The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-06-14
RIGHT COL. ANDERSON.
Geo. Martin Thinks No Mistake
Made in Emporia Library.

Secretary George W. Martin, of the
state historical society, has issued in
pamphlet form the address he delivered
at Emporia to assist in proving that
Col John Byars Anderson, formerly of
Manhattan, Is the man in whose mem
ory the Carnegie library at Emporia
was built.
Mr.. Martin explains the mistake as to
the two Col. Andersons in the following
footnotes in his pamphlet:
William M Stevenson, librarian of
the Carnegie Free library, Allegheny
city Pa, writes, under date Of May 8,
1902: The man in whose honor a statue
is to be placed on the public grounds
Of this city. is Col James Anderson, of
Allegheny There is no doubt
that Col. James Anderson was the man
who first inspired Mr.. Carnegie with the
love of learning, and gave him the idea
OF the great system of free libraries
which he is now founding on all sides
I believe Mr.. Carnegie had ac-
cess, also. to Col. John 3. Anderson's
private library while in the employ of
the Pennsylvania, railroad; hence the
reference to opening the temple of
knowledge Col. James Anderson died
March IL, 1863, in the 84th year of his
age. He was an iron manufacturer He
obtained the title of colonel while
serving under Gen. Harrison, in the
war of 1872 He was a Scotch-Irishman
and belonged to the United Presbyterian
church.
ITO a letter dated January 8. 1900,
authorizing drafts to be made upon
him, Mr. Carnegie added: p. S.-The
inscription suggested think would be
improved by something like the follow
ing: John B. Anderson Memorial
library, erected by Andrew Carnegie in
grateful remembrance of Mr.. Ander-
sons having opened his own private
library for the working boys of Allie
gheny City. of whom Mr.. Carnegie was
one ;"
Mr.. Martin also says in his pamph-
let:
John B. Anderson accepted one pub
lie position in Kansas as a mere pas
time. and it is a matter of universal
regret among public men that the po-
litical jobber stepped in and squeezed
him out before the building was finish
ed. When the legislature ordered the
building of the west wing of the state
capitol, Governor st. John appointed
him one of a board of three state house
commissioners. The board organized
with one standing with Anderson, and
one always opposing everything Col
onel Anderson was m ost accomplish
ed civil engineer, s. man of taste, cub
ture and travel, a railroad man who
had handled vast jobs of construction,
independent financially, and aboFe any
suspicion of jobbery. He built the west
wing and placed the foundation in for
the main building. At this point the
makeup of the board was changed, and
the colonel resigned Immediately.
"A great scandal andrew soon follow
ed, and the man who took the coIoners
place on the board-Nfr. T. E. Carr Of
I4eavenworth, a worthy man, undeserv-
ing of such trouble-tells me he was the
victim the colonel would have been had
he remained. The present executive
council, having in charge the compile
ton of the building, is doing honest and
thorough work. but in adjusting vari-
Gus portions of the building to given
uses, have been compelled to test the
walls and floors only to find that when
the specifications called for 15-inch T
beams, there were seven and nine-inch
T beams Three times in the last year
and a half. in the main building, the
walls and ceilings have been torn up to
strengthen. This was an unspeakable
outrage for which there is no amends,
and it happened when the board was
changed. True. the colonel was ear
nestly beseeched to remain, but after
the struggle he had had he knew what
the change meant. The west wing is
a monument of durability and integ-
rity.''