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Major F. M. Wenborn heartily seconded, observing that they heard a great deal of State and
rate-aided institutions, compulsory charges for this and the other thing, but lie felt sure the
advocates of these methods would join in saying " May voluntaryism of this kind over exist and
flourish amongst us." (Cheers.) Through Mr. Edwards' generosity the Commissioners had been
almost able to guarantee the provision of a second library without any serious difficulty. He
hoped they would be able to carry out the second branch without any further call upon the
ratepayers ; and he could assure Mr. Edwards that when the forest of hands went up in support
of this resolution their hearts went along with it. (Cheers.)
The motion was carried with great enthusiasm.
Mr. Passmore Edwards, who was very cordially received, said lie should like to answer a
question which had been put to him since he was in the adjoining building. " Why," said a
gentleman, " Have you gone away so far from the West-end of London to assist a community in
this part of London ? " He answered that he did it lartrely from a sense of duty. (Hear, hear.)
He considered that the East of London had large claims on the West-end, and particularly 011
those who could afford to assist the people of the East. But there was another reason
which induced him to come to their assistance and it was this. He was told that if the
parish could be assisted in the way it had been they would have two libraries instead of one.
That satisfied him. It had been said that " He who can make two blades of grass grow where
only one grew before is a benefactor of his race." (Cheers.) And certainly, if anyone could do
anything to make two libraries spring up where only one might have sprung up he was, lie
would not say a benefactor of his race, but he assisted or co-operated with his fellow citizons.
(Hear, hear.) Supposing he gave 5/- for a book, it became his property, but if he read that bookit
became his in a double sense in that the spirit of the book had passed from the dead book unto
him as a living human being. Then, if he gave that book to a fellow citizen, it was still more
his own, and both had the spirit of it, but if he gave it to a community it was yet more his own
and still did good. (Cheers.) That was one of the inducements that animated him in the aid of
public libraries and the distribution of books. (Hear, hear.) In giving away books he was
really assisting, in a small way, to solve the great labour question, because as books were
multiplied so money was distributed and labour paid. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, he had great
pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to the Duke of Devonshire for his kindness in coming to
open the library. His Grace occupied a central position in the State, and had materially assisted
in the spread of technical education. He had been present that afternoon at the Imperial
Institute and at their Free Library, which were both in line, parts of one whole, contributing
each to the greatness and strength and endurance of the British Empire, which would only be
maintained intact by having educated, and strong men and women. (Cheers.)
Mr. W. J. Orsman, L.C.C., said he most heartily seconded this vote of thanks, expressing the
hope that they would have the pleasure of seeing his Grace in Shorediteh again, and that they
would soon have another library, together with electric light and baths and wash-houses.
(Cheers.)
The motion having been carried with enthusiasm,
The Duke of Devonshire made an apposite response, observing that he was glad to find
men of all parties on a platform such as that, working together in what they believed to be a
cause which would benefit the people of that country, irrespective of any political questions.
(Cheers.) He earnestly hoped that this institution would prove of as much advantage and
benefit to the inhabitants of the parish, especially those most in need of such assistance, the
working classes, as had been anticipated by every speaker of that day. (Cheers.)
Mr. W. R. Cremer, M.P., said he had the agreeable task of proposing that the best thanks of
the friends present be accorded to the Commissioners for the arduous labours they had necessarily
undertaken in bringing about such a splendid result. They had not only performed their task
wisely and well, but in secret, away from the applause of the multitude, though animated by a
sense of duty. (Hear, hear.) lie thought these free libraries did a magnificent work in weaning