The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1900-09-15

Of their number, who has charge OF the
work. sends out the libraries, assists
new Librarians in small towns with al
vice aud in other ways helps the growth
OF libraries. 1t makes Nebraska en-
vious to see this sister state ahead OK 90
in the realiz alton that the greatest bust.
ness Of the state is to educate its chill
dren. For the last two sessions OF our
legislature an earnest effort has been
made by those who appreciate the eys-
tenn to establish travelling libraries.
The effort has both times been defeated.
Legislators have not understood the
measure and the workers in its favor
have been too few. When our awaken
ing comes in library matters We shall
have plenty of patterns to follow. but !
fear that unless it comes soon We shall
ind ourselves decidedly in the rear Of
the procession.
The state library Of Iowa ranks high.
Aside from the law library there is
very respectable general library Of
literature, history, biography, art. etc.
with completeness Of magazine files that
reminds one OF the unavailing quests
made in other libraries for the referen.
ces gwen in Poole. Shades Of antiquity
hover in those galleries, for the makers
OF the Gentleman's Magazine and other
old thinge now dead are remembered in
their works. Mr.. johnson Brigham,
the librarian, was formerly the editor Of
the Midland Monthly. He is a typical
book man and loves to make the
acquaintance of bis books, new and old.
1t is expected that all departments
except the law library will some day be
moved to the new building across the
street from the Capitol-the "Hall Of
History One small wing Of this build
ing has been completed and is occupied
by the historical museum. wanted to
call it historical library, but upon ex-
ploration decided that museum was the
better term, although part OF the col
lection is composed Of books. Here
again the policy Of scatteration plays its
part. Iowa has historical society, but
it's headquarters are at Iowa City. 1
was told that their collection is small.
So if felt envious over the travelling
libraries, was somewhat treasured by
comparing the attempt Of Iowa to pre-.
serve her history. with similar effort
in Nebraska. Mr.. Charles Aldrich, the
old curator OF this museum, started his
work years ago with fine collection of
autographs which he presented to the
state. The story of tie difficulty he
experienced in getting the Legislature to
take any interest in the idea Of history
preserving is we'll known in plot and
detail to all who have ever tried to win
any legislature to any good cause. OF
unfamiliar purpose. The work has
been recognized for only eight years and
though the museum collection shows
ambitious beginnings, it cannot COM
pare with the collections Of our his
torical library and museum.
Mr.. Aldrich mourns over the fact
that Wisconsin has better collections
for studying Iowa history than Iowa
herself possesses, yet he believes this
will be remedied All visitors to the
capitol-and their name is legion-troop
over to the Hall OF History. This slight
first acquaintance will bear fruit in
time, and perhaps the friendly old
curator will have his reward ere he goes.
1t is impossible to conceive Of a people
who are uninterested in their forefath.
ers after they once get the clue. So the
Iowan Homer may yet be able to sing