The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-12-25

American Art Union distribution OF Pictures
The annual distribution Of the pictures which have
been purchased by the managers Of the American Art
Union during the last year. took place last evening az
the Tabernacle. At the time appointed for the dis
tributcn to take place, found that very spacious
edce very much crowded. probably not less than three
thousand persons being present, which number was
crafty increased during the evening.
At seven o'clock precisely, COL WErMoRE addressed
the assemblsge follows
Members Of the Art Union-Lsdies and gentlemen
1t Is very great pleasure In meeting you at this
the institution for the year. which closes to. night
have been eminently successful, and when the re-
port OF the committee OF MANAGEMENT Will have
been read am persuaded you will join me in cordial
qualification In In promoting the fine arts
The number Of subscribers for the year 1896 IL four
thousand four hundred and fifty being increase on
the list of the preceding year Of third When the
books closed at o'clock this afternoon they exhibited
noble aggregate of nine thousand nine hundred aud
sixty-sx members. (Applause) May not congratulate
you and the friends of national school OF painting and
every lover OF the arts on this auspscious result
With view to economy Of time, I have written down
the few observations that to to De called for
this occasion large amount Of business is before US
the necessary business Of the evening must continue FOR
several hours and shall detain you but few minutes
in saying what intend to say on this occasion Mr..
Wstnore then read Q long document the affairs OF
the Union, the progress of the fine arts &c.
Mr.. WETMoRE then said. that in consequence Of the
mittse Of management had determined to add to the
catalogue OF pictures twenty three additional paintings,
which announcement was received with much gratihca-
ton.
Mr. HorrrSo then read ths report of the committee
for the past year from which gathered
that at the last annual meeting the number Of pictures
distributed hundred and forty five, and at the
present meeting the number will be two hundred and
venty twosnd fifty medals in silver and two hundred and
fifty in broD and there will also be distributed be aut
fully executed engraving The receipts have been forty
Ave thousand dollars One hundred and sixty three addi
tona secretaries have been appointed during the
making the whole number three hundred and three and
fresh correspondents have been established in every
Of the country. The report gave very hattsring
count in other respects of the welfare of the society
recommended among other things, the purchase Of the
fee Of the premises occupied by the Union Broadway
. gallery The committee Of management have
cised their best judgment in the selection and
general satisfaction they have honestly sought dis
charge their duty, and not single picture of merit
except such for which exsrbitant charges were de-
manded, was not purchased They have given
preference to original pictures, and particularly
to such distinguished this country from all others
The report concluded by referring to the objects
which the American Art Union framed and stated
doubt the annual receipts will amount the sum
of fifty thousand dollars and that In the opinion of the
trustees artists would be Justified In attempting higher
than they have heretofore DONE and
that little attention has been paid to historic art
(Some Kissing and appause)
PHILIP HONE Esq then rose, and said that it was his
duty to the question the ptsnce report
accepted.
The treasurers report then read, from which we
learn that the receipts follows
Cash from 1856 members. ............. S4s $3.50 90
40 baie oi catalogues. 4l0 Al
do sale OF India proofs. 90