The evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1907-1908, 1908-01-28
WHAT, REFUSE
CARNEGIE'S
CASH? NO!
East Orange Accepts $39.oOO
for Branch Libraries,
One Man Dissenting.

The idea of a city like East Orange
asking for and accepting $4,000 from
Andrew Carnegie for the erection OF
three branch libraries does not meet
with the approval of Councilman
George A. Grover, of that city, II at
last nights meeting of the City Coun-
ell he declared that if residents of the
city wanted the branche so badly
they ought to pay for them. His re-
marks stirred up the other members,
but no one seconded his motion to lay
over action on the Carnegie offer ana
the money will be accepted.
Members of the financ COMMITTEES
and tie library trustees discussed the
erection of these branches in detail.
!. said Chairman Person. and we didnt
bring up at all the question of whether
Mr.. Carnegie's money was good. All
money looks alike to us. We are glad
to get 1t and owe him a debt of graft
tude."
The discussion opened when Council
man Saxelby presented a resolution
that the city accept Mr.. Carnegie's
offer to give $4,000 and that there be
provided annually SO, 900 for the main
les; that the necessary sites be secured,
the amounts to be raised by taxation, anu
that MIR. Carnegie be given sincere thanks.
Chairman Pierson said Mr.. Carnegie
had gwen East Orange in all $4,000.
ard this year $4,000 will be placed in the
tax budget for libraries.
Mr.. Grover asked If the sites had
been secured. Mr.. Pierson stated in
reply that the Fifth Ward lot was bought
and the Council and Board of Educa.
ton both own suitable lots in the First
Ward. Mr.. Grover moved to lay the
matter over. Mr.. Pierson called on
Wilbur Johnson, a library trustee, to
speak on the matter, but before he
began Mr.. Grover insisted that the
proposition did not seem clear to him
and with the present financial situa-
ton the erection of three additional
libraries did not appeal to him.
Mr.. johnson said the trustees felt the
libraries were necessary and that a COM
mittee is at work selecting n lot in the
Third Ward for the erection Of n branch
there. The main library is crowded with
hooks. he declared. and "A per cent. of the
population are patrons of it. New libraries
work done by the board Of trustees, of
which Governor Fort is president.
Mr.. Grover made it known that he was
not objecting to the good work done by the
trustees, but questioned the expediency
Of having three more branches. Because
one was given support, he said, was not
proof that three more would. and he be-
lieved II a poor proposition. The fact that
East Orange was asking Mr.. Carnegie for
money, declared Mr.. Grover, was calling,
and he told of the work of other munich
palities who did not have to make an ap"
peal. 1t was finally decided 10 accept the
money, however, but Mr.. Grover voted
against this action.
Victor w. Voorhees, was reappointed
assessment commissioner, the Council abid-
ing by the second caucus. The first caucus,
which was held early In the year, decided
for former Councilman Andrew j. Baigrie.
but active work on the part OF Mi. Voor-
hees's friends won for him.
The drivers of the fire department were
given an increase in salary of IS and they
will now get 500 n month. The next grade
men will now receive S65, instead of $50,
and the next grade $50, instead of $50.