The Inter Ocean from Chicago, Illinois • Page 14

given us In the past, for all that has come to Oils city, and even for the way tn which this anni-J versary night we remember -how God hath I brought benediction from calamity, we ask thee to continue thy loving favor to us. Accept the offering of thl3 building and all that baa been I done here In the name of truth and light and i knowledge. Grant, we pray thee, that from this place, as from a fountain, -ataail go forth stream that shall blen the generations yet unborn. May this library prove to be through all the future LIBRARY, WHICH RANKS WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD. 1 iiut rrom woicn snail raaiaie men nu i-us," as shall make this city more blessed in wisdom and In knowledge than It has been even In the past.

In Its commerce. Its wealth, and Its Influ-, enee In the world. We pray thee now to bless the exercises of this evening. We ask that thy blessing shall rent on all that shall be said and all that shall be done, and may we worthily honor tonight thee, our God, as the giver of all that la wise and all that la beautiful, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

CIIAltLKS S. THORTtTO. The Corporation Coasifl Accepts the Building- for the City. In Introducing Corporation Counsel Thornton, who took the place of Mayor Harrison on the programme. President Hatch said: By Mason of the urgent request of a large number of citizens and to enable this city and state to redeem with dignity and courtesy lta pledges to the Nashville exposition, we have reluctantly released Mayor Harrison from engagement to participate In these exercises.

Ha has designated Hon. Charles 8. Thornton, 'tha corporation counsel, to appear ra his stead aa the representative of the city of Chicago. On behalf of the board of 41 rectors of the Chicago public library, I have the honor to announce the completion of this building. Intended aa tue home of the public library.

We tender It to the people of Chicago for library purposes and beg of you as Ufe representative of this great city to accept of It and Join In lta dedication to the use. and benefit, the education and elevation of the- people. Mr. Thornton said: I thank you sincerely for this kindly greetiag which you have so generously extended to the mayor of Chicago in the person of his representative. HIb honor has requested me to assure yon of his extreme regret that he would not be able to be present, and I desire to say that his absence from this scene could only have been occasioned by a great public demand that ue should visit a distant state in order to sustain tte credit of the city of Chicago and.

raising high an abandoned standard, uphold the dignity and honor of the state of Illinois. Temporarily representing this city, therefore, I shall fill the measure of your expectancy by not declining to receive, but by accepting on its behalf, this magnificent building and placing it among the many architectural gems which already adorn the metropolis of the West. This splendid edifice of granite and of marble Is the product of some six long years of earnest thought and honest toll. Its spacious apartments, well arranged for the accommodation of books and the reading public, ample for future growth, its grand stairways and halls, its brilliant and carefully selected marbles, its strength of construction, the resultant of steel and stone. Its embellishments, all render tribute to the capacity, aotmd judgment, nonesty, ana fidelity of Ihc members of the library board who have Jfad in charge and who have brought to jTtrrflon this great enterprise.

In the performance of what I esteem a civic duty I know that I echo the sentiments of our citizens In tendering congratulations, the highest measure of praise, and the thanks of the city to the members of the board who. without better reward than the satisfaction resulting from the con scientious discharge of a great duty, have contributed years of time, labor, and experience to the construction of oue of the finest library buildings in tbe world. Built by t'birago Workmen. When rendering thanks, however, to them, we muet remember alto that unaided they could have accomplished nothing. The library board planned wisely, but a high degree of praise should be accorded also to the workmen who executed those plans.

Quietly but earnestly and skillfully the hand of labor has torn from the hills aud wrought the iron and from their native bedi carved th? marble and tbe granite into beautiful forms, uniting all into a structure of which every citizen may well be proud. It is cause of congratulation that 90 per cent of the laborers employed in the construction of the building were Chicago workmen. Fortunate is the city which possesses cuch skillful and intelligent artisans. And the citizens of Chicago, who have contributed lavishly to this great undertaking aud whose sympathies have urged on the work completion, are entitled to congratulation and will receive from other cities credit for the possession of that pride, enthusiasm, intelligence, refinement, and culture which the existence of a public library always typifies. It is true that the construction of this edifice Is the result of no sudden impulse.

The public library of Chicago has been Ic existence for many years, but its many treasures have been located in buildings which were neither suitable nor safe. It has been for years a wanderer and until the present without a home, but neverthe-, Jess It has been performing its beneficent work among the people ot the. city, educating, refin-J leg, acd Inspiring, and the completion of this building, while marking no new epoch, typifies i rd calls attention to tbe result of the educa-: tlonal influences which have been slowly but certainly making Chicago the educational center of America. This city's mercantile enter- irises have been so vast and so successful that ts great educational advantages have been to some extent overshadowed acd lost sight of by our neighbors. Four great libraries, one larger than this, are located within tbe city, and a library, dedicated to the canse of science, has been endowed and is about to be established here through the munificence of one of our Chicago merchants.

Three universities, nearly 300 public schools, 4,300 public school teachers, many periodicals. Journals, and magazines of a high order of literary merit, and private schools and college, are all laboring earnestly to the end ---that the cause of education In this city may be advanced, and are ail certifying dally to the extent and strength of educatiocal work In Chicago. Of all tbe factors named, however, the public library must necessarily exert the greatest Influence. The Worklagmas's Colleare. Here the great majority of the coming men aud women whose school attendance ceases with the third and fourth grades of tbe public school, and those who have graduated from school and college, may continue their education and gather Inspiration as they psss along these balls, from whose marble panels look down upon them the historians, scientists, novelists and poets of nearly thirty centuries.

