The Savannah morning news., 1902-03-19
A 100000 LIBRARY
IS MAYOR MYERS VIEW OF THE
NEED FROM MR.. CARNEGIE.
NO 10 PER CENT. MAINTENANC
Is EXPECTED TO BE DEMANDED BIZ
THE PHILANTHROPIST

Mr. Carnegie's Letter VIII BE Pre-
scented TO the City Council by the
Mayor To-nfght-ActfOn May BE
Taken-CoI. George A. Mercer
Thinks That, il yIr. Carnegie In
derstOod Conditions, He WOuId
Admit That the Historical Society
Could Manage the Library Salts
MISUNDERSTANDING Measures Will
BE Before CouncfI-Communica
tions From Mr.. Lester VIII BE Re-
ceived as Information.
The principal business before the
City Council at its meeting tonight
viii be that Of the free public library
The last letter received by Mayor My
ers from Mr. Andrew Carnegie's sec
Rotary will be presented to the board
by the Mayor, and it is expected that
some action will be taken.
Mayor Myers said yesterday that he
thought the letter very promising. He
was gratifed by its tone and expects
that Afr. Carnegie will deal with Sa-
vannah in even more than his custom
airy liberality
letter shows that Mr. Carnegie viii be
willing to vary his rule in Savannah's
case. and that he will not insist upon
the city appropriating annually for
maintenance 10 per cent. Of the amount
that he may donate for the erection
Of a free public library building.
q do not like TO say what the City
Council may agree upon as the amount
that would be appropriated annually
for the library. I do not know, and
1t would be only an expression OF opin-
ion. think, however. that not less
than 100000 would be needed for the
building"
The Mayors statement that the city,
to Judge from Mr.. Carnegie's letter,
would not be called upon to appropri-
ate 10 per cent. of the amount donated,
seems to indicate that Council viii not
name as great a sum as $4,000 as it's
annual appropriation. even though
100000 for building should be de-
sired from Mr.. Carnegie with the idea
Of the amount that may be expected
from Mr.. Carnegie fixed at about $780,
900, it might be expected that the Coun-
Gil viii name 5000 year az the
amount Of its annual appropriation for
maintenance.
Col George A. Mercer, president of
the Georgia Historical Society, was
seen yesterday about Mr.. Carnegie's
letter. He has maintained, as have
many others interested. that the free
library could be admirably managed
by the Historical Society, with the city
allowed representation upon the board
of managers. Col. Mercer felt that,
If Mr.. Carnegie had more intimate
knowledge Of the Historical Society,
he would appreciate that it is well
capacitated TO manage a free public
library. BY that means the library
could be kept out Of politics, and Col.
Mercer contends that that is greatly
to be desired.
Another matter that IS to come be-
fore Council tonight relates to side
walks on Harmon street, from Wheat
on street to Anderson street; Henry
street. from Waters avenue to Hab-
ersham street; Duffy street, from At
lantic street to Waters avenue, and
Park avenue. from Waters avenue 10
East Broad street.
A resolution providing for these i'm
provements was introduced by Alder
man Watson at the last meeting Of
Council. 1t was laid over until to-
nights meeting, when it viii probably
be adopted, as no objections from
property owners have yet been filed.
Communications from Mr.. d. p.
Lester, anent his proposed plan for
establishing new street railway sys-
tenn will be received by Council as
information. The Committee OF the
Whole will also report upon one of Mr..
Testers numerous petitions. This one
is for the use Of Price street for a
railway line. The report Of the com
mittee will be adverse. an alderman
said yesterday. as Mr.. Lester does not
accept those franchises the city offers
him.
An ordinance for paving Price street
will be introduced. The street Is to be
paved from Bay to CASTOR street. AS
yet there have been no objections Of
fered by property owners, and the al
dermen seem inclined to think that
the pavement is wanted, as it would
b. a decided improvement for the
street. After the Price street paving
has been started, an ordinance will be
introduced for paving Habersham from
Castor to Henry street Following
this, IN turn, will be another ordinance,
providing for paving Abercorn street
from Henry to Estll avenue.