February, 1911.] Presidential Address. XXXvV 
our most valuable library within its walls would stigmatize the 
Society as being callous to the preservation of their great. col- 
lection of books, manuscripts, and works of art, the most 
complete that exists in Asia,— a collection that has furnished 
those of us who are willing to make use of it, not only with all 
that is most instructive amongst the productions of the last 
century and a quarter in the domains of literature and science, 
but also with a series of records of the ancient literature of the 
undertaking this duty. The present building was erected in 
1807, at a cost of Rs. 30,000, raised by a special subscription 
among the members, and for the greater part of a century ful- 
filled its purpose admirably ; but the ravages of time, and 
especially the great earthquake of 1897, have had no more res- 
pect for this structure, in spite of its scientific character, than 
for any of the older houses of Calcutta, and the constant 
repairs that have been necessary of late years to keep it from 
falling to pieces have been a continuous drain upon our re- 
sources, and an ever-present source of anxiety to the Council. 
During the last 15 years some Rs. 30,000 have been spent for 
this object, that is to say, as much as the original cost of the 
building. 
However reluctant we may be to see our old home demo- 
lished ,—to substitute for the hall which has re-ec the 
discourses of the most learned men in India for more than a 
hundred years a new and unfamiliar meeting-place,—the time 
has come when it would be a criminal act on our part to hesi- 
tate in making the sacrifice. The Council has long and 
earnestly deliberated on the best course to pursue. In the first 
instance a scheme was drawn up, under which a building was 
bark upon a speculation of this kind, which might result in 
success, if the existing pressure upon the available house accom- 
modation in Calcutta were to continue ; but, on the other hand, 
if the supply of such accommodation were to exceed the de- 
mand, might end in disaster. Having regard also to the great 
