Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/315

Address by Dr. Garnett. 303 regret that from want of time, composing as I am on the eve of departure, with one foot on sea and one on shore, I am unable to say anything upon the ample list of agenda before us. I feel, however, that they may be safely entrusted to the wisdom of the meeting. There is one perpetual topic, which it would be inexcusable to omit on this occasion of all others, seeing how very seldom we have an opportunity of treating it in the hearing of a legislator. I am sure that, as concerns our President, our cause is won already, and that he must deeply sympathise with the disadvantages under which free libraries labour from the in- sufficiency of the funds available for their support from rates. In America, I see, public opinion has progressed so far that a Bill has been actually introduced into the New Hampshire Legis- lature to compel all towns with a certain amount of population to provide for public libraries whether they like it or not. This raises questions on which philosophers are not agreed. I should say myself that if States are not justified in compelling citizens to be vaccinated, neither are they justified in bringing the means of self-instruction within their reach, and vice versa. I must acknowledge, however, that it is added that this Bill is not likely to be enacted just yet. Whether our President would be pre- pared to go so far I do not know, but I am sure that his advocacy will never be wanting to any practicable proposal for removing restrictions upon the growth of the free library system. More effectual, however, than even that eloquent voice will be the aid we can bring ourselves by showing that our aims and ideals are high; that we are actually doing a great work, and that " if the bowl were stronger the song would be longer." In a word, that whatever the community may please to grant, it may be sure of getting value for its money. This can only be done by proving that libraries are extensively disseminating useful literature. The high percentage of the issues of fiction is a great stumbling- block to many sincere friends of libraries. It, as well as the betting nuisance, of which I hope we shall soon make an end, is constantly brought forward by an antagonistic class the ene- mies of libraries. As these persons are generally the enemies of education too, I do not believe in the sincerity of the argument as coming from them, for they must surely think that if people do read, the less they improve their minds thereby the better. But, sincere or insincere, the argument has much plausibility and some justice. Every librarian has a strong interest in diminishing its weight by keeping down the percentage of the