The library is free to all. No distinction of race, age, wealth, or creed closes the door to the one who seeks sd-mittance. The poor but smbitlous youth msy giursue the same course of study which developed a Franklin and a Lincoln. Whatever may be the Impression made by cynics It is truth which will not be questioned by and fair-minded person that the advantages snd opportunities for sdvancement offered at this time to the grow-- log generation are greater than were ever afforded at any time in the world's history. The anen of action of the present were tbe poor boy 4f thirty aad forty years ago.

and tbe poor and Industrious vouth of the resent will be tha 1 snan of affairs a generation from today. In molding the youth of the present snd of the tuture there will be no stronger factor than the influences exerted by the public library of Chi-' cago. Here the soul of ths past Is ready to Impart Intelligence and experience to tbe Uvlng. liere the publicist may learn of the failures, suc- cesses, disappointments, hopes, aad earnest ox me vnnumoerva sra suent millions struggles of the people against wealth and power, Struggles against aristocratic and corporate demands, corruption, despotism, and greed; struggle which hsv brought death and ruin In their train to millions. But be will learn also of the gnllllons ever presslcg onward and wresting from the band of power a Magna Charts, a bill sf rights and constitutions, te strengthen and protect the coming generation at the people wa have but lately aeemed to realise their Jower and recognize bow to us It; of struggles it one time apparently hopeless, but which are jfow liiuminea ana Dngntenea oy xne aawn ot the coming century, when tbey are bound to bear fruition.

Herals the palace ot tbe people. Her 1. Tk. 1 A 1 1 1 V. w.a MB V.

HIV 1UIUI1 I will not be determined by th sword and naming 1 torch, but by knowledge, education, and the ballot. win nanus om ana useru eaince. eeaicatea CHICAGO'S NEW PUBLIC to the highest ard most-sublime purposes, 'on behalf of the city government, which at the present time stand for the people. I gratefully accept. PRESIDENT AZBL V.

HATCH. He Traces the Orisrla and Develop meat of the Library. Following Mr. Thornton's addreaa there were musical selections. "Three Dance" and "Henry and then came the address of President Artl F.

Hatch, who spoke as follows: Ladles and Oentlemen: It Is my official duty and privilege, on behalf of the board of directors of the Chicago public library, to welcome you as representatives of the people of Chicago to this temple of art, science, and literature. We welcome you as citlsens who have each contributed In some measure to the founding and support of this Institution. We welcome the Instructors of our colleges, the teachers in our schools, and the patrons of learning everywhere as coworkers in the Held of public instruction-. We welcome the friends of good government and of good morals as fellow-teachers of principle tending to social order and higher aspirations. We bid you all welcome and tovlt you to unit with us In dedicating this edifice to the ennobling purposes for which it is Intended.

It has seemed appropriate to select this anniversary of the great Chicago fire as a proper occasion to dedicate this building. Aa the news ef -that great disaster spread throughout the world It started a reflex wave of sympathy which brought us many expressions and tokens of kindness, going far to prove that all the world Is km. That generous gave the first impulse to the movement to found this library. At that time In England was a friend of America who bad visited this city In 1870 and had taken home with him pleasant recollections of Chicago hospitality. He was the-friend of Lowell and a warm admirer of American authors.

Ia the days of our great rebellion he had been the colleague of Bright. Cobden, and Newman Hall in di fending our cause before the English people and In sending us cheering worda.of sympathy and support when we most felt the need of them. When, aa be tells as, the calamity fell on Chicago and he saw the noble stand she was making against it. he decided that the best method of paying his debt to America and Chicago was to do something toward strengthening the Intellectual life of the city which was to rise again. He accordingly appealed to the people of England to give to Chicago a "new library as a mark of sympathy now and a token of that sentiment of kinship which independently of circumstances and irrespective of every other consideration must ever exist between the different branches of the Knglish race." Work of Thomas Hsghrs.

That friend of America and n' Chicago, that first great patron uf this library, was Thomas Hughes, tbe author of "Tom Brown's School Days at Rugby." His appeal arrested the attention of the world. Not only did the authors and publishers of England respond most generously by contributions of autograph copies of their works and but the people of continental Europe snd of our own country showed that they were moved by the same generous Impulses. Contributions soon rose to T.Ouo volumes, many of which were of great literary interest aud value. But the greatest result of the movement thus begun was the effect it produced on the people of Chicago. It called attention to the fact that every considerable collection of books to which the public could obtain access had been destroyed, that many private libraries had been burned, and that th city was suffering from an unparalleled dearth of books.

It crystallized tbe sentiment that a puiillc library was a necessity and prompted our ritizena to express their appreciation of the generous and sympathetic donation by founding this library and providing a place to receive and forever keep sacred the testimonial of universal brotherhood. On Jan. 3. 1872. a petition, signed by thirty leading citizens, was presented to Hon.

Joseph Medill, mayor of Chicago, requesting him to call a public meeting of citizens to consider the establishment of a free public library. Tbe names signed to that petition constitute a roll of honor It would have been difficult to have found thirty names more truly representative of Chicago or which stand for more in its development and history. -Meetlnar Held at Plymouth Church. Mayor He. fill issued the call as requested and a large and entbusiaaitc public meeting was bold Jan.

