from the United States; others, while giving a general approval, dwell upon the difficulties of carrying out the suggestions put forward; and others, again, ask for more details before committing themselves to any answer, which may seem to entail future responsibility, especially of a financial character. "Incidentally, it may be pointed out as very noteworthy that over and over again reference is made to the great value of the Royal Society's 'Catalogue of scientific papers.' There is abundant evidence that considerable use is made of this on the continent of Europe. And it is clear that a proposal to carry out a more comprehensive scheme initially under the direction of the Royal Society of London is likely to meet with general approval, owing to the fact that the Society is credited with having already carried out the most comprehensive work of the kind yet attempted. Indeed the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, U. S. A., directly advocates the establishment of a central bureau under the Royal Society; and several others more or less clearly imply that they would favor such a course. "Over and over again it is stated that the production by international co-operation of a catalog such as is contemplated is not only desirable, but practicable. The Americans, who, as already stated, are the most enthusiastic supporters of the scheme, especially dwell on the importance of early action being taken. Prof. Bowditch, of Harvard University, in particular, points out that if the Royal Society of London wishes to guide the enterprise, it ought to announce its views and put forward a comprehensive scheme with the least possible delay. It may be added here that he also urges that in determining the scope of the catalog a very wide interpretation should be given to the word 'science.' "No very precise information as to the best mode of putting the scheme into operation is to be gathered from the replies as a whole. It is generally agreed that the enterprise should be an international one. Many think that international financial support should and would be accorded to it, but no method of securing this is indicated; others express the view that the cost may be met by subscriptions from societies, libraries, booksellers, and individuals without government aid, and this is perhaps on the whole the prevailing feeling among those who have discussed the matter from a financial point of view. But in no case is any attempt made to form any exact estimate of the cost. "A number of scientific bodies and institutions express themselves prepared to work in such a cause. The secretary of the Smithsonian Institution suggests that as the Institution receives all the serials and independent works published in America, a branch office might be established there, and that it is not impossible that a sum of money might be given yearly in aid. The Royal Danish Academy is willing to render as much assistance as possible. It would charge an official of one of the Danish chief libraries in receipt of all publications with the task of editing slips, and would defray the cost of this work. The Société des Sciences of Helsingfors would furnish the central office with information as to the scientific work done in Finland. The Kongl. Vetenskaps Akademie of Stockholm would organize a committee for Sweden. As regards language, there appears to be more unanimity than could have been expected. Over and over again the opinion is expressed that English should be the language of the subject catalog. Frequent reference is made to the importance of quoting titles in the original language, although some suggest that this should be done only in the case of those published in English, French, or German, and perhaps Italian. "Some form of card catalog appears to be generally favored, especially in America, as the basis of the scheme; the committee of Harvard University, whose reply is very full, in particular discuss this point in detail. "In an interview with the committee in March last, Prof. Agassiz spoke very warmly in favor of the scheme, and of the support which it would meet with in the United States, especially from libraries. As others have done, he strongly urged that the co-operation of booksellers and authors should be secured. Prof. Agassiz also expressed the view that the regular issue to libraries and scientific workers from the central office of cards or slips which would afford the material for the construction of card catalogs would form an important source of income, at all events in his country. "From various sides it is urged that an international congress should be held to discuss plans. This is advocated as a first step in a reply received from the Konigl. Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften in Göttingen, a reply to which, not only as regards this point, but also in respect to the whole matter, the committee attach very great weight, since it embodies in an official form views arrived at by the academies of Vienna and Munich, and by the scientific societies of Leipsic and Göttingen, who have considered the matter in common. Prof. Agassiz strongly urged the calling of a conference, and among others who share this view Dr. Gill, of the Cape Observatory, in his letter particularly dwells on the great value of such meetings as the means of securing unanimity of action. "Such being the tenor of the correspondence, your committee are convinced that initial steps of a definite nature in furtherance of the scheme ought now to be taken. desirable to summon the representatives of the different countries through their respective governments, and it will obviously