future needs of the city. In the second story is the art gallery. Around
it are five other rooms, which can be devoted to any of the uses such an
institution may require. When completed the inside will be finished in
hard woods, and according to modern ideas of taste and elegance. The art
gallery will be a model of its kind.

With a collection of books and of works of art to match the thought of
the donor expressed in the building the library will be a lasting
blessing to our city. A gift so timely, and so well adapted to the needs
of a city like Fitchburg, with its population of young people, could not
fail to commend itself, and win the gratitude of every right-minded
citizen. Therefore, any one who will stand in front of this building for
an hour, and listen to the remarks made by those who look up to it as
they pass, will readily learn how deep a hold on the esteem of all
classes of the citizens of Fitchburg this generous act has given Mr.
Wallace.

Lest my estimate of Mr. Wallace may seem extravagant to those who do not
know him, I add the following from the pen of Professor H.M. Tyler of
Smith College, Northampton, formerly Mr. Wallace's pastor. He writes:--

"It gives me great pleasure to send a few lines in answer to
your note, though it would be easy for a critic to say that I
have long since passed the point where I could give a
cold-blooded opinion of Mr. Wallace. I can write only from the
stand-point of warm friendship and cannot be cold in my respect
and admiration for my friend. Mr. Wallace is pre-eminently a
business man; to this the chief energy of his life has been
directed. It seems an impertinence for me to pass judgment upon
his career, but I have loved to study him in his business