8, at Plymouth church. Resolution were adopted thanking Thomas Hughes and his anioclites for undertaking to secure contributions of books for a free public library In this city, and pledging the efforts of the citizens of Chicago to carry on and complete the great work so successfully begun. The mayor appointed a committee of twenty to prepare the legislation necessary to establish a free public library and to receive and preseivi mich books and lltarary property as should be presented. This committee prepared and reported a free library bill to a meeting held In the city hall Jan. 20, 1872.

Thia bill waa framed from I coiiies of bills at that time before the Legislature, tbe earliest of which had been prepared by Hon. i i i. onorey ana lntroaucea in the House of Representatives Feb. 1S71, by Hon. William H.

King of this city. The bill presented by the committee waa unanimously approved by tbe meeting and was In substance the bill wblch. becama a law epid waa approved March 7. 1872. This wss a general law and is tbe statutory foundation of all the free public libraries in Illinois.

This set waa accepted by tbe common council, and the Chicago Public library was thereby established by an ordinance, also prepared by Mr. Shorey, approved April 3, 1872. As the boons were received they were deposited in the old iron water tank which waa situated upon tbe lot at the southeast corner of Adams and La Salle streets, now occupied by tbe Rookery building. This tank had been used as a distributing reservoir for the south division, snd stood on a masonry foundation thirty-five feet high. It Jbsd tho merit of being fireproof and wss selected for that reason.

Opened Jam. 1, 1873. A reading-room was fitted up by tbe city in the third story of th temporary city hall, sd-jscent to snd connecting with the tank. This was opened to the public Jan. 1873, These quarters soon proved inadequate for tbe rapidly growing accumulation of books, and on atarca la, 1S74, the library was moved to the southeast corner of Madison street and Wabash avenue, where it was opened fur the circulation of books May 1, liTit, with 17,355 volumes.

On Msy 27. 1875, the library wa again moved. This time to the southwest corner of Lake and Dearborn streets, where it remained until May 'it, 1884. By that time It had again outgrown its habitation, and its 120,000 volumes were removed to tbe fourth story of the city hall. The many friends of the library will rejoice with us that its last removel has just been completed; tbst after twenty-five year of wanderimx it ha found a home; and that after adjourning In quarters dark.

Inadequate, Inconvenient, and Insecure, it has at last reached a place of safety, where It can live and expand, and where It can without embarrassment Invite and receive Its patrons and friends. From the earliest consideration of the subject of a future library building. Dearborn park has by common consent been deemed the most natural and appropriate location. It was puollc property, by the utilisation of which the expenditure of a large sum In the purchase of land wss rendered unnecessary. It was of ad-quate ize and of symmetrical shape.

It wss centrally located and convenient to the lines of Intramural communication aod travel. It filled more completely tha requirements of tbe library nd the convenience of the public than any other site obtainable, but the difficulties in securing its use for library purposes were for many year Insurmountable. How Dearbera Park Waa Aee.alrea. Oa tbe plat- of Fort Dearborn addition. Dear bora park waa marked "Public ground, forever to remain vacant of buildings.

The consent of owner of abutting property therefore had to be obtained before a building could be erected. June 4, 188, an act of the Legislature ef Illinois was passed, giving to the Soldiers' Home tn Chicago the license to erect a memorial hall aa the north cue-fourth of Dearborn park. The Soldiers' home, Jiowever, wa unable to obtain tbe necessary consent of tbe owner of abutting property, and never obtained possession from tb city. It now became apparent that the whol park would ultimately be needed for library purposes, and negotiations were entered upon for th acquisition of tb Interest of ths Soldiers ocme. This finally resulted In an agreement between the parties.

An ordinance of the city of Chicago was passed May 13, 1890, and an set of the Legislature passed and approved Juue 2, 1891. which authorised tho library to purchase the Interest of the Soldiers' home and to erect and maintain a public library ou the entire park. The consent of the owner of abutting property waa then obtained. Tha preliminary agreement on Oct. 24.

1881, ripened Into final contract, by the delivery of a deed from the Soldiers' home to the Chicago public library, and by the execution of an agreement by the library to construct a memorial hall and anterooms, and to lease them for fifty years at nominal rental to the Grand Army Hall and Memorial association. Then for tho first time waa the way clear to use this location for library purposes. It had required many years of persistent effort and petlent negotiation to reach this result, and many concessions and compromise, which have If ft permanent traces upon thia building, bad to be made. In order to secure the consent of the owners of shutting property. It was necessary to stipulate that a apace of not less than fifteen feet ahou.d be left vacant between the building to be erect el nd the s.

reet line on Washington and Randolph streets and Dearborn place, and that one of the main entrances to the building should be upon Washington street and one on Randolph street. Arehlteetaral Dlfaealtlew. It was necessary under the contract with Soldiers' home to locate In advance and to lay out and plan in detail the quarters to be occupied by the memorial ball and ants-rooms. This forced upon the board of directors the extremely difficult and unusual problem of laying out aud determining the whole Interior plan of tiie building at the time these contracts were made, and In advance of the adoption of the general plan for the exterior and even in advance of tha selection of an architect. Tbla course waa entered upon by tha board with many misgivings, aud In the face of some adverse criticisms.

