Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1899-02-27
CITIZENS AND LADIES
OF THE CIVIC FEDER-
ALTON MET SATUR-
DAY NIGHT.
The Mayor Among the speak
ers.-Judge Boyce Pro-
poses a Feasible Plan.

In response to the invitation of tn
Civic Federation of Womcus Climb.
quite large number of people Assem-
bled at Armory Hall Saturday evening
to discuss plans for securing Il librar
site. President Mrs. Frank j. Mar,i
and Treasurer Miss Hattie Chandler O
the Civic Federation were seated at
table in front.
After the President had called tn,
meeting to order Il. s. Curricr aros,
and spoke briefly as to the cause fol
which the meeting was called. lie ex
planned the amendments to the cit,
charter which provide for raising none,
by taxation for the establishment an(
maintenance of Il public library
Thought the corner lot on the French
estate was the most desirable location.
Postmaster f. W. Bisbee for the trus-
tees of the Aldrich Library Fund ex.
planned the provisions of the .Aldrich
will. The time is nearly at hand when
the estate is to be settled up. The trus-
tees would be in accord with the ladies
Believed the city should buy the cor
ner lot which is most desirable site.
The Rev. Eilie X. Nj. Jones was the
next speaker. "AIl are agreed that the
corner lot is the most desirable site.
Some have thought that the money
necessary for the purchase of the site
should be expended for books to be
placed in some room in the new City
Hall. We already have the nuclei of
three libraries, and it is about time to
begin to look for something permanent
and satisfactory. AS to the question of
the city putting the money into the
hands of the trustees, | think they would
be as Likely to act con-cientiously as
would city officials, elected for short
term
"1here are two plans for purchasing
the lot. First. by subscription. and
second, to have the city levy n special
tax to raise the money. There are many
objections to the first plan. As rule
people are most interested in those
things where they feel they own par',
and if a special tax of 20 or 30 cents be
raised the citizens would all have IN
interest. This latter method is practi-
cable and business like. We need not
discuss now how much money will be
needed for the building. Secure the
site first. If it passes from MIR. How
lands possession it will doubtless be
lost.
Mr.. Frank Rowland slated that he
came 5y request to express his views
and give facts. Before the auction sale
of lots on the French estate he had talk
ed with several prominent citizens about
the corner lot as library site. He
bought it with the hope that the library
would be located there. He spoke of
the beautiful grounds at the High school
and thought library should have as
good Had no idea of forcing the lot on
the city. Mr., Rowland read that POI =
ton of the city charter which has to DO
with libraries. He spoke of the French
library and the Aldrich bequest. Had
had several chances to sell corner lot
for other purposes. City could have it
for what it cost him. City now appropria-
tes $500 to $500 hundred each year for
library purposes, Thought there should
be special tax to buy site.
II. S. Curricr the second time salu
that in regard to the special tax on dogs
the great argument of those VINO
appeared before the legislative COM
mittee to get it repealed was that they
could not the the books. Thought the
public would take an interest i'll 1t II
thew purchased it by means OF special
tax. Mr.. Rowland called for Mayor
Gordons opinion.
The Mayor had not fully settled the
question in his own mind. Thought the
corner lot was the most desirable site
Soma Of the citizens had expressed a
willingness to buy the lot and hold u it.
II was a question wheathel or not the
CITY could raise the money and turn II
over to the trustees of the Aldrlch fund
uoped that others would leave bequests'
but In different way. 1t was an t'e''
m. The French library would n"ve ~
sRnaratp lQSlltutlOlli