be necessary that a detailed scheme be prepared, to serve as a basis for discussion at the conference. These and other points will require much consideration before any action at all can be taken; meanwhile, it is desirable that a beginning should be made during the autumn, before the winter session of the Society. The committee, therefore, recommend that the president and council should give the committee (which includes the president and other officers) executive powers, in order that they may take, in the name of the Society, such steps as they may think desirable with the view of calling together the above-mentioned conference." The previous operations of the committee and several of the responses received by them from American institutions have already been noted in the LIBRARY JOURNAL. (L. J.: 20: 81 - 84, 172.) Farrar, Frederic W. The life of Christ. Fiske, John. The American Revolution. 2 vols. Jenks, Tudor. The Century World's Fair Book for boys and girls. illus. Knox, Thomas W. The boy travellers in Northern Europe. illus. O'Rell, Max. A Frenchman in America. Stoddard, John L. Glimpses of the world: a portfolio of photographs. illus. Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Schuyler. English cathedrals. illus. LOUISA CUTLER-IN MEMORIAM. LOUISA SALOME CUTLER was born Dec. 19,1864, in the village of Florence, a part of Northampton, Mass. Twenty years before there had been a community like Brook Farm in Florence; when this broke up most of its members remained in the place, and gave it an intellectual character, which it still retains. The townspeo TRAVELLING LIBRARIES OF THE WOM-ple show an interest in all moral and social ques AN'S EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. THE following 22 books make up "Travelling library no. 1," of the Woman's Education Association, the aims and methods of which are described elsewhere by Miss Alice E. Chandler. Seven similar lists are issued by the association, including different books and emphasizing special subjects, but modelled upon No. 1 in general character. TRAVELLING LIBRARY NO. I. Allen, Stanton P. Down in Dixie: life in a Blaine, James G. Twenty years of Congress: Chittenden, Lucius E. Recollections of President Lincoln and his administration. Clement, Clara Erskine. Stories of art and artists. illus. Coffin, Charles Carleton, Building the nation. [1783-1861.] illus. -Old times in the colonies. [1492-1760.] illus. Crozier, William, and Henderson, Peter. How the farm pays. illus. Curtis, William Eleroy. The capitals of Spanish America. illus. Custer, Elizabeth B. Tenting on the plains; or, Gen. Custer in Kansas and Texas. illus. Drake, Francis S. Indian history for young folks. illus. Drake, Samuel Adams. Our colonial homes. illus. Du Chaillu, Paul B. The land of the midnight sun journeys through Sweden, Norway, Lapland and Northern Finland. illus. 2 vols. tions, which is remarkable even in New England. No doubt this mental atmosphere had its influence upon her as she grew up, and strengthened that desire to know the truth, and that fearlessness in its utterance which were her most characteristic traits. She studied in the neighboring Mt. Holyoke Seminary, from which she graduated, after the regular four years' course, in 1886. With her aunt, Miss Mary S. Cutler, vice-director of the Library School, she attended the Milwaukee Conference in 1886, and the Thousand Isles meeting in 1887. When asked if she expected to become a librarian, she always answered No, in a most emphatic way. Probably she imagined librarianship to be a bookish profession, which with her practical turn of mind did not attract her. The conferences gave her a broader idea of its scope. She therefore entered the Library School, then connected with Columbia College, and took its diploma in 1889. Subsequently she took most of the examinations for the degree of the N. Y. Library School. After her graduation year she attended every A. L. A. meeting, and went on all save one of the excursions (1890 Fabyan's, 1891 California, 1892 Lakewood, 1893 Chicago, 1894 Lake Placid, where she was one of the founders of the Library School Alumni Association). From April to July, 1889, she was assistant to Mr. Frank Hill in classifying the Newark Free Public Library. She was then for two years (Sept. 1889-Sept., 1891) chief librarian of the Aguilar Free Library, a Jewish institution in New York City, where her faithful and exhausting labors sowed the seeds of the malady that has just proved fatal. Resigning this position she spent some months in classifying the library of Colgate University at Hamilton, N. Y., Nov., 1891, to May, 1892. Though she was then little over three years out of the Library School the excellent work she had done, her enthusiasm, and her quiet force pointed her out to the committee entrusted with the affairs of the American Library Association at the World's Fair as the one per L son fitted to prepare the books and take charge of the exhibit. This work occupied her in Albany and Chicago from July, 1892, to Nov., 1893. Every one who visited the A. L. A. Library knows how admirably she filled her post and how much she contributed to the great success of that section. The trustees of the Utica Public Library saw this and engaged her, as soon as her work in Chicago should be finished, to take charge of their library. It was then a gloomily covered collection of antiquated volumes, some of them valuable, but in chaotic disorder. She introduced modern books and modern methods and brought the dead to life. She advocated free access to the shelves; the trustees, though somewhat apprehensive in regard to the