One prominent firm of architect refused to Join In the competition for the general plana of the building because they declined to be bound by tuc restrictions which the Interior plsns Imposed. The Interior plans, however, were generally approved and commended by the competing architects, and we are confident that the verdict of experience will be that the convenience and general adaptation of this building to library purposes will be one of Its crowning glories. There were other grave, practical difficulties. The building and library, by reason of their location In the business center of the city. we; to be immersed in an atmosphere filled to saturation with the sulphurous gases of soft coal smoke.

Their destructive agencies would speedily destroy mural paintings aud the decorations most commonly used. Believing that the mlssioa of this library Is to Instruct, elevate, and refine by teaching the beautiful as well as the good and the true, the directors were confronted with the problem how to make this building beauti ful and Its decorations indestructible, with the means at their disposal and without sacrificing convenience and utility. An architect, unhampered by any limitation ef cost or a comparatively easy ta.k in planning a monument to his art and Caste, but to take interior plans which had "been rendered rigid In many respects by contracts which could not be disregarded and clothe them with a. beautiful and dignified exterior and adorn and embellish them artistically, and In a way to resist the destructive agencies prevailing, constituted a problem calling for the highest order of talents -and culture. A Trlamph of Art.

To Messrs. Shepley, Rutan A Coolidge, tha architects, and especially to Mr. Chanes A. Coolidge of that firm. Is due In the largest measure the credit for whatever of art and beauiy has here found expression.

We believe that be has erected here a monument which shall forever prove that the highest triumph of arcbltcctuie and of art Is to make the necessary and the useful enduring and beautiful. The plans were adopted and the architect employed Feb. 13. 1892. from which time the work of construction steadily progressed.

After very careful Investigation, under the guidance of General William Soot Smith, a s-tem of foundatlona was sdopted consisting of piling driven to the underlying hard-pan. This system has proved entirely satisfactory and our building, three years after the walls have been completed, shows no evidences of settlement. Ground was broken July 1892. and the corner-stood laid Thanksgiving day, 18S3. I will not weary you by detailing the several steps In the construction of this building.

The first great aim of the board of directors haa been to make It aa convenient and useful as possible. The first direction to the architects was. "Let there be light," and they have given us light everywhere. The controlling idea in the Interior plans has been to make the book-rooms the heart of the library, tbe center from which everything shall radiate, thus facilitating access from every quarter and lightening the work in every department. This building has no shams.

It Is genuine, solid, and honest, its foundations are aa stable aa tbe struct re of tn globe. Its mosslcs. found here In greater profusion than in any edifice erected since the thirteenth century, have tbe same elements of Indestructibility which have preserved the wall of St. Sophia since tbe days of Justinian. It ha been built for today and for a hundred year and will stand aa a monument of the pubTlc spirit of our citizens long after the growth of this library shall overflow its ample walla.

Tribnte tm OIBelala. It is a pleasure to recognize and commend tha devotion, the harmonious co-operation, and the valuable assistance which tbe board of directors hsve at all time received from Frederick H-Hild. the librarian, and William B. Wlcker-sham. the secretary.

We cannot too highly commend the zeal, ability, and fidelity of our superintendent. Nicholas EL Weydert. He haa been indefatigable tn his watchfulness and has known no purpose but the si'cceaa of thia building and the interests of tha board. From the preparation of the original plans to tbe final execution of tbe work, hi labor have been arduous and unremitting, and bav contributed la a great degree to the economy and efficiency of the work as performed. No sccount of this building is complete which dees not contain some recognition of the great devotion and the many service of Be ran ard Moo.

From hi earliest appointment. In 1887, to the time of his death, he was Indefatigable in the service of the library, and his Ideas and bis labors have left a lasting Impress upon this structure. In working out the Interior arrangement and plan of the building. In determining tha nature and scheme of the decorations, in securing the necessary legislation and appropriations, and In the careful conservation of the resources of tbe library so that the building might be completed within the appropriations, his work was of the greatest value. HI aMlity and devotion to tbe Interests of the library, coupled with great modesty, won for him the admiration and affection of his associates and entitle his memory to a warm place in the heart of every friend of the library.

It is with great satisfaction that the board of directors announce that this building ha been erected, equipped, and furnished well within the appropriations. This has been accomplished by the careful supervision of every proposed expenditure and the determination at ell time adhered to by the board of director that the coat must be kept within the mean available. Thia ha been supplemented by the preparation of very complete and carefully prepared plana and specifications and the firm Insistence at all times that they shall be strictly adhered to and carried out by the contractor. We have accordingly had practically no extras. While no needed expenditure baa been omitted and while the monumental and permanent character of the building has at all times beea kept in view, the economy in Its cost of construction challenges comparison with any public building erected tn this ccuntry.

Our experience demonstrated that a public bnlldlng can be erected without extra and within the appropriation, and aa economically as a private structure. It has also demonstrated that It Is possible to combine economy and careful attention to convenience and utility with art and beauty. First la Clrealatloa. It la a source of peculiar gratification to note tbe great appreciation which tbe people ef thia city hare always manifested for this institution. From the first opening of this library it circulation has been phenemecal.

