SHALL WE BE LOYAL TO THE CITY OF OUR HOME?
The opportunity is at hand to answer this question. A generous gift is offered, shall we accept it? We can have —— dollars for a public use, if we will promise to support the use to which this money is dedicated. Shall —— have a free public library? It is up to us, her citizens.
We have passed the stage of a country town and are ranked and cataloged as a modern, progressive city, enjoying many of the advantages of the larger cities. Why is this true? Because the progressive spirit and sentiment have always triumphed in her onward march. Because, inspired by a public spirit, her people have joined hands, and shoulder to shoulder labored for all that pertains to religious, moral, social, industrial, educational and material development. Let us keep marching on.
Many towns in the state, nearly all those in the counties surrounding us, are accepting Carnegie gifts for libraries. Will it not humiliate and degrade us in the eyes of the people of the state if we decree against a public library? Let us not detract from our well deserved and established reputation for progressiveness by such a mistake. We appeal to public spirit; to pride of city; to pride of home, and urge you to register your vote in favor of this enterprise.
IOWA LIBRARY COMMISSION.
The system of free public libraries now being established in this country is the most important development of modern times. The library is a center from which radiates an ever widening influence for the enlightenment, the uplift, the advancement of the community.
WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN.