The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-13
BOOKS In STATE LIBRARY
THERE SHOULD BE COMPLETE
WORKS OF INDIANA AUTHORS.
state Librarian Henry Deplores the
Present Condition of Anairs-How
to Save Money.

IT think ii a shame that the library of
the State of Indiana does not contain
complete works of all Indiana authors,
especially the books Of those who have
placed the State to the front in the literary
world within the last few years"
The remark was made by State Libra
rian Henry yesterday in discussing the
needs of the department over which he
presides. Mr.. Henry, during his term OF
Office, has placed the library on a higher
plane of efficiency than IL ever was before.
and while his efforts are economical in
tendency ne has number of plans for the
betterment OF the institution about which
he Is enthusiastic. One of his pet desires
is TO secure for the State Library a famous
collection OF old paintings. which are for
sale In an Indiana city. picturing the great
chiefs of the Indian tribes that fought
against General st. Clair and General Will
liam Henry Harrison. Another is to buy
for the library some files Of very old news
papers that are extant in private collec-
tons. Mr.. Henry goes on the assumption
that some day all these mementoes of
past day will be priceless, and that they
are being lost or destroyed so rapidly that
1t behooves the State to get a move on"
II the library is TO be in future years what
Il was intended il should be, a complete
collection of books and relics bearing di-
rectly on the history of the commonwealth
The remark about the absence OF books by
Indiana authors illustrates his theory that
nothing in reason should be neglected in
perfecting the library.
I'VE have a few OF Riiey's books" con-
tinued Mr. Henry; but / don't think we
have General Wallace's 'Ben-Hur' or
Prince OF India or his other writings
We should have also complete set of
General HarrisOns essays and speeches
There are calls for them almost every dav
Charles Majors famous books should be
added TO the library. as well as Booth
Harrington 5. George AIDES. George Nc
Cutcheon's, Meredith NichOlsOn's and all
the rest OF the works OF the younger gen
Grafton of Indiana writers While the
library IS historical in character. rather
than collection or works Of fiction |
think II IS eminently fitting that every
thing produced by Indiana authors should
have a place
The annual appropriations for the State
Library Is now only $1,000 and out of this
the state librarian Is expected to purCha Sc
new books. historical documents and relics
and 10 meet the expense of bindings for
books wearing out. and all other wear ana
tear items. The amount is manifestIv TOO
small TO accomplish any work of a broad or
EXTENDED nature, and while the appropria-
ton remains small Mr.. Henry finds il
impossible TO do more than 10 keen the
Books ne now has In decent repair. His idea
f'ise 20 make an appropriation OF at least
600 as a matter OF State pride and he
believes that the money would be well ex-
pended.
1T strikes me-" said Mr. Henry. that
the State could money on a very
simple proposition. Every year il has legal
books and records by the thousands hound
r. expensive leather. Now. as a matter of
tact, leather. while IL Is costly. does not
make durable bindings for books In a few,
years time. whether the books are used
much or not. the leather begins TO rot and
IN ten or fifteen years the binding is "A
wreck. Mr.. Henry exhibited several vol
Hmes or law reports or the year 1881 as an
example OF the undurability OF leather
bindings. The covers were tattered and
torn.
II the state should have its books bound
II neat cloth they would look just as we'll
would last twice as long and would be far
less costly Ihat money saved could be de-
voted 10 The state Library without cost
Ing the taxpayers another cent / think n
would be a wise reform
Every effort will be made by Mr. Henry
10 have next years appropriation for the
State Library increased.