In its drat year It surpassed In borne circulation every other library in the United States, excepting only the Boston public library. In 189C tbe four libraries of tbe world having tbe greatest home circulation were as follows: Birmingham, tlS.Ul fTbston public library M7JI21 Manchester, Kngland. M5.H4 Chicago public library 1.173.5SA it -la -therefore a noticeable fact that our library, which has been for several1 yesVs tbe most used In our own land, now stands first among the libraries of the world in the horn circulation of books. A citizen of Chicago we may be Justly proud of the magnificent liberality of tbe municipal authorities and of the citlsens st large in providing the mesns to erect, equip, sod furnish this building. Tbe (2,000.000 necessary for this purpose haa been derived from six annual tax levies from 1SV1 to U96.

It la a sub tec for public congratulation that a beautiful and commodious library building, adequate for tbe growth of the library for many years to come, haa been erected and paid for by the people. The cheerfulness with which this burdea bss been boras furnlsbse a splendid example of public spirit and shews that this community la not matsrial-Istlo. It proves that the library, as a means of public education, ia appreciated and understood. Ispplestrsts Schools. The public school, necessary and admirable as it ia, only start the individual upon the road to mental development.

It open the way ard render possible further advancement la knowledge and usefulness, but It only begins tbe work of instruction. Tbe college, the seminary, acd the university discipline tbe faculties and cultivate the last for the acquisition of knowledge, and to a limited extent store tbe mind, bat they do net afford access to tbe boundless store of knowledge which a great library offers and by which the work ef tbe schools can be completed. Tha child here lesrns to love a book and forms a habit for reading, which is a shield against temptation and an Inspiration to a higher life. Tha child of larger growth can here; mak preparation for every avenue of employment and of usefulness sod can and tbe means of cultivating the graeea and accomplishments of life which distinguish the msa of education and culture from the boor and the savage. A great library afford the opportunity of investigation and research to the students In every department of utility and taste.

It knows no limitation of age or sex. The Investor, author, artist, critic, artisan, and professional man of every kind find here the wit. the wisdom, and the experience of ages, in a profusion otherwise unattainable. A great library, free to all the people. 1 therefore the natural supplement to sny system of public instruction.

Tbe board of directors, as custodlansof a great trust which you have committed to their rare, submit their account for your approval by delivering to you this building as the record of their stewardship. They can fear no greater punishment than your disapproval and ran hope for no greater reward thai; your commendation. DR. KMIL a. Hiitsrii.

As Kloqaeat Dedlralory Address I Closes the Progranisir. Afttr another musical selection came the dedicatory address, by Dr. Einll G. Hlrsch. who spoke.

In part, as follows: There is scsree a home In this million-hearted I city, whatever the dialect In which the ditty is sung over the crsdles rocks, whatever the tongue in which prelection ia invoked from the God it worships, whether bumble be its furnishings or luxurious lis draperies, but rejoices with us tonight that the library's days of wandering tn the desert are over; that it has at last crossed the Jordan and entered upon a new career In the land of a larger promise. The scores of thousands that a few weeks ago inspected this edifice and admired its classic proportions. Its chaste and suggestive decorations, and were impressed with tbe perfection of its appointments, were not moved to pay the visit by idle curiosity. They were of the large number of our citizens who. as the record of rur circulstlon amply demonetratea.heve learned to prize this collection of books ss their ow treasure, more precious and helpful than which they reckon none of their privileges.

Their presence here, as is yours, tonight was a telling testimony to tbe etttcdeory with which the library, under less favorable clrcumataocea, has discharged its trust; snd if this hour hss meaning and speaks a message it certainly gives the assurance that, now (bat opportunities hava Increased, tbe rendered te individual and community alike wHl be proportionately enlarged. A public library has a sphere of Its own which a scholar's library cannot presume to appropriate. Monument ef scholarship indeed weigh down the shelves which surround as here, I dare aay. and I know of what I am speaking, that, in many a department of ours, the scholar bent upon original research will find, snd that to completion, all the material he needs to carry his investlgstions to a successful issue. But this circumstance is incidental.

All Classes fTrevldrd for. Tbe Intention of a pnWBe library la not to meet the wants of the scholar as such; It is both to fill and create a much more vital want that of tbe non-professional community of thinkers and readers, which, as it embraces all classes and would meet all condition, will not exclude the investigator, but will emphatically Include every mind craving for knowledge and every soul anxious for sympathy. In point of equipment to upply the scholar needs, the British museum, the National library at Paris, tbe -Royal library at Berlin, or the Vatican and ilarvard'a, and a score of others take precedence of ours. But nowhere In Europe or America ia there on that baa been organized and carried on on a more comprehensive basis and with a clearer apprehension of Its duties and opportunities as a public library than ours. We have no ancient manuscripts, but we have, complete sets of contemporary periodicals, which, as the year Increase, take on a value irredeemable in coin.

Of scoiis in Oriental or dead tongues we own only a few. and not very rare specimens, but we display on ou stacks probably every clean book which haa come from an American publishing house stnoe the dsy of our incorporation. Helpful as our library has been to our local universities. It has never lost sight of its main mission to be the one center from which information and culture shsll radiate into every mind snd besrt in this vsst beehive of conflicting energies snd clashing interests, of pushing ambitions and hurried strivings, which we love so well as the one city of our pride giant Chicago. Kvcry Brasrh of Kaenlede.

But knowledge of tbe world which surrounds us is but the nrst step; tbe lielphic oracle bids us todsy aa insistently as it did of old to "know 1 ourselves." Man la central to the nit tea And. knowing this, the collectors of our books have brought together under thia roof thousands of volumes consecrated to the elucidation of man's dower and duty and destiny. 1 daresay that no tome of real value is missing. Anthropology embraces todsy every branch of knowledge which is not busy with the exploration of minerals, or muds, or plants, or planets, or rocks or rivers, and of this vast empire every province bss been Isid under contribution to fill our storehouse of informstlon. Go through your stark-rooms.

