V
Jan. 7, 1897.
THE NEBRASKA INDEPENDENT.
BOOKS FOR ISOLATED FOLKS
Travelling Libraries Would Be a Sweet
Boon for Nebraska.
ABE BOTH FEASIBLE AND CHEAP
An Annual Appropriation 61 1,500
Would Start a Most Beneficent
Educational Institution
and Run It.
The paper of Miss Edna D. Bullock on
"Travelling libraries," read before tlhe
state librarians' association is lier given
in full:
Within the last four yeaos a new land
mark has 'been placed along the pathway,
01 educational progress. Tttils 'time the
empire state pota'ted the way and gave
us travelling libraries. While it Is by no
means certain that the travelling library
idea is new, yet its practical application
to Twentieth century American needs
was first worked out to this country to
INew York state In 1893. In 1892 'Che uni
versity law of New York "authorized tlhe
regents to lend for a limited time elec
tions of books from tlhe duplicate depart
ment of the state library or from books
especially given or bought for that pur
pose, to public libraries under state su
pea-vision, or to comimuinittes meeting re
quired conditions. "
Early in 1S93 the regents started out ten
'libraries of one niuntfmed volumes ea?h.
The greatest care was exercised in t'he
selection of the books, the aim being to
'have them largely educational and only to
a limited extent recreative. The bt
and newest books to science, 'history and
travel are, lhap-pfly, quite as recreative
as tney are educational, so ttihat Uhe li
braries are by no means as severe in
tone as t'hey otherwise wouid be. The
selections -were made with a view to the
needs of the rural district and small
towns whore 'books are scarce. The rules
adopted by the regents for the circulation
or these books are bo liberal that it is
not -too .much to say that good books are
not beyond the reaclh of any resident of
iew York if he really iwants them. A
tiraveilii'ng library may .be lent for six
months "to the trustees of any public li
brary in New York under regent's visi
tation. 'Where so euclh 'library ex
ists, the books will be lent on petition of
itwenity-nve resident taxqayens.
Labo-arta may be Jent to t'he officers of a
university extension centre, reading
course or study club if registered by the
regents." The borrowers of a library
must give a guaranty for Its preservation
and safe return, and must bear the Coat
of transportation. They must appoint a
librarian, who will care for the books, at
tend to loaning them, and keep a record
of the circulation. A complete outfit for
charging 'books, and a set of small an
notated, printed catalogues are eent out
with every library. .
There is very mudh diversity to the
character of rhe libraries, for, besides t'he
general libraries, there are libraries oil
epectel subjects,. euc!h as Eenailssance
history, BMe hfetory. agriculture, etc.
There are also libraries for young folks.
It is thus possible for the exact needs
of different localities o be met.
WERE WARMLY RECEIVE.
The reception of the first ten libraries
was -warm anougih to Justify 'tlhe increase
of the mumber to over one 'hundred li
braries An iShiree years. "At Peru, a small
etaition on tlhe Au Sable railroad, where
books were very scarce, a circulation of
490 was recorded, one reader taking
ifhirty-eight." This single Instance shows
(that the people of (New York were In
need of just such help as the travelling
library supplies ttio them.
These libraries imay be sent to colleges,
hospitafc, prisons, Y. M. C. A.s, study
dubs, 'Ohautauqua circles, school dis
ttricts and even to private Individuals, but
Whey must be free to residents of tlhe 'lo
cality to whildh 'tlhey are sent. The.bor
ipowers of the library are cnarged with
tlhe obligation., to establish a free library
as soon as t!he proiDer moment arrives.
During the first year six public libraries
were started as the result of the travell
ing libraries. The total . circulation of
5,300 volumes in six months was 15,358,
in average of 290 readers d each 100
volumes. The Mbranies 'have gone into
the fastness of the Adirondacks, and tlhe
Isolated Villages over t'he state as well
as to the small towns. Some looali'ties
have called for library -after (library. The
Bible class of a etruoah in Albany asked
(or books for Bible study, and the pastor
was allowed to select 100 volumes,, which
the regents bougiht and sent to the
ohurclh as a travelling library. The
dheme is capable of indefinite extension
and can 'be made to serve any constit
uency from a cooking club to a theosoph
iical society.