innovation, consented; the experiment was an entire success and very popular. The only restriction made is a necessary limitation of the number of children allowed at any one time to enter the too small children's department. Last spring she published a finding-list, and with the aid of her classmate, Miss Underhill, now her successor, she made some progress in a card catalog provided with notes giving an estimate of the books. But the more important work that she had planned to do,—to show what a library can be to a community-this she had but barely begun. She had, however, revealed clearly to the people what a librarian can be. Miss Cutler was very happy in Utica. The townspeople appreciated her work and let her know it. She assumed her duties Nov. 7, 1893, and died there Aug. 2, 1895. It is not easy to speak of her character without seeming to exaggerate. Perhaps the most prominent trait was love of truth, not a conscious and professed love-she was singularly free from self-consciousness, and was not in the habit of making professions—but a feeling that was the basis of her whole intellectual, moral, religious, and practical life. She had a fine sense of justice. She thought things out for herself, caring nothing for authority, though she was always ready to turn for advice to those whom she found to be better informed or wiser than herself; but he who would keep her allegiance must convince her reason. I do not think that she ever had an enemy, but if she had had she would have adopted his views in preference to those of her dearest friend, if they had been wiser. Does this give the idea of a clear, cold intellect? Nothing could be farther from the truth. "Sweetness," 44 'beauty," "loveliness," "a charming smile," "gentle dignity," "her sunny head," are the phrases that recur in the letters drawn forth by her death. She had not been at Utica two years, and yet when she died it was apparent that the whole city was her friend. Her unassuming manner, her quick sympathy, her kindliness won love; her quiet strength, her firmness, and her energy won respect. The amount of work that she accomplished, without hurry or fret, was only known by close observers; the amount of help she gave was hardly known even to those who were assisted. There were cases where it was not help in learning only, but went much deeper; to some it was an inspiration, to some a consolation, to some a safeguard. There was something in her manner that attracted confidence. Accessible, accommodating, helpful, friendly as she was to all, she was yet reserved; any one would have to be very bold, or very obtuse, to take a liberty; only a few friends were intimate. Her life kept her often at a distance from her friends, but her love for home was strong, and she always returned to it with eagerness. She seemed to have no personal ambition. It made her unhappy to be chosen to any public office. She did not care for fame; she wanted to do good work. She was an excellent cataloger and classifier; but the administrative side of librarianship was perhaps more to her taste, and was equally within her power. She cared not for creeds or churches, but was profoundly religious in the sense of feeling an intimate relation to God. This frame of soul was natural to her from childhood; she had not come to it by any external influence. CHARLES A. CUTTER. American Library Association. SEVENTEENTH CONFerence, denver, AUGUST 12-18, 1895. FIRST DAY. AT 11.30 a.m., Tuesday, August 13, President H: M. Utley called the members of the American Library Association to order, opening the first session of the 17th conference, in the handsome hall of the Chamber of Commerce at Denver, Col. Mr. C: R. Dudley, of the City Library, introduced Mayor McMurray, remarking that it was not every city in the wild and woolly West that could trot out a mayor that they were proud of to welcome a convention." The mayor began his speech of welcome by saying that he had, as a preparation for the occasion, passed through 36 hours of neuralgia. He extended a hearty welcome to the Association with the freedom of the city. He expressed the hope that the City Library would soon be transferred from the care of the Chamber of Commerce to that of the municipality, when it would be supported as it properly should be, by public taxation. The library interests of large cities are one of the factors in building up the educational interests. Denver is proud of the great strides in improvement made in a few years. He hoped the visitors would find as much rest and physical improvement from their stay in the state as the citizens of Denver would derive social and intellectual benefit from their visit. Pres. Utley responded in a few words, returning thanks on behalf of the Association. He then opened the business of the conference by announcing the following officers appointed by the executive board to take the place of absentees. Secretary, C; Alex. Nelson, of Columbia Col lege Library; treasurer, E. H. Anderson, of the Carnegie Library, Pittsburg, Pa. The following committees were also appointed: Finance-A. E. Whittaker, of Boulder, Col.; D. A. Campbell, of Lincoln, Neb.; Miss Caroline H. Garland, of Dover, N. H. Resolutions F: M. Crunden, of St. Louis; W: H. Brett, of Cleveland; Miss Agnes Van Valkenburg, of Milwaukee, Wis. Place of next meeting-W: R. Eastman, of Albany, N. Y.; H: L. Elmendorf, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Miss Caroline M. Hewins, of Hartford, Ct. The proceedings of the last conference were approved as printed. reports of the treasurer and necrologist were then read by the secretary. The report showed a balance of $1108.85 in the