Their tenants tell us tbe story of our body as well as that of our mind. They allow us a peep Into the life of oar eoul and warrant an understanding of all Its functions. They trace the history of man from Its beginning to this very day' they bring to the ken of distant races and former societies; they Inform us ef the motives underlying mighty movement and warn us of the folly of not heeding paat experiences. They usher us Into tbe halls of poetry and sing for us the songs of tbe best of our kind; they make us companions of the deepest thinker and admit ua to tbe Intimacy of their richest thoughts. They lead as te temples under differ- I ent skies and known by different names, yet funds menially eoasecrated to tbe erne great I Am.

and grown out of one and tbe same unl- 1 Tersally human seed. Frtm yrader shelve speak to as tbe prophets of old that left behind the Vedaa and the A vestas, the Koran and tha Testaments. Can such an excursion through the avenues of research on man. such a pilgrimage to tbe cathedrals that abetter the Intellectual and moral legacies of Shakespeare and Hugo ef Goethe and Racine, of Virgil and Homer, and the other great and good be without profit? Even a limited stay with these treasures must event In refining the sense of our humanity; It cannot but widen tbe scope of our sympathies, and thus repress the tendencies to narrow tolerance and put under embargo the assertions of prejudice. The I'laee ef Fietloa.

In this connection It may be well to answer on doubt which haa often found protesting utter- ance. Fiction Is the one department which exercises tbe pre a test attraction. As a people's college, should a public library not discourage this appetite rather than pander to it? Undoubtedly the number of worthless novels la legion. But these were not given the freedom of the bouse- bold. A still larger proportion of fiction's children are.

while free from vicious suggestions, of a temperament that is by no means edifying. While this must be admitted, and also tbe proposition of those must be accepted who contend I that even a public library shall do its utmost, not merely to satisfy an existing craving for certain line of reading, bnt to stimulate the desire far better nsy. for the best literature, their conclusion that every book must be excluded which move with a lighter step or is not busy with the weighty problems that bother and baffle tbe philosophers is certainly indefensible. Even those whose ambition doe not push beyond tbe reasonable curiosity to know tbe heroes and heroines of the novel' of average workmanship cannot be ignored. Good pedagogics suggest even that by meeting tbe taste of the reader for more pastime half way and without attempting tn act tbe censorious disciplinarian the library will, by making this class feel at home tinder its roof, attract them toward Its nobler treasures.

Margaret Fuller somewhere remarks that that novel Is worth writing which exposes the ex ruses that villain make te themselves for their own worthless ness. This test will admit to the company of books worthy of preservation the greater part of the literature of fiction produced in these days and be who understands the working of tbe pop-alar soul will not object that our circulation makes each large draughta on works of this category. Te laenleafe Patriotism. That ia rnculeate loyalty tbe flag should ft the other of tbe library's anxieties Is not open to dispute. Ours haa ministered sea loo sly at tbe altar of patriotism.

It has aimed to be of help to the voter thoughtful ef his responsibilities In these day of perplexing social and economic problem. With- eye to the growing im-portane and insistence of these Issues, aa fall literature aa these vexatious aussUoa aa mean and apace permitted baa been gathered. This collection, rich enough and complete enough to arouse the envy of a professional school of finsncs. sociology, and economics, has not been kept under lock and key; It baa been made accessible to all. The selection of tbe pamphlet and periodical and publication In tbs department of sociology and economics baa been mad without partisan bias, but with the aim to contribute toward tbe making of a better qualified citizenship.

And it hss been in many another field the central purpose to provide Inspiration for the American citizen to love his own country, and to understand tbe principles upon which It Is founded. In ever richer and deeper measure. One who look through our eatalogne perhaps, be Inclined, unless be bavs tbe true conception ef tbe real genuine Americanism, te doubt this statement. Here are books in ever so many languages. There Is scarce a dialect spoken today oa Ood's footstool but has one or tbe other and In many cases thousands of representative on our shelves.

Our public library has grasped the opportunity. It stands today tb friend of thousands, tho helper of millions. It Is one ef tbe anchors upon which the safety of our communal lifs Is dependent. It supplements tb grand work done by oar school. It haa often been aa ally to our university and the growing technical schools round about ua.

It is Indispensable te tbe newspaper, and eenflrma or corrects or confounds the contentions of these that court and command tbe attention every day of thia city; If offer opportunities for self-culture to thousands who are denied the privilege of systematic training: It la consecrated te the cause of humanity, and at the aama time it holds aloft tbe biasing light of true world. Including loyalty to our American Institutions, la its new borne, with its larger opportunities. It will do grander service. Those of ua who saw this building arise, and watched over the separata steps by which It was brought neerer and nearer en to perfection, have Indeed tonight good cause for grateful rejoicing. The consummation has compensated us for what anxiety we had to endure and what sacrifice we.

