+ or Iae Tribune.
me 1eECRntiie Library Association.
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by the last Report OF the Board OF Directors oi


the Mercantile Library Association it appears that
| durnS The past year there has been quite large


decrease in the number OF It's members, and that the


pecumary affairs O; that noble institution are not in
as prosperous condition as could be desired. Al


tsr adverng 10 this fact the Directors very proper


y ask" Whether there are not means within their


reach which will turn the current-wiil again ex-
cite that interest among the mass OF the members
winch was felt in years gone by-and prevent from
gong to decay superStructure, which Is Il monu-


nenf alike OF the munifcence of the merchant, and


and OF the energy, perseverance, and love OF know
ledge of the clerk


1t is to be regretted that an institution of this


KIND the first III our city, if not the first in the Uni


ted States, should suffer for want of sufficient
patronage. For more than twenty years it has been
IN operation. and although il has steadily increased
IN importance and numbers, What might il not have


been had II received the support which it deserves


Presenting rare advantages 10 those for whom 1t Is


intended, and capable OF eXertine beneficial iniiu-
ence on aclaSs Of our countrymen ieStined 10 0ccu
py no mean position in society, ;anv demands
the fostering care OF our merchant and OF all who
desire The elevation OF their clerks. Yet there are
hundreds among those who bv right should watch
over It's interests, that neither know or care any
thing about it. And many employer who has
had cause 10 lament the nithlessness of those under
hlm, might have been saved from such feeling,
had he urged upon them the necessity of a connec-
ton with an institution where they could pave spent
their evenings proftaby, and free from the contami-
nation OF vice. Many young man who has come
into the city from the country, destitute OF friends
and without the knowledgc of a place where he
might employ his time after the business hours
were over has by degrees sought out the haunts Of
dissipation, and finally been uttcr Y ruined. We do
no, saw that n connection with the Mercantile Libra
ry Association Is sure preventive OF vlce-but one
thing is certain that many one now lost TO soce
ty might have been saved had he enjoyed the pri-
vieges of It's Library and the comforts OF its Read
ing Room. By these means his dreary lodging
room would have been stripped of its solitude, and
the vicious acQuaintances of the Theatre never
made.


We call then upon the Merchants of New York
TO come up to the help of an institution which has
for its object the elevation of the Mercantile charac
ter. We would urge them 10 throw aside for a mo-
ment the distinction existing between them and their
clerks, and assume the position of counseiorS IN
stead of masters, and we would advise those who
are unacquainted with its obj ects visit IFS rooms,
assuring them that its Librarian, or either of his as
sociates will cheertully give them all the intorma
ton they may desire. On the Clerks of this city we
would most snenuously urge our plea Here is an
institution formed for your benefit. For mere tr-
tle, Library of 90 600 volumes and Reading Room
containing the principal periodicals. published in
this country and England, are placed ut your dis
posal. Have you one idle hour here il may be
proitably spent. Are your evenings tedious here
you may make them cheerful. Do you seek COM
panions here you may make the acquaintance of
the greatest and best men that ever lived. Will you
not become identified with II, and do your part to-
wards sustaining institution whose sole object is
to advance your best interests A. ID. /. r.