treasury, and $448 still due from delinquent members. The treasurer recommended that members whose dues have been running for two or three years should be dropped from the list. The report was accepted and referred to the finance committee for audit. On motion of Mr. Wing, the treasurer was instructed to send the names of those in arrears to members in good standing, resident in their vicinity, that they may be personally called upon to pay up. The necrology included the following-named members: Miss Almira Leach Hayward, of Cambridge, Mass.; Mrs. E. E. Marble, of Fall River, Mass.; Reuben Brooks Poole, of New York; John Fletcher Williams, of Rochester, Minn.; Eckley B. Coxe, of Drifton, Pa.; Charles Augustus Wheelock, of Uxbridge, Mass. The secretary also announced the death of Miss Louisa Salome Cutler, of Syracuse. In opening his address President Utley noted the pleasing coincidence that the Association and the Centennial State, in whose capital the conference is held, celebrate the same natal year. Referring to the wonderful transformation of the country compared with the desert of the days when Lieut. Pike and Col. Fremont visited it, as "the work of human hands guided by intelligent brains and an indomitable spirit The executive board reported its inability to of pluck and perseverance,” he added, "We are comply with the resolution passed last year, accustomed to think of this combination as asking that the papers to be read at the A. purely American. In many of its characteristics L. A. meeting be obtained, printed, and distribit certainly is so, and in no respect more dis-uted at least one month before the meeting, as tinctively so than in the cause in which we it has been found impossible to obtain the papers are most interested. Not all the older common- in advance. No committee on aids and guides wealths, even on this side of the Atlantic, have was named for this year, as it was deemed best yet accepted the theory that the education of to omit several committees from the work at the citizen is the concern of the state. But in Denver. all this newer portion of our country this doc- The report of the committee on public docutrine has been incorporated into the fundamen- ments, by R. R. Bowker, gave the history of tal law." The 20 states of the Northwest Public act No. 15, "providing for the public have accepted to the fullest extent the doctrine printing and binding and the distribution of of the Ordinance of 1787, that schools and the public documents," which passed the House of means of education shall be forever encouraged. Representatives on report of the conference They have also provided for the establishment committee in December, 1894. It took four years and maintenance of free public libraries at the to secure the passage of the bill. It went last general expense, and for the common use of all through the Senate under the auspices of Senthe people." He then proceeded to discuss ator Gorman, and at his hands unfortunately "the theory upon which the state assumes to suffered many changes for political purposes, levy tribute upon the property of individuals to which very nearly proved disastrous to the final provide means for maintaining libraries," an- passage of the bill by the House. Mr. F. A. swering the question," By what right does the Crandall, the new superintendent of public docustate tax the man of wealth to put miscellaneous ments, has appointed his assistants on the ground books into the hands of the man who pays no of fitness only. Miss A. R. Hasse, late of Los tax?" The conclusion of his argument was Angeles, is librarian, with a corps of trained that "there is no limit to the concern of the free assistants, including J. H. Hickcox as cataloger. state in the education of its citizens. It is as There has been a gratifying increase of good much bound to provide libraries in which the bibliographic record in several states, particuadult may continue his studies as it is to main- larly California and Texas. The displacement tain schools in which as a child he may begin within the past year or two of many capable and them. The day is not distant when this duty trained state librarians for political reasons will be universally recognized in this country. seems to make it advisable that the association In most of the states compulsory education laws again emphasize its view that the office of libraprevail. In at least one every town is required|rian in state or city is distinctly non-political, by law to establish and maintain a free public library. In this respect New Hampshire is only leading the way in which others will shortly follow." On behalf of the secretary, F. P. Hill, absent by reason of ill health, the acting secretary, C: Alex. Nelson, reported that the proceedings of the meetings of the executive board had been published in the LIBRARY JOURNAL; they were accepted and approved as so published. The and that the tenure of office ought not to be affected by political considerations. A communication from the Board of Women Managers of the Cotton States and International Exposition at Atlanta, inviting the members to attend the Congress of Women Librarians to be held in the Women's building, November 2930, was read and referred to a special committee consisting of Miss Ahern, Miss Sharp, and Mr. E. H, Anderson. A request from the same board for the loan of the model A. L. A library exhibited at Chicago was referred to the secretary with instructions to reply that the A. L. A. library was now the property of the Bureau of Education at Washington. The ularly mentioned, and some of these, it is stated, are to be issued in bulletins for circulation. There has been a marked increase in the salaries paid to students graduated from the school. The work at the Drexel Institute is commended. 