The cost of a system of travelling li
braries is small when compared with the
results which are sure to follow. The
first ten Mb.rair.ies of 100 volumes each in
New York cost $2,000 when ready to send
out. This includes all expends of se
lection, preparation, packing and print
ing. The 'libraries are sent outln strong,
oak book eases, and are ready for use
as soon as tthe case is set up and un
locked. A fee of $5 covers the cost of
transportation. The coat of t'he book cases
with locks and fittings Is from $10 to $14.
The average cost of the books is not over
a dollar a volume.
Travelling libraries 'have proven to be
the little leaven which leavens the whole
lump. The experimental stage has passed.
Travelling libraries have become a vital
force In the educational macthinery of
New York.
; -IN OTHER STATES.
, In 1895 'tlhe legislature of Michigan
passed a law appropriating an annual
sum of $5,000 for making loans from tlhe
state library and an additional $2,500 for
the establi'shiment of travelling libraries.
The state librarian "has these in charge
and already thirty -one libraries of fifty
volumes each .have been selected and
neat printed catalogues prepared. The
libraries are, doubtless, at this time
gladdening the waste places and book
less localities of Michigan.
In the same manner in 1896 the Iowa
legislature appropriated an annual $2,000
for travelling libraries. They, too, are In
the hands of the state librarian, who is
preparing 'them for cjncuialtton at this
time.
Both Miclhiigan and Iowa have modelled
the scope and character of their travell
ing libraries closely after the New York
plan a plan whlcih is so satisfactory, on
the Whole, that it will serve as a work
ing moikd for all states that fall Into line
with travelling libraries.
In 1S95 .Montana appropriated $1,000 for
' 1S95, 500 for ISM and $300 annually there
after for travelling libraries. A deficit In
funds has prevented Uhe expenditure of
this appropriation.
In Wisconsin the munificence of Hon.
.J. II. Stout (has established travelling li
braries, for Dunn county. The privileges
of 'the Mabel Tainter memorial library
of Menominee aire free to any resident of
Dunn -county. It was found 'Chut hut few
of t'he peo.ple outside of Menominee
availed .themwe'lves of 'the privilege of
the library. In order 'that all entitled to
these privileges mtgiht enjoy them, Mr.
Stout resolved to send out at 'his own ex
pense sixteen libraries of thirty volumes
each. T-e rules governing .theee li
braries axe similar to those .adopted by
ihe regents for t'he New York libraries.
Thorough investigations were made In
She school districts of the county m to
' rbether the people wanited the books,
'hat books they already had, and how
ast to distribute the books, before the
forarios were started out. An eagerness
for books "was everywhere manifested.
The posrtofflees were selected as the moat
suitable places to keep the libraries. The
travelling libraries of Dunn founity are
appreciated by t'he people and are doing
all Una thflir promoter noped for them.
An effort Is to be made et 'the coming
session of the Wisconsin legislature to se
cure travelling libraries for the entire
state. ; . .
PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS.
(Information received since the forego
ing was written states that Mr. Stout
added' ten liliraiies and has recently
placed an order for eight more. The li
brarians of these travelling libraries to
Dunn county have just held an institute
to discuss t'he various problems that con
fronted them. J. D. Witter of Grand
Rapids 'has seventeen 'libraries travelling
in Wood county and ten more neairly
ready to go out. The northern WfeKxxn
sin .travelling library association will sup
ply lumber camps with travelling librar
ies, aa well as assisting other commu
nities. The trustees of 'the Ohlppewa
Falls library are making up libraries to
send out in dhtippewa county, and the
teadhers of the Stevens Point normal
sdhool are collecting books and maga
zines for Portage county. The executive
'board of the state federation of Worn
en's clubs is 'preparing ,to furnish trav
elling libraries of referenced 'books to t'he
auxilioiry Clubs. The federation 4ias
pledged Its support to 'the efforts of tlhe
Wisconsin free library commiiswlon to se
cure a state wide system of travelling
libraries.)
A system of small travelling 'libraries
was started In 1895 In Lancaster, Mass.,
to cooperation -with the women's edu
cational association of Boston. A cir
cuit of seven to-wnslhiips used these li
braries. The free libr'ary of Philadelphia lhas
started a system of travelling libraries
for Che outlying districts of tlhe city. The
call lhas been, bo great, and applications
have come from such distances What the
next liegiislature of Pennsylvania will be
called on to establish travelling libraries
lor the whole state.
