BRITISH MUSEUM.
TO THE EDITOR. OF TILE SPECTATOR. 2.f,ISop!,inber 1
Sin—It is a must grievous and cryinz evil, that the Parliamentary Papers are never to be had at this place until long after a session is over ; those for 1832 baye but just made their appearance. Considering the vast expense paid by the country for these documents, it is gross mismanagement s.inewhere that they arc not as regularly to be found at the Museum every day as at each Mem- ber's house. The fact of their being with much exactne,s dtlivcred to the Members, proves that there is no sort of excuse why they should not he at the same time delivered at this place. I have repeatedly beim prined on seeing the papers in question for sale at checsemongers'and bot:k-stall,-1 mean Reports just from the press. I need not, I think, say that where these Papers are wanted live hundred times when just issued, they arc not requested once scarcely in the same proportion when the interest which attaches to them is gone by. Another most serious evil is to he complained of : it is the want of New Pub- lications. I have frequently asked for them many weeks, and months even, after they have been out, but they have not been forthcoming. I ant aware the re- gulation is that they should not appear in the Reading Room till one month after publication ; but ! complain that this is not observed in very many instances. But why even this? Why not have them as soon at this plave as at a book- seller's? I need scarce observe, in many cases the interest and utility is gone by perhaps in a month, but certainly often at the late period they e to be found there. I assure you, to .persons situated as I am, the evil is most seriously in- convenient, and indeed, injurious; as copies are obliged to be bought, which is no joke in sonic cases ; and as regards the Parliamentary Papers, they are not to be had, unless indeed they too are purchased. Pray do the public a service—and a vast one it will be to many—by striving to get this remedied.
I am, shear Mr. Spectator, your most grateful and regular reader, A. R. P.
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