19 students received certificates last spring. The work at the Armour Institute has minute At the opening of the afternoon session a let- description and is highly commended. ter was read from Reuben A. Guild, of Provicourse of study occupies two years. "The readdence, R. I., librarian emeritus of Browning-room is free to all, and students from outUniversity, resigning his membership at the side who wish books may borrow them for home age of 73, having served as an active librause." The members of the training-class have rian for 46 years. thus an example of the working of a small circulating library. The Institute has also "placed some valuable little travelling libraries in the homes of the poor families in the vicinity. Members of the faculty and class visit the house, talk about the books and help the children to select such literature as will interest and instruct them. Pictures are to be added to circulate as the books do." The committee must have been pressed for time, as no mention is made of the Pratt Institute training-class, nor of Mr. Fletcher's summer school at Amherst. The report was accepted. On motion of C: Alex. Nelson, Mr. Guild and all other survivors of the first librarians' convention, held in New York in 1853, were made honorary members of the Association by a unanimous vote. The report of the committee on foreign documents, R. G. Thwaites, chairman, was read by Miss Ahern, of the committee. Communications from Secretary of State Gresham and from Supt. S. P. Langley, of the Smithsonian Institution, showing the difficulties attending the procuring of foreign documents, are included in this report. A list of foreign governments which exchange official publications with the Government of the United States is also given. The report concludes as follows: "The report of the Smithsonian Institution offers little hope for any but state or large university libraries in soliciting foreign governments for official publications; but there are many such libraries in America, and to these it will be important to ascertain exactly upon what footing they may hope to stand in this matter. To this end the investigation now in progress should be continued by the Association, and an early notification of appointment sent to the members of the committee selected. "Although state and university libraries are chiefly interested in this matter, other libraries of importance will find that in some lines of reports, such as railways, insurance, etc., courteous requests to the heads of bureaus will generally be acceded to; particularly so, if the librarian can secure the friendly offices of the resident American minister. In the Wisconsin State Historical Library we have found that France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, the Australian provinces, and Mexico have been most generously disposed. In regard to English documents, I think most American librarians will agree that the case is hopeless, save through cash subscription. In general, we should recognize that probably no government is so free with its documents as the American." The report was accepted. The report of the committee on library school and training-classes was read by Miss Van Valkenburg. The report states that the demand for students of the Library School at Albany is so constant, that a large number of the senior class have this year been detailed for field-work. "It would seem," is added, "that this success might menace the life of the institution, for a school without a graduating class might cause remark." The work of making special bibliographies and reading lists is partic Dr. G. E. Wire read the final report of the committee on subject headings, presenting as the result of its three years' service a bound volume of 193 p., entitled "List of subject headings for use in dictionary catalogs. Prepared by a committee of the A. L. A. Published for the A. L. A. Publishing Section by the Library Bureau. Boston, 1895." The report was accepted and the committee was discharged with thanks. Mr. J. N. Wing read J. C. Rowell's paper on the " Scheme of international co-operation in indexing scientific periodicals, transactions, and monographs." The subject was discussed by O. L. Fassig, librarian of the U. S. Weather Bureau, who also read a letter from Herbert H. Field, of Paris, France. What indorsement, if any, the association could give to the scheme it was left with the council to decide. The evening was given up to an informal reception in the ladies' ordinary of the Windsor. After an enjoyable conversazione, in which the friendships of former conventions were renewed and new ones established, the president called the meeting to order, expressing his pleasure at seeing so many former acquaintances again, and hoping that there would be many other and as happy meetings in store for them. Mr. Carr then proceeded to call the roll of names from the register. "As each name was reached," writes the Republican reporter, "the delegates rose and 'went on exhibition,' as one merry little woman from Milwaukee aptly put it. From the events of the evening it was quite apparent that librarians are not the recluses that they are popularly supposed to be." The News said: "The evening meeting was certainly a most interesting one. Roll was called, and a response from the Pacific coast was followed by one from New Hampshire, and still again from Maryland and Missouri. The representatives of great universities or state libraries alternated with the libra |