H tribute* 



When the master-mind ceases to inspire and direct, it not iinfrequently 

 occurs that the functions of those by whom it was influenced become 

 paralysed ; and such was the feeling of perplexity which possessed his 

 colleao-ues when the death of their President was unexpectedly announced. 



The late Sir James Allanson Picton, Kt., F.S.A., first entered the 

 Council Chamber of the Corporation of Liverpool in 1849, and in the 

 early part of the following year measures were taken by him which 

 resulted in the establishment of a Free Public Library, of which he 

 became its president — a position he occupied to the time of his death — 

 he encouraged and fostered its progress in every conceivable form, and 

 he lived to see it attain its highest state of efficiency — " perfect in all its 

 parts." 



To him the public of Liverpool, and more particidarly so, the rising 

 generation, are indebted for advantages which it is impossible to over- 

 estimate, and which such an institution as the Free Public Library, 

 Museum, and Gallery of Art will be the means of developing in the future. 



On the 15th July, 1889, and in the 84th year of his age, the intellect 



which devised, and the energies which sustained him in the performance 



of his alloted task were arrested in the fulness of their vigour by the Great 



Disposer of Events, leaving mens' minds impressed with the conviction 



. that " his good works will surely follow him." 