Within a few weeks the state library of
omo has inaugurated a system of trav
elling libraries. Jit is 'the Intention to
further extend this system as soon as the
'legislature places funds at the command
of 'the librarian.
In Colorado the Denver public library
generously lends books to anyone withllna
hundred miileu of Denver.
In Nebraska the only attempt along
his line lhas 'been by the state federation
of women's Clubs. It nas found tibat
miapy of the clubs were unable to get
books to pursue tlheiir studies. The fed
eration establiiRlhed a small library, from
whit, loans could be .mode. The num
ber of books being limited, tlhe care In
the selection of the books was doubly
great. The (librarian reports a heavier
demand for United States history than
any other subject. The books are kept In
Lincoln and sent out by the librarian,
Mrs. G. M. Lambertson.
The library of the university of Ne
braska is frequently called upon to lend
books .throughout ttJhe state, and such
calls are always generously responded to.
'.his library, 'however, Is a working li
brary and contains very little that is not
liable to be called for every day, and so
is not to a position to sitand a very heavy
drain.
A PUBLIC EDUCATOR.
At this point it is proper .to pass from
the 'historical to t'he thearettcaa and dis
cover the Mission of 'the 'travelling li
brary. There are some people (they do
not live in .Nebraska, of course) wlho can
not see that 'there Is no argument which
Justifies the existence of . our public
school system tihat , is not applicable to
free public libraries. It Is merely a
question of self-preservation. The citi
zen, if (he is Wot a positive danger to so
ciety, must be tataTllgenlt. In order to
be diitellligent 'he must have opport unities
to be educated or to educate himself. The
public school is one of these opportu
nities. The public library is another.
New, if ttie public library is, first of all,
a laboratory, 'to which our .ople work
to supplement the small store of knowl
edge and power gained In the public
school, Dt Is obviously quite as imperative
Chat itlhe rural districts and ;.vaill towns
should be provided for as the citizens.
The cities can collect libraries for them
selves, , but he rural districts must do
without unless helped by tihe state. This
Is a sufficient reason to justify the trav
elling library.
But the travelling library docs some
thing mwe than simply supply a dearth
of books. It creates a desire for books
In quarters where no such desire has
ever yet existed. Then follows the es
tablishment of libraries. This Is the
Chief mtssion of t'he travelling library,
and no knight ever fared forth in a
worthier cause.
'NEBRASKA'S NEED.
Now Jet us plin the application of the
scheme down to Nebraska alone. What
have we?A state composed chiefly of rural
districts and destined always to be so.
What are the library faclHities outside of
Lincoln and Omaha? Perhaps a dozen
towns have made beginnings of public
libraries, and a dozen more have clubs
or subscription libraries. Some of the
high schools own a few books. When
'this Is said 'all is said except that there
'Is no state lin the union where good
books would circulate among more intel
ligent .people than In our own Nebraska.
We 'have a library law which permits
towns to levy not more than one mill of
tax for the support and maintenance of
public libraries. We have a sc'.K"ol law
which permits the expenditure school
district funds ifor books other than text
books. All that is lacking Is an im
petus. Given this and town and school
diatriat libraries will naturally follow.
Travelling libraries will unquestionably
give the needed Impetus. Can we not
hope for Nebraska 'to fail into line next?
Let us examine into the possibilities of
the situation. Alii that is needed Ss a
little money. Using .the figures of New
York state as to cost, it can be shown
that $3,000 would insure 'the people of the
state twenty libraries of fifty volume
each. This would include the cost of se
lection, administration., printing and
packing. Twenty libraries could visit
annually 120 localities in Nebraska for
three months each. Using .the New York
figures again as a basis, each volume
would circulate at least six times during
the iy ear, making a circulation, of 6.000
annuallly. This estimate Is unquestion
ably too low for Nebras-ka, because in
our villages and school districts books are
considerably scarcer than in thev older
and wehlthiler state. But assuming the
condi'tions to be the same, alt an annual
cost of 12'4 cents per volume circulated,
tlhe travelling libraries would reach 6,000
people of Nebraska, the cost of circula
tion growing less and more .people being
reached if more libraries are added.
