted with the prog
ress made by the Washington officials in
charge OF the project, but sign.fed will
irgness to furnish funds for branch Ii
braries in various parts OF the city, as the
demand for books increased after the COM
pletion Of the central library. Mr.. Car
negie said he would gladly do this, pro-
vided no unforeseen obstacles were p aced
in his way.
The delegation from this city interviewed
Mr. Carnegie in his New York mansion,
and reports having met with cordial re-
ception. MIR. Carnegie expressed gratifi-
cation at the energetic and business,ike
manner in which the people of this ty
have interested themselves In his library
project. A plan of Mount Vernon Square,
showing its central location and eight ap-
proaches, consisting of improved avenues
and streets which lead out in all directions
like the spokes of a huge wheel, was laid
before Mr.. Carnegie. 1t was evident 10
him that possibly the best site in the
city had been chosen, and that a beautiful
building erected there would present con-
spicuous appearance. This afforded HIM
considerable pleasure. Mr.. Carnegie also
rllanc nta nf
large libraries in this country and Europe,
and explained their advantages and d;sld-
vantages as they appeared to him.
Commenting on the features of many
well-known libraries, Mr.. Carnegie said he
thought the day had passed for the de-
STABILITY of huge central libraries, which
were difficult of access to persons living
in the enyirons and more remote portions
OF. city. He took practical and utili-
tartan view OF the question and said he IA
vored the erection of reasonably large
library building at a central location with
smaller branch Libraries in different parts
OF the city, according TO the demands of
persons living considerable distance from
the main institution. All public libraries
should be easy of access, and one huge
structure, without any branches he
thought, would fail to accomplish the de-
sired end.
Carnegie tnat he would establish branches
in connection with the proposed library in
this city, but he intimated his willingness
to supply funds for this purpose, and his
manner led the Washington delegation to
believe that the statement was in every
way sincere.
Mr.. Carnegie Informed the delegation
that he would cover any extra expenses
incident TO the construction of the library
He explained that he had no desire what
ever TO dictate TO the Library Commission
what kind of a structure should be erected
or TO influence them in any way, and only
expressed himself frankly because he was
asked to offer suggestions
Commissioner Ross will issue call for
meeting Of the Library Commission
within several days. probably tomorrow.
Colonel Bingham. Superintendent OF Pub
lie Buildings and Grounds, and Engineer
Commissioner Beach. who were delegated
TO draft rules and regulations TO govern
the office OF Superintendent of Construc-
tion, are almost ready to report and as
soon as they complete their labors in this
direction the meeting OF the Commission
viii be held. II is possible that the ten
architects who are TO be invited TO sub
NIT competitive designs for the proposed
structure will be selected at the coming
meeting of the Commission.