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 124 ^* Library. of ways and means. If it can be done, it may possibly have the effect of relieving the congestion which takes place in the lending department at the Free Library, particularly on Saturday nights, and we are sure the matter will receive the careful consideration of the Free Libraries Committee. SOUTHPORT. At the meeting of the Town Council, on March I3th, the question of " blacking-out " cropped up. After a discussion it was decided not to adopt this method of dealing with a reading-room difficulty. WATERFORD On 6th March, Mr. T. Greenwood addressed a large meeting in support of the adoption of the Public Libraries Acts. WEST HAM. Mr. Arthur Acland, M.P., vice-president of the Com- mittee of Council on Education, opened the New Hermit Road Board School, West Ham, on March 7th. Mr. Acland said he knew no work more honourable than that of trying to advance national education. They who were engaged in that work, whether locally or at the centre, were laying the foundation of the future well-being and welfare of the citizens of the country, and it was only by their work that they could have any hope of grappling with the difficult problems which beset them on every side. He would much like to see in every school a good library, with books adapted to the intellect of children of all ages. He thought they ought to arrange that part of their work so that all the best and most ex- pensive picture books, and the best books which were found in the houses of the rich, should be available for the children in the Board Schools. WEST STOW. OPENING OF A READING ROOM. Earl Cadogan, on March 8th, opened a Reading Room and Library at West Stow, this being one of a series of similar institutions which his lordship is erecting in the villages on his estate near Bury St. Edmunds. FOREIGN. CONSTANTINOPLE. THE SULTAN'S LIBRARY. It is notified from Constantinople that the Sultan has issued an imperial decree directing that three copies of every book or pamphlet printed in Turkey since he first ascended the throne are to be sent to the Imperial Palace, and one copy to the new' library of the Sublime Porte. It is said that, on the one hand, this edict will encourage native authors in writing and publishing new works, while on the other hand, the Imperial censors will be better able to control and check obnoxious publications. The new order, however, has placed the governors of various districts in a situation of some difficulty. There is no correct list of books published in Turkey ; many of the volumes are out of print, and these will have to be reprinted in order to obtain the necessary copies. Several authors who have pub- lished books which might be considered of an advanced type, have thought it best to leave his Majesty's dominions, lest a close perusal of their works in official quarters should lead to their becoming unpleasantly famous. HANOVER. In November it was stated from Berlin that the negotiations between the Prussian Minister of Finance and the Duke of Cumberland in regard to the administration of the Guelph estate have been definitely concluded. According to the terms of the arrangement arrived at, the Royal Public Library and the Guelph Museum will, it is declared, remain permanently at Hanover.