The Washington Post - Thursday, April 11, 1895

OSCAR WILDE’S WRITINGS.
But One of His Works at the Congressional Library, and Cannot Be Withdrawn.

A representative of The Post yesterday called the attention of Librarian Spofford to the action of the directors of the St. Louis public library in withdrawing from circulation among its patrons the collected works of Oscar Wilde, including his novels, plays, and poems.

"The only productions of Oscar Wilde in the Congressional Library," said Mr. Spofford, "are the few which have been copyrighted in this country. Among these is ‘Dorian Gray,' which was regarded as specially objectionable when it appeared, although it has since become more popular. It was printed in Lippincott’s Magazine, copies of which were, of course, received at the library.

"In the nature of things none of WIlde’s productions can be withdrawn from the Congressional Library. In order to do this, the numbers of the periodicals containing them would have to be withdrawn, and this would deprive the public of a great deal of desirable reading matter. There is no authority vested in any one to order the withdrawal of a book from circulation, although the public might be deprived of access to it. This has been done in several cases, an example of which may be found in the old French novel, ‘Manon Lescaut.' The book is withdrawn from general circulation, though any Senator or Member of the House can call for it and get it."

In conclusion, Mr. Spofford said that he did not anticipate any demand for the withdrawal of Wilde’s productions from the Congressional Library.