The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-03-03
SUNDAY. MARCH 5, 1901
IHE CARNEGIE LIBRARY.

The Times has no hesitation N say
I'M. that il heartily fayors the accei'.
.,,ca on the part of Richmond oil me
generous offer of Mr. Andrew Carnegie
10 donate tile sum OF S1oo,o0o TO esl'p-
lish a public library here upon cohui-
ton that the city Will obllGate itseil 70
cynenG not less than $1,000 4 year III
maintaining it, A public library Is 4
nublic blessing and it is impossible TO
commute the benefits 10 be derived
1hercfrom. II is an educational lnstl-
tuition in itself. and its influence VIII
he far reaching. Some young man or
Young woman in the city may by
studying in such Il library evolve some
idea that will in itself be worth all that
Richmond will expend in that direc-
ton.
Richmond is recognized as an educa-
tional centre, and a public: library such
as that which Mr.. Carnegie proposes
10 give us will add very much TO our
literary fame and will materially help
the educational institutions of the
community. We have no doubt that
each college in the city would in It's
catalogue advertise the Carnegie Free
Library as :, special attraction, as in
deed il would be an attraction and an
iuduCement 10 students TO give the
Richmond institutions preference over
tl,nsc of ether localities where there
is no such library
: free library would also be of great
advantage and Il decided stimulus TO
The pupils il The public schools. 1t
would incite study and research and
would be from every point Of view 4
benefit and n blessing to the whole
community.
But we take it that the people of
Richmond do not need TO be Impress
ed with the fact that such an lnsttu-
lion were greatly 10 be desired. IT
Mr.. Carnegie had offered To establish
the library and 10 maintain IL, there
would have been no two opinions as
20 accepting his offer. There would
have been general rejoicing and MI
Carnegie would have been hailed as n
public henefactor. But when it comes
10 appropriating out of the public rev
enues $4,000 a year 10 keep this
library going, that is another question,
and some of the taxpayers are doubt
less disposed TO shake their heads and
say thai the city cannot afford il.
The Times has a very decided opin-
ION on this question also. We believe
~, S,l,n1,lI In pnf.pllJpI
shat the Council should agree 10 APP
,ropriaie from Year 10 year the sum
named by Mr.. Carnegie 10 maintain the
library. but we do not think that The
regular departments should be pinched
10 provide this money. Richmond
needs every cent Of revenue that can
be raised under The present rate OF
taxation TO pay The necessary expenses
of government and 10 make neediu III
improvements especially IN the sub1r-
han districts. We need more paving
and The extension of the cenScnienccS,
and we need clear water. IL the peo-
nlt want this library they should I'M
pose an additional tax upon sheln-
selves 10 support il, and that is The
course which we recommend At lie
las; regular session OF the General As
semhls MI. s. S. L. Paterson. OF Rich
mond. introduced Il bill 10 authorize
cities aud incorporated towns TO estah-
iish and maintain free public libraries
and reading rooms. and the bin was
passed. 1t provides that the Council
Of each city and Incorporated town III
the State shall have power 10 establish
and maintain a public library and
reading rooms for the use Of the peo-
pie, and for that purpose may levy 4
tax not 10 exceed one mill on the dol
lar annually on all taxable property in
the city or town, such tax TO be levied
ana COLLECTED in like. manner with tho