Fergus County argus., 1905-10-31

by resolution of council to maintain
free public library at cost of not
less than one thousand dollars year,
and provide a suitable site for the
building Mr.. Carnegie will be glad to
give ten thousand dollars to erect
free public library for Lewistown."
Conditions Complied With.
Immediate steps were taken to COM
pay with the conditions of the letter
and on August l, 1905, we received
the assurance, you have complied
most satisfactorily with all the condi-
tions attached .Mr. Carnegie's offer
of $4,000 for erection of library
building at Lewistown, and the funds
on this account are available at any
time you are ready to proceed with
the work of construction"
40 meet the conditions of the gift
with reference to providing a site, a
number of progressive citizens of that
part of the city purchased and pre-
sented lots numbered and 2, in block
numbered II, in StaffOrds addition to
the townsite of Lewistown, on Main
street and directly opposite the court
house. Contracts have been let for
the completion of the work, and the
construction has proceeded so far as
to permit rs on this occasion to meet
together for the purpose of laying the
corner stone and depositing therein
such memorials of the occasion as
shall be testimony to future ages, of
the work which we have now accom-
plished; of the progressive and en-
lightened character of our people,
and of the priceless boon which we
here bequeath to posterity.
To the broad minded philanthropy
of Mr.. Carnegie, therefore, we are in.
debted for the splendid building now
in process of erection.
To few. indeed, has heaven granted
the splendid opportunity to lay up
| such a stupendous fortune as Mr.. Car
negie has accumulated, and OF that
| few none has made so wise so gen
| erOus a use
Himself, born in the humblest ranks
of society, with little of school edu-
cation, early assuming the duties of
| self-suppOrt, tOiling from one position
| to another of ever increasing useful
ness, from telegraph messenger boy
to railroad superintendent, and at last
to the head Of the greatest corporation
in the world, he has come into contact
with every condition of life, and has
partakeH of all life's labors, aspira-
tions, successes and disappointments
Educated thus to confront every
problem to appraise at it's value ev-
cry condition of life, to sympathize
with all that strives to raise the in
dividual, and to advance elevate and
divinely selected instrument to receive
the bOunties of heaven and to distrib-
ute them where they will do the most
| good.
Guided thus by experience he has
! given practical direction to his splen.
did benefactions, founding colleges
helping needy educational institutions
establishing hospitals. and donating
libraries. For these purposes he has
already given away more than $50,
! 900, 900.
| Today, as we, by these exercises
give expression to our thankfulness
and appreciation of the favor of heav
en- which has given us this splendid
library building, let us give to Andrew
Carnegie that need of honor to which
his splendidly wise philanthropy, his
brain, grit and energy so justly enti
tie him. And with this expression
OF appreciation let us couple the wisf
that his years may be many and filled
with ever increasing opportunities fol
usefulness and ever multiplying oppOr
tunities to meet them. And as thu
years go by. and as we continue t