The Washington herald., 1907-08-07

David Hutcheson, superintendent OF the
.reading-roOm at the Library Of Congress-
has resigned as a result of poor health.
His resignation came as a surprise even
TO the Librarian, as well as to the patrons
OF the reading-room. with whom he was
popular.
Mr.. Hutcheson is a native Of Scotland,
where, In Paisley and Glasgow, he re-
ceived his early education, which he sup
pIemented at the Wosklng Mems College
in London. His early business career was
as clerk In book store IN Glasgow.
where ne spent thirteen years with David
Brice & Sons. An even more valuable
experience was three years with Henry
Sothersn & Co.. Of London. from 1S71 TO
1874. Between these two periods Of busi-
ness he spent year in Germany for rest
and study. In August. 1874 he came TO
the United States and took position with
a bookseller at Brooklyn. but was in the
same year appointed to a position in the
Library Of Congress. then at the Capt
tol. lie has been there ever since. hav-
ing been advanced from one position 10
another. untn in 1883 ne was given gen.
eral charge OF the Teading-ToOm, and
made. in effect. vice librarian
In 1887, on the reorganization Of the
Library Service. he became definitely
superintendent OF the reading-robm, with
the additional title. then attached 10 but
a single official, Of assistant librarian.
Praised by Librarian.
Mr. Hutches0h's letter Of resignation
called forth the following reply from
Librarian Putnam:
Dear Mr. Hutcheson:
From the beginning Of my librarianshlp
and throughout its course have regarded
you not merely as a model OF loyal un-
selfish. devoted service 10 the government
and the public, hut as pillar Of strength
within the Library. With DR.. Spofford,
your presence has kept alive and promi-
nent the tradition of its ancient service.
and insured that continuity 50 essential 10
its dignity and influence as an insttu-
tion. But you are not merely n presence.
haze counted upon you for years OF stu
active and even more important work.
or late. in particular. I have made this
plain 70 you, expressing the high and
confident regard IN which you are held,
and my hopes for your future with US
/ have invited you 10 more intimate and
responsible relations with the general
administration Of ths7 Library. and have
told you that you would in due course
succeed 20 the Chief Assistant Librarian
ship, whose duties Bou have already in
fact exercised during the absence or dis
ability OF DR.. Spofford.
You may imagine, sthen. my concern
at your note Of last Friday, which in
formed me that not merely can you not
assume any ampier duties, but that you
must even relinquish the post which you
now hold. and Withdraw entirely from the
service Of the Library.
His Reasons for Leaving.
THE reasons you give are advancing
age. fatigue Of long service. and premo-
aitious OF Hl-health. and you have en-
larged upon these IN the interview, which,
startled by your note. I at once sought
with YOU, and in second note, received
this morning
You say that your working life began
i'm too early youth. and has continued
uninterruptedly until now, including thir-
ty-three years in this institution alone
that YOU have reached siXty-f0ur years Of
age without the opportunities for rest
travel and general Intercourse that are
the due If men engaged in intellectual
labor; that you crave these now-that, in
deed. You have had warnings that men
tally and physically you need them now
You state that you are not in a condi-
ton 10 administer efficiently your present
Office. and that you are certain that you
will not become SO by a mere period OF
rest You are firm that not merely your
own need , preference. but that the
good OF the brary requires you 10 with
draw absolute y from its service, and you
beg me TO co slider nothing save how tc
relieve YOU at the earliest possible mo-
ment.
Efforts TO Retain Him.
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