9. 350
!
ports of China; but a library of reference and consultation, filled with those more solid and enduring works which would only encumber the circulating library. To the latter may be left the function of ministering to our daily relaxation and entertainment, while the Public Library would provide the means of permanent instruction, and facilitate reference to a mass of knowledge otherwise inaccessible in this remote corner of the world,
The special objects of such a library would be to collect every useful work in English and other widely known languages relating to China and the adjacent countries, especially to preserve the more fugitive publications, such as pamphlets, parliamentary papers, reports of societies, &c., &c.,—to attempt the formation of a series as complete as practicable of all publications of the foreign printing press in China, newspapers, Government and consulate issues, ordinances, statistical collections, missionary and commercial reports, almanacs, treatises and tracts in Chinese produced at the mission presses and elsewhere, &c., &c.,—to provide maps, charts, and illustrations connected with Eastern countries,—to assemble to as large an extent as possible valuable Works of general reference, and books bearing on matters of commerce, law, and other topics of moment to foreigners here. To such purposes the funds of the Library should be mainly applied; though partly from purchases and still more perhaps from gifts and bequests by members of the foreign community, it is hoped that the collection of general and oriental literature would at the same time be gradually and largely developed. Means might also be found in the course of time for collecting a considerable number of the more prominent purely native publications in the Chinese language, both ancient and modern, though this would constitute only a secondary object.
It can hardly be doubted that a Library of this stamp would prove extremely valuable to a China community. The facilities for acquiring practical information which it would present to students of every kind, and more particularly to those who devote themselves to Chinese subjects; to journalists and public writers on China; to Government servants; and to mercantile and legal men can scarcely be overrated. The Government of the Colony might not unreasonably be expected to take an active interest in its success and development, as thereby promoting a public benefit. The contributions of the community may probably be relied upon for augmenting the collection of books, especially on those occasions when additions of special importance require a heavier outlay than usual. For the maintenance of a public library, however, as such, it seems natural that the public funds administered by Government should, it is hoped that arrangements to this end will be made,
pay,
and
The immediate requisite is a room or rooms in a central and convenient situation, sufficiently large to accommodate with comfort a library of—say 10,000 volumes, with the necessary attendant's quarters immediately adjoining. These would have to be provided by Government or by the community, according to such plan as may be considered advisable on a further examination of the question. Irrespective of this outlay, the Trustees of the Morrison Education Society consider that to establish and carry on the Library it would be essential that Government place upon the Estimates a sum of—say five thousand dollars for the year 1863, and two thousand dollars for each subsequent year. The larger sum would be required in the first instance for rebinding, and for providing the book-cases and furniture necessary for the new rooms. The smaller sum, with the assistance of occasional contributions from the community, would suffice to meet ordinary working expenses, and to make gradual additions to the collection. The whole amount is inconsiderable for a Colony with so flourishing a revenue, which in many instances has disbursed the public funds liberally upon objects regarded as conducive to the welfare or convenience of the community.
It only remains to add a few words on the constitution which the Trustees would suggest for the proposed Public Library. Assuming that it will be adopted as an institution to be supported by Government, they propose that its books and other property be vested in the Colonial Secretary for the time being, in trust for the public. A managing Board of three members might be nominated, one by the Government, one by the Trustees of the Morrison Education Society as founders, and the third by the community; or as difficulties would lie in the way of any method of popular election, say by the Chamber of Commerce as in some sense representing the community. With these three members would rest the appointment of an Honorary Librarian, who, so far as practicable, should be a competent scholar, qualified and willing to render the Library of public utility, and to direct to best advantage its purchases and acquisitions; but who of course would act under the general authority and instructions of the managing Board. The latter body would dispense the funds, make and alter the needful rules and regulations, and present an annual report to Government (to be published) on the condition of the Library, the extent to which readers availed themselves of its advantages, and the measure of its apparent usefulness as a public institution. With the Honorary Librarian would rest all the details of management. He would have the appointment and direction of a paid Sub-librarian, who would reside on the premises, and be in constant attendance during the hours when the library was open to the public. He would expend the funds placed at his disposal by the Board to the best of his judgment, though subject to their supervision. He might attempt or assist in the task of a classified catalogue; and if this undertaking were fairly inaugurated, would see to the regular inscribing upon it of all additions made in course of time to the Library. Finally, in his hands would be placed the issue of free admission tickets, which under certain prescribed regulations should be granted to any respectable resident applying for them, and to strangers introduced by such residents.
The Trustees of the Morrison Education Society have now fairly placed their scheme before the Government and Public. They have explained it in a detail perhaps unnecessary at this preliminary stage, not with the view of insisting on all its minutiae as indispensable; but simply that no misconception may exist as to what they really do propose. They await the decision of the community before giving a final destination to the books which they possess, and can only trust earnestly that this opportunity of doing something for literature and intellectual advancement in Hongkong may not be neglected.
HONGKONG, May 1st, 1863.
JAMES LEGGE,
JAMES MACANDREW,
FREDERICK STEWART,
on behalf of the Trustees.