Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1843-01-27

tlul lilb Nutt WIN NFti w uuy tIhS w
way VI encouraging tho son who is acquiring
such reputation for his country and himself we
do not expect But cannot The people OF Vermoun!
do the ring in another way, viz by voluntary
subscriptions, not 10 exceed 81 TO each subscrib-
err? Why should not the statues OF Allen and
Warner-or OF Washington and Alleu-hmd a
place in our beautiful capitol? There are two
inches left OH purpose for such an object What
say the editors' II the object is approved fea-
sble plan for efftctng ii will not he wanting.
BY the way: we notice statement, in some Of
the papers, that Powers has been nssassina,ed. Ii
probably grew out Of the following paragraph:
Powers, the distinguished sculptor, of Cincinnn-
Il, now studying in Italy, in n recent letter TO II
friend in that city, details most dabolicM plot TO
assassinae him, which originated in professional
Jealousy.
From the Burlington Fee Press.
The following letter, from an American nrtsi.
at Florence, TO the Governor OF Vermont, will he
read with interest. Hiram Powers, the subject OF
the communication, is q native OF Woodstock in
this Stae, aud is il not the first. unqueslonably
among The first, OF living sculpiors. In The de.
parlment OF portrait sculpture, III obtaining truth
of individual resemblance, without the sacrifice
OF those higher attributes, the expression OF which
has been supposed to constitute the appropriate
object of the at, in hcstowing s0ltness, warmth,
and life upon the cold, hard, and coilorless mate
rial in which he works, he is now conessedly un-
rivalled and probably, has never been surpassed.
FLORENCE, Italy, October 25, 1912,
TO his Ercehency,
CHARLES FAME, Governor of Vermoni.
DEAR SIR:-l take the liberty of addressing
this letter TO you, feeling that you will sympathize
with its object, and pardon the intrusion. The
good State over which you preside has shown
great taste in the erection of her House OF Legis-
lalion and | only wish now she would go one
step further, and erect in i, statue TO Gen Stark
has many who are worthy Of al! the honor she can
beslow upon them
Time works sad changes in human affairs, and
u The nearest generation to the distinguished dead
forget them, who shall rise up in all the world to
perpenate their memory? But will not enlarge
apon this subject. My object is to introduce to
your notice HIRAM Powers, the Sculptor, with
whom you are undoubtedly acquainted by repu-
tatiop, and who, though long separated from his
native hills, is u true son oil Vermont, nnd one
whom she will ever be proud to own
Mr.. Powers has, for many years, struggled on
through poverty aud privaiiob, to acquire knowl-
edge in his iavoriIe ar; although he has now risen
TO great ennence, he is not yet beyond the rcnch
OF the common wants of humanity wond not
represent him TO YOU as suffering martyr in
the cause but as n worthy man, aud dstin-
gnshed artist, who needs the sympathy aud AS
sislance of his country. Much has been said aud
written with great justice, by the most Intelligent
men, 10 cxlol Ills high talents and genius: but all
this satisfies no real demand of nature. Ii neither
puts food into the mouths OF his children, nor
coihes upon their backs. Praise is well, hul put
roHdge is better. il has beeu sad, 10 his injury
thai he receives the highest price Tor his busis vi
any artist in Europe. and hence people ine: that
he is getting an ample return for all the heads le
brought abroad with him, and that he is consc-
quenlly making money. Such is not The fact
On The contrary, half the busts he has TO execute
ore undertaken at such low prices that they are
actually cause of pecuniary loss TO him. For
some of his busis he does indeed receive liberal
compensation. these very few.
Mr.. Powers is now about commencing his IA
NOUS statue of Eve in marble, n very important
undertaking, for which he has no commission
he is also just modelling another beautiful ideal
work for which he has no commission. | men-
ton these things TO show you how he is neglect
ed and 10 enforce the necessity Of some kind aid
to snve from him penunry 1t is Of the highest i'm
portance To the honor OF our country that he should
not he interrupted in his career that he should be
enabled TO go on. Pardon me for mentioning
here the fact that the United States have given
large and liberal commissions 10 foreign artists,
who are as inferior TO her own as darkness 10 light
done ltalso, 10 their shame be it spoken while til il
own artists, with the little they could collect to-
gelher OF earthly goods have been driven all over
me giobe TO gam u subsistence. For those tho
have not been despsed, have been neglected, al
home willie contemplate Italian, German aud
o'hcr irlerior foreign artists have been caressed
by our people. These things have known aid
my heart aches when recall them. ! tell you a
truth when say that the hest artists both in paint.
ing and ~ sculpture, in Rome and i'm Florence
are '4mericd"s,-yet they are not known by iheir
own countrymcn.
NOW, my dear sir, beg you to recommend thi,
ma!'er 10 your people, that they may give one o
their noblest sous chance to try his strength.
urge this as we'll on account of his acknowledg
ed worth and the claim he has upon The sympatli,
ana KIND regard OF his counlrymep, as IRON
sense oil his present destitute condition. Ills warn
heart ever dwells With pride upon his beloved
Vermont. and he would iain have his works ther,
Also know you will sympalhize with his feel
ings and for my own part, | should rejoice Il
have something done for him during your admin
istraIlon. Perhaps should say that write Thu
letter, without the knowledge Of Mr.. Powers
solely from the interest feel in him and his works
ana an anxiety that he should b9 encouraged ant
assisted by his own country men.
onouhi you ind mo ents leisure you will
confer very great favor by writing me on ihi
subject sliul propably remnn in Florence
year or Two, and IT there is any way in which
eau serve you, please let the know il. My direc
Havre.
Wnh sentiments of the highest esteem am
every Kind wish for your health and prosperity,
am. dear sir,
Your ob't. humble servant,
tS4gned,) II. X. BROWN, (Sculplor.)
Emancipation The New Orleans Bulle,in q