, 1906-01-24
CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
FORMALLY GIYtH TO PEOPLE


as to what county should have the Uni
yersity of Wyoming This indicates
the faith that the people of Wyoming
have in the people Of Albany county in
giving an honest and an intelligent
support TO all the educational institu-
lions in our midst.
With such opportunity as | have had
to study public economy. l am con
WINGED hat there is no other invest
ment of public or private funds that re-
turns as much to the state and nation
as money expended for the free educa-
ton of the young. Men more efficient
are being called for in every line of
business. Could the extent of such
calls be realized by all parents, l feel
sure that the parents n children
would always work in harmony with
efficient teachers in the schools.
Ignorance is ever a serious handicap
to llfe's duties. From the standpoint
of public economy | believe it would
be wise to maintain a free library in
each community where the financial
strength would make it possible. If
such libraries We're properly supplied
with books, more children would cult
vate a love for good literature and the
tedium of the daily routine for many
men and women would be relieved by
communing with other minds as their
Impress has been left in books. Those
who would seek information on the
practical things that may be found in
books, and hat contribute to success
in the common walks OF life, ought to
find such information in the free Ii
brary. The library should be the re-
cipient of the best literature of all
countries. The young should here find
a stimulous to the loftier sentiments in
life. If a person of foreign birth wishes
to contribute good literature printed in
the language of his country, such books
ought always be welcome in American
libraries.
II the religious devotee wishes to
contribute works on religion, or matter
pertaining to his or her church, such
books should be equally welcome at the
library. The writer's on economic
questions, social questions and ques-
lions of government ought to feel that
the public library is neutral ground,
where his pamphlets and books will
find welcome. Certain departments Of
our national government are making
diligent research and investigation or
all questions pertaining to trade, com
Imerce and economic conditions in 9TH
err countries, as well as in every part of
the United States and the islands of
the sea.
A careful study is constantly being
culture, the improvement of seed, the
adaptation of crops and the caring for
domestic animals. The result of such
investigation is continually being pub
Ilished at public expense. A copy of
each of the government publications
may be found in the library. l know
the common sneer at government re
ports," but | want to say that much OF
the work referred to is the result Of
profound research and careful investi-
cation that ought to interest the edu-
Gator, the business man, the agricultur-
list, the horticulturist and the stock
mar on the points concerning certain
respective things they wish to know.
The demand for some of these books
and pamphlets has been so great that
the second and third editions have
been gotten out and distributed.
| will here say that the librarian of
congress is bringing the best thought
on library work to his assistance in the
adoption of methods simplifying the
work of cataloging and in act to syste-
Matte and economic the work of all
the smaller libraries of the United
States. This is a very great assistance
and an indication of the important
place free libraries now have in the es-
timation of the authorities at Wash
ington.
The strength of the nation and the
'perpetuity of liberty for ourselves and
for posterity'' will forever depend on
the extent of education and the enlight-
ened sense of justice of the people. To
follow the Golden Rule, "to do unto
Others as you would have them do unto
you.'' is an eternal principle in human
affairs that is essential to good neigh
borhood and to good government. APP
piled to the administration of govern
ment it would forever strengthen a ma
ton in the affection of the people, and
in the administration of the world.
The love of military prowess fostered
by kings and their power to declare
war without the consent of their PEG
pie. together with foreign aggressive
ness in trade and commerce, will for
many years make the army and the
navy a necessary adjunct to our gov,
eminent, to protect Americans from
injustice in every part OF the world.
The army should o be necessary to
keep Americans from injuring one an,
other.
Again, referring to the library and
Mr.. Carnegie, l believe that a feeling
of lofty appreciation has its place in
the hearts of the people of Albany
county for the generous gift of money
that made it possible to have, at this
time, an appropriate building for Jul
free library. The donor was born in
Scotland, a country that has given the
world men and women of courage and
great strength of character. The
Scots love of liberty and %frankness in
the matter of speech, coupled with
great industry and unswerving integ-