Could ithe state of Nebraska get greater
educational results from an annual $1,500
spent In any other way? I present this
subject to -the ithoughtfuil consideration '
of the Nebraska library association and
tlhe people of Nebraska.
LIBRARY LEGISTjATTON. 1
As an appendix I would like to add a j
few -wa-ots on the subject of library legis
lation, with special reference to library
ooimmissions. j
To secure any good results In library
progress there should bo some centraliz
ing energy which would direct the whole,
juat as we have 'the department of public
instruction t give a directing Influence :
to the school system of ithe state.. There
are various ways to secure this. The
New England is'taites except Maine- and
Rhode Island, wltlh Ohio and Wisconsin,
have solved the problem by crea'tlnr li
brary connmlw-alons. Iowa and Michigan
require of the e'tate librarian gome or all .
of the duitlcs performed by the library 1
commissions. These duties are, briefly,
to collect and report on the library his
tory and statistics of tlhe wtatte, to give
help and a&ivice to small libraries Just
Ktarting. or to any library that requests
it, and to distribute ttuoh Bubs Idles as the
state tow enjoins. In Ohio itlhe coommls.
slon has the additional duty of controfl
hg the state library. The ways of ap
pointing these commissions Hire various.
In some cases the governor appoints ail
of them, and in some he apiwlmts part ot
them, the rest being ex-otnelo members.
In one case the state board of education
appoints. There 4 also a diversity in
the amounts to be expended by these
commissions, the sums ranging from $200
to $500 annually. Of course he commts
stomers receive mo salaries, but there are
printing', stationery and postage ex
penses of the members. Such a commis
sion can ascertain the exact library situ
ation In ithe state and can secure the
needed help for Che promotion, of the li
brary interestis of the state.
The reports of the nwe'tings of the li
brary associations of all ithe states show
that the librarians are moving all along
the line for library commissions and trav
elling Hlwarles. Nebraska has never
been a laggard In educational affairs. Let
us look forward to the rapid develop
ment of libraries in the state.
Patriotic Capital.
The capitalists, the men who -'saved"
the nation at the last election, are
straining every nerve to prevent that
which every man possessing a modicum
of the instincts of humanity demands
recognition of the Cuban republic. This
is the same capitalistic element in whose
hands we have placed the reins of our
government. They are men whose vis.
ion is cramped by greed of gain; whose
patriotism is bounded by their bank ac
counts and whose sympathy lor euner
ing humanity vanishes in an instant
when the opportunity presents itself of
adding to their hoard of gold. These
men assume to represent the business of
the world. Their idea of business, how
ever, is in formulating schemes of self
enrichment though taking from others
the iruits of their toil. They weigh the
recognition of Cuban independence not
in the scale of justice, but by the prob
able effect on 1 ho stock exchange. For
this 'reason they turn a deaf ear to the
pleadings of humanity, and harden their
hearts to the sufferings of the Cuban pa
triots who are shedding their blood and
enduring every privation for the sake of
human liberty.
Of the humiliating situation in which
the speculators and money changes of
Wall street have placed the people of the
United States, the i'liiladelphia Ameri
can says:
It is humiliating in the extreme that
our decision as to Cuban independence
should not rest on our duty to hpain
and Cuba, and above all to humanity,
but first, last and all the time on the ef
fect of pur action 011 the interests of the
self-styled business community, a com
munity engaged not in the production of
wealth, but in preying upon the pro
ducts of others' labor. And on top of
this, they add insult to injury by hint
ing that those who, actuated by patrt
otic motives, reported the resolutions
recognizing Cuban independence, were
prompted to take such course by their
speculative interests on the INew lork
Stock exchange. Yet even t his is not
surprising, coming as it does from men,
who, themselves prompted by no feelings
of patriotism, and ever obeying the 1111
pulse given by their pocket nerves, can
not conceive ol men taking any action
from a pure senseof duty and to human
ity. But the sympathies of the great mass
of the people are for the struggling pa
triots. The foundation of the nation,
the bone and sinew the producers of
the country will extend their moral
support, if not more, to the gallant Cu
bans who are sacrificing their lives and
fortunes for that which is most dear to
the human heart liberty. Madison
Reporter. ,
Turning Popocrat.
