The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-07
INETY-oNE MILLION DOLLARS.

L
spend on books for the enlight-
eminent of mankind. and surely so gener-
Gus donor is entitled to the gratitude of
the nation or nations his munifcence has
benefited Andrew Carnegie's gifts are
known The world over, and it is safe to
say there is hardly hamlet in the
United States that has not entertained
an ambition TO set aside plot of land
10 he occupied by library bearing the
name of this educational philanthropist.
Books for the Unfortunate.
Many libraries have been established
Of which the world knows little. They
are not placed to benefit those able TO
help themselves. as are the Carnegie in
situations and the benefactions of many
other men of wealth. In many in
stances only the inmates and the en-
ployes of houses of correction and pris-
ons know of such benefactions. No i'm
pressive declarations draw attention TO
the gifts which furnish solace to those
who are in need of the comfort to be
found in good reading matter. Additions
TO libraries such as these are made
without ostentation. The new books
are placed with the ones tattered,
frayed, and finger stained by long, hard
usage. The patron of necessity pounces
upon the acquisitions to the library, but
again the donor receives no commenda-
tion or thanks for his generosity or
trouble except the satisfaction of know
ing he has performed a good deed in
the proper spirit.
Other libraries are established in like
manner and the patrons are those who
need most the counsel to be found
among the pages of a good book Read
ing rooms established by missions every
night keep boys and girls off the streets.
There are hundreds of these embryonic
libraries for which thousands of bread
winners are thankful. Such libraries
supply food for the intellectual appe-
natural guardians are busy providing for
the wants OF their stomachs. Many
mothers have found in these reading
rooms satisfactory answers to their anx-
ious prayer. 20. where is my wandering
boy tonight?"
The Lighthouse Library.
Probably the most remarkable library
of which the country has any knowledge
is that established a number of years
ago by the United States Lighthouse
Board This library row numbers more
than $4,000 volumes and has !, 900 COM
bination packing and book cases which
are used in circulating the library for
the use of more than 10000 employees OF
the Government Lighthouse Service.
Few undertakings have had more
noble purpose than that which prompt
ed the establishment of a library
for this class of Government workers.
The men who enter this field of labor
are of remarkable character. possessing
courage. patience and fortitude nowhere
surpassed. 1t is not unusual for from
one 10 Ave men to enter upon a long
watch on some dangerous shoal and
keep burning. night after night. beacon
light 10 guard ocean liners from danger
Months pass without these men coming
in coufact with o+bo- human ba{n,s ',
sanity. under such conditions. has not
been uncommon
Government officials have accomplish
ed much in preventing ships from com
ing to harm while approaching the
shores of the United States. In so 10
ing an occupation has been built up
which produces a mental strain unequal