The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-02-11
WILL ASK CARNEGIE
Chautauqua Social Union Want
Free Library for Wichita.
PETITION FOR $4,000
Great Movement Started at
Bishop Vincent's Reception.

LOllOhlilS LHC ICCCplID1l S4NCn III nOEOT
of Bishop Vincent last night the Chautau-
qua Social Union of Wichita voted to
petition the great benefactor. Andrew
Carnegie, for $4,000 donation for pubic
library in this city. The announcement
ence, but carried with great enthusiasm.
When Mrs. Piatt, the presiding officer,
asked Bishop Vincent to take the chair
the audience wondered what was coming.
Then Mrs Piatt stated the reason for
selecting a new chairman. She stated
that it was an opportune time, while they
had the great leader of educational SEN
timent with them to submit to Mr. Car
negie. under the head and authority of
the Chautauqua societies of Wichita a
petition for public library fund COM
mensurate with the Importance and needs
of the city.
II move you, Mr.. Chairman, that we
ask Mr.. Carnegie for $4,000 for a public
library in Wichita" said Mrs. Piatt
Mr.. James Allison at once seconded
Mrs. Piatt's motion with a rousing speech
outlining the great Importance of this
city and its claim on the great Million
ARE for help along educational lines.
Rev. DR.. Slutz said that the mayor of
the city was present ana asked the chair
to call on him for a speech. Mr.. Ross
was called to the platform and made an
excellent talk for the library. He praised
the public institutions OF the city, say
ing their reputation had spread over the
state and beyond its borders. Realizing
the great need of a public library com
mensurate with the growth and impor-
tance of the city he said he was heartily
in favor of the movement and would do
all in his power to help reach Mr.. Car
neSie.
Mr.. Chas. G. Cohn. president of the
Commercial club was called for. Mr..
Cohn was not present, but he had heard
of the movement to secure Carnegie
library fund, and sent Mrs Piatt the fol-
lowing letter, which was read by Mr.. ].
H. Black:
Wichita, Kan, Feb. s, 1900.
Mrs. R. NJ. Pfatt, President Wichita
Chautauqua Social Union, City:
Relative to the request of securing an
endowment from Mr.. Carnegie, would
say 1 most heartily concur with you in
your request to have this gentleman in
terest himself in our behalf, and feel con-
hdent the guarantee of our citizens will
be voiced with one accord TO comply with
all the conditions Mr. Carnegie may re-
quest; and I pledge the cooperation and
support of the Wichita Commercial club
in meeting any requirements. which Mr..
Carnegie may see fit to demand of the
city. Wishing you much success in your
undertaking. I remain most respectfully
yours, CHAS. G. COHN
President Wichita Commercial Club.
Rev. DR.. Bradt, pastor of the First
Presbyterian church, spoke excellent
words in favor OF the plan.
The question was put by Bishop Vim
cent, and the entire audience voted as
one on Mrs. Piatts motion.
No better plan could have been adopted
to secure from Mr.. Carnegie one of the
benevolent enterprises which he is insti-
tuting throughout the country. The pc
tition comes from the highest moral and
source, and being sanctioned
by Bishop Vincent, will have a strong
tendency to reach Mr. Carnegie's inner
most benevolent spirit.
Arrangements will be completed by the
Chautauqua Social Union to forward the
request to Mr.. Carnegie at once.