Senator Quay of Pennsylvania, after
viewing the recent battle-fieid, and not
ing the tremendous frauds perpetrated
in order to secure the small plurality by
which McKinley is elected; the millions it
cost; the promptness and the heartless-
ness of the big campaign contributors in
making the people under their control
pay it back; theterrible revulsion of pub
lic opinion that is chrystalizing against
plutocracy; the concensus of judgment
that is forming the verdict that the holi
est votes of the country really elected
Bryan president; and that the hand
writing is already upon the wall that the
people will triumph in 1900 is causing
him to turn popocrat, as is evidenced by
his recent utterance as follows:
"I am opposed to the theory that or
ganized wealth shall dictate high office
to take possession of the government.
The people most in need of protection
are the farmers, the small store-keepers,
theartisans and the laborers; and I
stand by them. There must be less
business and more principle in our pol-
tics. 1 he business interests are making
our politics sordid and corrupt. The
tremendous sums of money furnished by
business men, are polluting the well
springs of our national being."
Hhatapitv Senator Uuay did not
make the discovery before election. Mil
lions of people have known it for many
years. The populist party has been de
crying these evils ever since the party
was born. V hy has an able man, shrewd
observer, and distinguished statesman
like Mr. Quay, not been able to see the
trend of his party sooner? Shall the ig
iiorent clod-hopper, the despised laborer,
and the lowly citizen who earns his bread
by the sweat of his brow teach states
men their duty .Shall the wisdom, the
patriotism, the honesty, the independ
ence, as well as the bread that sustaius
the nation, all come from the men ol toil
and muscle? What are statesmen for,
anyway? Clay County Patriot.
How's This?
We otf-T One Hnndred Dollars Keward for any
rnxe 1 1J.1t urrh that can not L.9 enred by Hall's
tatarrh Cure.
F.J. CHENEY ft CO., Props., Toledo, O,
We, the umierglnned, have known K. J. Cheney
for the lam 15 years and believe him perfectly
honorable In nil buainess transactions anil flnnn-
iHlly able to carry oat any obligations made
bv rhelr firm.
Went Triinx. wliolesa'e Drngirlsts, Toledo, O.;
Wakilnit, Klnnan Marvin, Wholesale Druic-
g!t, Toledo, O.
Hull atnrrn unre is rnicen internally, aerinn
directly on the blood thd mncons surfaces of the
system. I'rke. 7Sc per bottle. Sold by all tlrutf
fisls. Testimonial free.
Homeseeker's Excursion.
Vfia the Burlington, .January 5, 19
February 2 and 16. On the above dates
the Burlington will sell round trip tick
ets et one fare plus $2 to all points in
fVrkansfls, Indian Territory, Oklahoma
and rJexns; also to many points in An
zona, Louisana and New Mexico. For
full information apply at B. & M. depot
or city office, corner J enth and O streets
GEO. W. BON NELL, C. P. and T. A.
TO CURE NERVOUS DYSPEPSIA
To (iain J- lr-h, to Sleep Well, to Know
What Appetltu and Uood Ingestion
Meau, Make a Test of Stuart'
Dyspepsia Tableis.
Interesting Experience of an Indianapolis
Gentleman.
No trouble is more common or more
miriuiKlerstood than nervous dyspepsia
People having it thiuk that their nerves
are to blame and are surprised that
they are not cured by nerv medicine
and spring remedies; the real seat of the
mischief is lost sight of; th stomach in
the organ to be looked after.
any pain whatever iu the stomach, nor
perhaps auy of th usual symptoms of
stomuch weakness. Nervous dyspepsia
shows itself uot in the stomach so
much as in nearly every other organ; iu
some cases the heart palpitates and is
irregular; iu others the kidneys are af
fected; in others the bowels are consti
pated, with headaches; still others are
troubled with loss of flesh and appetite,
with accumulation of gas, sour risings
and heartburn.
Mr. A. W. Sharper of No. 01 Prospect
St., Indianapolis, lud., writes us follows:
"A motive of pure gratitude prompts me
to write these few lines regarding the
new and valuable medicine, Stuart's
Dyspepsia Tablets. I have iieen a suf
ferer from nervous dyspepsia for the last
four years; have used various patent
medicines and other remedies without
any favorable result. They sometimes
gave temporary relief until the effects of
the medicine wore off. 1 attributed this
to my sedentary habits, being a book
keeper with little physical exercise, but I
am glad to state that the tttblets have
overcome all these obstacles, for I have
gained in 'flesh, sleep better, and am
better in every way. The above is writ
ten not for uotoriety, but is based on
actual fact."
