The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-03-03
NEW DEPARTMENT.

The general discussion brought up the
proposition of the establishment OF new
department of the city government and it
was conceded that the Department of
Public Library would necessitate 4 sal
ary list of something like 5000. which
would come from the $4,000 it was sug-
SeSted an appropriations.
THE NATTER OF LOCATION.
There is a general interest as to the
location of the library building, and cor
versation with many citizens developed
the fact that some jealousy would crop
in, for people in various parts of the city
want the building. in their section
The most frequently referred to ioca-
ton was Broad Street between Eighth
and Eleventh. convenient TO the other
public buildings. The site of the old City
Hall was mentioned, as we'll as that on
the northeast corner of Broad and Elev-
enth. and at Eighth Street, opposite Muir
phys Hotel.
Monroe Park and Capitol Square were,
also mentioned but neither would De
practicable many think, the former be-
cause of it's uptown location. and the
latter because the property belongs 20
the State. The fine lots at Fifth ana
Main and Seventh and Grace streets
were suggested. but with all the diversity,
the Broad Street location. near the City
place by the larger number Of people.
However the Allan lot, 1T Fifth ana
Main. is strongly urged as central ana
desirable location.
NOT a SURPRISE TO ALL.
While the letter from Mr.. Carnegie
making his nunifieeut offer took the
Board of Aldermen by surprise it was
known by Il few that such Il proposition
would come. This accounted III q meas
ure for the great interest felt IN me
proposed visit of Mr.. Carnegie to Rich
mond at the time of the meeting of the
Mining Engineers. 1t is possible that
had he been able to come this matter
might have been made public then.
The next regular meeting of the FL
nance Committee of the Council Will ne
held on March 18TH and the consideration
of the proposition Of Mr.. Carnegie VIII
then be taken UP. 1t is possible. however,
that a called meeting may be had at an
earlier date. as there are circumstances
which make it advisable to bring this
matter to a conclusion at an carly date
1t has been suggested that this matter
may come up in the meeting OF the Com
mon Council tomorrow night. but there
is little likelihood of this. as the Alder
men have referred the subject to the FL
nance Committee.
Mr.. Carnegie has contributed Si,o00 to
the Virginia. Mechanics Institute, and
offered to give $4,000 for the institute
building if $4,000 was raised here.
Endorsed by the College Faculty.
The faculty of Richmond College held
a meeting yesterday afternoon to consider
Mr.. Carnegie's offer, and adopted the
following resolutions, copies of which
We're mailed to the presidents of both
branches of the Council:
w Mr.. Andrew Of
fered 70 give to the city of Richmond
100000 for the establishment of q free
public library, provided the City Council
will furnish q suitable site and agree to
appropriate $4,000 annually for the MAIN
tenance of said library: therefore,
Resolved That the Faculty of Richmond
College desires to express to Mr.. Carne-
gle it's high appreciation of his liberality
and to thank Mr.. Robert Whittet, Jr., of
the Board of Aldermen, for his generous
endeavor and success in securing so
splendid gift TO our city
Resolved further. That we respectfully
petition the City Council to take such ac-
ton as will secure this gift TO Richmond.
since we firmly believe that this would be
a wise eXpediture of money, for the foi-
lowing reasons:
!. 4 great public library has long been
a felt want i'll our city
. 1t would be a vast educative force,
strengthening at once all OF our schools,
both public and private. by providing
them with such facilities and books as
arc essential to their highest usefulness.
3. 1t would greatly promote the ilterars
interests of our city by furnishing TO ai-
thors and investigators a rich laboratory
of research.
4. 1t would become safe repository Tor
on Seventh p3Se.1