In tbs dlscbsrge of tb duties of our office, had to make in Its behalf. Chicago, synonym of energy, snd Industries, push, and ambition Chicago, awarming hive of restless millions, of many tongues and many hearts, but of one loyalty and love, owns no title to distinction more legitimate or lustrous than its possession of this grand. Its own. public library. What its future will be.

bold Imagination shrinks from foretelling. But In this growing city of ours this library will continue a mighty factor for good. We may turn to the coming day with fullest confidence that aa yesterdsy so tomorrow hundreds of thousands will love this edifice, their own: the People's university. We may today realize that even te our institution applies Victor Hugo's words, "A library is sn act of faith wblch generations. In darkness bid, sign in witness of the dawn." selection by the orchestra followed, and then the large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen made a tour of Inspection of the different rooms, which will be utilized today for the service of the public.

to E. Vt.STOU-Zt- g-. P.vsoW. 3 QlvlS.oc- EXPLAINED BY M'KENNA. Farts Relatlaar to (he Sale ml the I alow Pselle Are Set Farth.

WASHINGTON. D. C. Oct. Tho Attor-aey General today gave out tb following statement relative to the sale of the Union Pacific railroad: There seems to be a misapprehension of the action of tbe previous administration in regard to tbe Pacific railroads.

There was no agreement to sell the roads or the sinking fund of the Union Pacific. In consideration of the appearance of the United States In tbe foreclosure proceedings already commenced and the prosecution of its own mortgage it was guaranteed a bid of f45.T54.0u. at tbe sale which should be ordered by the court over aod above tbe amount of the first mortgage. This amount Included tb sinking fund and was based on an estimate of par ENTERPRISING NORTH SIDERS for the sinking fund acd KS.SM.COO in addition. There was no formal agreement.

It consisted of letters between the reorganization committee and special counsel of the government and Attorney General Harmon, all of which were published in Senate document SI. Fifty-Fourth Congress, second session. The agreement, as I hsve said goes no further than to provide for the appearance of tbe government in suits brought for ths foreclosure of tha first mortgage bonds and bringing suit for foreclosure of its owe Tbe sale of the property was to be (and must necessarily be) by the direction of the court, as In other foreclosure suits, with ths whole world for bidders. Tbe appearance was made and tb suit Instituted ss agreed before tbe advent ef tbe present administration. These suits, therefore.

It bad to accept, and It baa endeavored te secure such decrees aa It believed tbe government acder the laws incorporating tbe railroads wa entitled te. It msy be disputable as to whether the agree-meat to go Into court should have been ssadel It is not disputable as to what tbe government after It waa. In court could do. There, like aay other suitor, tbe government was subject to tbs order of tbe court. I mean, of course, subject to the order of the court as creditor.

As sovereign its powers could not be affected and have sot been by the decrees. We think, therefore, that tbe action of tbe government and the sita-stioa are very plain. It bss not sold its interests. It haa enabled all Interests to be sold st public auction to tbe reorganization committee or to aay committee or to anybody or association which or who may bid tbe highest. In what I have said I do not mean to Imply criticism of tbe previous administration.

What Ic did, it, no doubt, did on mature reflection and In si nee rest judgment, and lta action waa recommended by both the receivers who bad been appointed upon the application of the United States and was also unanimously recommended by the five government directors. Now, as to tbe relation of the government to the decrees, they aa rendered were In many respect gratifying exceedingly se but In other respects were not as the government strenuously contended for. For Instance, the Omaha bridge inert gages, amounting to about 11.200,000, were adjudged to be superior to tb lien of tb government on that part of the road between Omaha and Council bluffs, and in addition tbe money and assets in the hands of tbe receivers accruing from the operation of the roads were ordered to be sold Instead of being nsci led to meet a deficiency judgment expected to be obtained by tbe government. This amounted to more than $2,000,000. Thia.

of course, would become important if the price bid at the sals should not equal the government's lien. Dissatisfied with the decrees, therefore, the government considered tbe propriety of an appeal, and had Indeed prepared tb papers tor sock appeal. Tb reorganization committee, learning this, cam forward with an Increase bid of ever 4.90e,0rt0 making the total of their guaranteed bid instead of 46.7&4.06-s. aa increase of t4.t4s.ML This Increase removed the objections to tbs decree se fsr as tbs mane contentions were concerned. In all else the decrees were just and satisfactory.

Under these circumstances aa apeal did not seem justified. Regarding a higher bid. tbe prospect of It seems as great now aa It would be later. Thee considerations determined the government. Il mast be remembered that the government's lien a second one.

subject to a first mortgage of $21,000,000. Tb advantage It has secured, therefore, is. te repeat somewhat, that at the ami under the decrees of foreclosure there will ha a fair bid for the road ot f50.000.eoa over and above the first mortgage sad besides the benefit of absolute freedom of competition at the sale. Tb government may, therefore, secure Its whole claim through a higher bid. It la sure of laO.000.-000, and tbla amount (in connection with tbe payments already made) will pax the principal of (h debt twice over.

A HINK'NS jv Aaav Gsas. WWL North Chicago a Blaze Twenty-Six BUT THE CAUSES Imposing Industrial Parade of the North Side Business Men's Association, IS SUCCESSFUL IN EVERY DETAIL Great Pageant Representative of the Historic Past and. Prosperous Present Witnessed by Delighted Thousands. Typical of the great evant It commemorated, the demonstration of tha North Side Business Men's association. last- Bight waa resplendent with tbe glare of red fire, the bursting of bomb, and tbe firry showers ef rockets.