Respectfully yours,
A. W. SlIAltl'KIt,
Gl Prospect St., Indianapolis, lud.
It is safe to say that Stuart's Dyspep
sia Tablets will cure any stomach weak'
ness or "disease exceptcancer of stomach.
They cure sour stomach gas, loss
of flesh and appetite, sleepless
ness, palpitation, heartburn, constipa
tion and headache.
Send for valuable little book on stom
ach diseases by addressing Stuart Co.,
Marshall, Mich.
All druggists sell full sized packages at
50 cents.
"Go with the crowd to Ewings."
Auditor Moore, TrHsurer Bartley, At
torney General Churchill and Secretary
Piper of the canvassing board have af
fixed theirwiirim tlires to tllH flndiniTS of
that board to the effect that all of the
constitutional, amendments have been
lost if a majority of all the votes . cast
in the election nr necossarv for their
adoption, and that no supreme judges
can therefore be declared elected.
FOR RENT-Furnished rooms,
table board. 1308 N street.
Also
Ml
n
mm
To buy the finest grades of ready
made suits, overcoats, and ulsters
for men, boys and children, on a
basis of actual manufacturers cost ;
All hats caps and furnishing goods
are included in this great sacrifice
sale. 1
INVESTIGATION COSTS NOTHING
NOTHING. Therefore do not buya
dollars worth of
have looked over
& Co. s Genuine Money Saving
Bargains.
The time is? short and vou must act auicklv. for
such opportunities come but once in the aver-
age nie time.
rowni
Every
Of the fJer;
.Will make the best possible i'-fvarauc; 'f ' c.i hed in
their right minds," and a n.It ci "THE III' r -y famous
clothes. Speakers, clerks auJ thn i.i'J- w file of
he coming legislature "imulu
make laws and dischatc the t;rave rpspun y resting
upon them, by first attiuiirj ?V: JANUARY , if.!-, of Suits
Overcoats and everything worn by nnr at t to very centre of
the clothing business tf Nebraska, uamely,
iM-i..tm-r'g-.3i
Wifs Advertiser
I have been advertising in state and
county papers for the last year with
good successs, have received from ladies
in answer to my advertisement about
200 letters and three out of five of
them are from honest respectable ladies
worthy of a good husband and I can
only marry one of them, and now with
the good success I have had I wish to
help otJiers, and will make the following
offer. Any respectable lady that will
give description of herself and decribe
the gentleman to correspond with, send
ten cent stamps with name or box ad
dress I will register and give to the
gentleman asking for such; also any
gentleman ithat will describe himself
and the lady he wishes to correspond
with; send a one dollar bill with address,
name or box I will give from two to six
of such ladies nearest you asked for I
have on record. No name exposed.
F. J. W'Af.KEB.
Elba, Neb., Box 13.
"See Ewing Clothing Co's add in this
issue." '
Mia
ivlip
Ell
mm
Are still with you ana ill be uni
til February 1st, at which time
their lease wll expire and they
will discontinue business in Lin
coln. Be Wise! Be Prudent I
Grasp the opportunity afforded by
their great
is
Clothing until you
Browning. King
in
1013 to 1019 O Street.
LeHislaiiire
:cirnasrjate
ibility to
The Are department was called to the
home of the friendless at about 1 o'clock
today o subdue a conflageration which
was rapidly cousuining a frame annex to
that institution used as a hospital for
women in confinement. Tho department
had one of the toughest runs of the rea
son, thtt snow and wind einpeding prog
ress to on extent almost impossible to
overcome. When the boys reached the
scene of the fire the building was one mass
offl ame but th department did excellent
work, extinguishing the blaze before the
walls wera gone. Most of the furniture
had been removed and the damage to
the building is about f 300, insured. Nc
njuries to inmates or others occurred.
When the alarm was first turned in it
caused considerable excitement, the im
pression spreading that it wao the main
building and many feared for the safety
of the scores of helpless little children
there coufiued together with a number of
old ladies.
Hon. W. J. Bryan left at 2 o'clock to
day to attend the great democratic ban
quet at Chicago tomorrow evening. f
D
1
& 00,
i
1