A multitude of Chleagoana turned out to witness th display. Fiom tbe starting point of tbe parade, at Clark and KJnzie streets, to the Grant monument at Lincoln Jjarkt one dense mass lined the street. Before the people were portrayed the chief Incidents of tbe great calamity that waa turned by the brave citizen of Chicago to aa Incentive to tbe highest effort, and which has resulted in the present greatness of tbe city which has but one watchword. "I Will." Conducted entirely by private enterprise, tbe demonstration was successful beyond all expectation. At tbe Lincoln park rendezvous there wa a sea of bamanlty.

Various estimate placed the number at 100,000 and over. Here wa held tbe monster fireworks display, to which tbe brilliancy of tbe parade waa an effective Introduction. The plgbt wa perfect. Even tbe alight chill in the breeze that blew in from Lak Michigan helped to increase the enthusiasm ot tbe throng. All impatience 'that might have been felt by the alight delay In the arrival of tbe parade was dissipated by the mag WHO LABORED LOX3 AND LATE TO nificent display of the Terkcs fountain.

Most of the crowd had seen the marvelous kaleidoscope 0f liquid color before, but they watched with never tiring Interest-Bicycles, carriages, wagons. In fact, vehicle of every kind and description. Used tbe drive neighboring on tbe line of march In tb park. From the entrance of Dearborn avenue to tbe Grant monument tbe crush was immense. About the pedestal ot tbe Lincoln monument every available point of vantage was occupied.

Those stationed there were tb first to see the approach of the parade as It came- from th south. From there tb word was passed vp the lin and long before tbe first mounted park policeman, in his natty gray uniform, appeared, shouts of 'approval could be heard along th line. Vp tbla point tb parad tad been given a royal was redoubled sf It entered tb park. The Chicago Hussars followed th polio aa a guard ot honor to th ONE FLOAT REMINISCENT grand marshal. B.

F. Bash, Brooke Second Regiment band headed th first division, it waa heralded with delight by both th small nd Urg boy as It cam Into view playing a attiring march. A lin of elegant carriages, containing ths officers and directors of th North Bid Business Men's association, th aldermen from th North Bid wards, and th members of th Lincoln park board completed th first division. AH the carriage war Illuminated with colored lights, th small boy of th various wards acting as torch-bearers. Tbe gentlemen war greeted with cheer along tbe lin of inarch, aa they passed their various frtwod and constituents.

But th greatest Interest centered tn the second division. Here were the floats dealing wiut th early history of th city. "Our First of Light, as It Was Just Years Ago. WERE DIFFERENT Inhabitants" recalled tbe presence of th red man. About a caldron glewing witb rt4 fire a score of dusky brave performed their threatening war dances.

Every whoop from the Indians met with a response from tb juvenile portion of tbe crowds. Scarcely ha this pitcure passed before tbs; -first result of tbe early aetUars' determination to make a metropolis out of tbe wilder-Bess appeared, a representation of Fort Dearborn. The old blockhouse occupied tbe center of tbe float, the Chicago river flowing the left. Settlers and Indiana were sees trading about the fort. And then came Mather O'Leary's cow.

From the modest milch cow that kicked tbe lantern tha animal, under tb Imaginative touch ef the North Side artist, grew to a monster bovine, capable of demolishing a gas plant, Tbe old lady of West Side fame sat patiently wcelde the cow and milked her. The straw and shabby hut were faithfully portrayed, and Mr. Ltary and her cow were a distinctive hit- The fire-swept city of 1871 waa portrayed on tbe next float- Women escaping with their infants pressed to their breasts, burning houses on every side, red fire In abundance, and excited men helped to make tbe tcena realistic. "Old Liberty," that did gallant service la that great and losing fight against the fir of Oct. t.

171. followed, with a hose cart that saw service at tbe same time. Both the engine MAKE THE PARADE A SUCCESS. and tbe cart were draped In th national color. Engineer John Barry, a survivor of the tire, and four wtpemen manned the apparatus.

Tbey were given tbe tribute due to heroes. "Chicago a scene portraying the havoc wrought by tbe fire, abowed the old courthouse and city hall on Randolph street. Ruins were on every wide, and the homeless people searched among the fains. But the hope of the city of ruins was ushered in by the note of a military band, and th float "I Will" came as a welcome contrast te the scenes ef desolation that had preceded tu Thia waa artistically constructed gnder th direction of President Gillman of tb North Side Business lien's association. AA Immense shall formed the foundation for a throne, upon which Chicago aat triumphant.

Upon her corselet- were th magic words "I WUL" About tha threoe were the attendant votaries, representing the arts and sciences. A quartet of Columbian coaches filled with merrymakers recalled th joyful trip to th OF THE "WORLDS FAIR. great World's Fair. A saarweloas reproduction th tdacMonalea fountain ushered in a aerie ot acenea from th Whit City. This wa th contribution tb EVUeoa company to th demonstration.

Th flgwrea were all Two are llgbt aooanted la wagon preceded and followed this float. Immees reflector wwr employed with tight, and by thl means produced changeable effect in colore. Many familiar scenes front th great exposition and It lateretUcv the Midway, were faithfully reproduced. This ccm-pleted th second division. Ia th third divlsioa were represented- many of tb Industrie that have bee developed by tb pluck and energy of Chicago ns and realdeata of th North Side, The aewabaya' band headed this In dust rial emesiflon en wheel, aad bo better epitome of hustling abll-.