The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-02-06

gallery Of Assvss~s A~~iesss containing posszsis Of
twsnyfour Of the most eminent eitzsns Of the republic
since tho death OF Washington, drawn By pAviGnon
from dagueueoypes by Brady with biographical sketch
es BY O. EDWARDS LEsrKR. For sale BY Wiley, Putnam.
Appeion, q Francis. Of New York, 1850. No 1. For
trait and biographical sketch Of General Taylor
Most OF our readers have probably already seen notices
in the New York journals OF this work The FIRST num-
Der has appeared and publishedn superb STYLE and
the whole plan OF the Gallery is unique that we wish
we could give il more attention than the pressure upon
our columns wipemit In nearly all the polished nations
of Europe, where the arts have been carried to such
great perfection while yrans have been trampsg upon
mankind Of the fayote forms in which despots have
always loved to look upon themselves has been in Gal
sres. printed on LARGE clear type. beautiful with
magnihcenty engraved portraits OF themselves and, In
deed these Galleries, which, for the most part have con-
tanned only the portraits Of those who have been
rather than blessing to humanity have furnished
the most superb specimens Of the printing and engraving
arts And we have often wondered why no attempt had
been maden the United States 10 group together, in
Gallery like this, our own distinguished citizens who
have become illustous in arts in arms, or In statesman
ship. Hitherto we have been too much occupied in the
stirring struggles Of fe hewng down the forests and
in building ourselves houses, and in turning up the rich
virgin SOIL 10 have time for those elegant embesh-
ments Of life which adorn nations in their maturity
This Gallery is likely to accomplish what we have
~ Of execution and superb effect anything had
anticipated We had supposed the art Of printing
engraving had been carried to much perfection in any
part of the world we here find them The portrait OF
Gen. Taylor, who forms the subject of the first number,
Is most beautifully and faithfully executed and those
who look uponit will regard it. at first sight. the best
likeness Of him that published The biographical
sketch is written with all the mpartialy which could
have been expected and if the editor furnishes with
fai md If
the other distinguished men who have won the honors
Of their respective parties, and partisan feeling is dis
played in his writings it will be Of the most vaua
BILE contributions made to the archives OF our
onal history; and the portraits of twenty-four of the
eminent citizens who have ourshed in the repub
lie since the death Of Washington, all brought out in this
style, will make it the most magnificent work that has
ever appeared
That our readers may have correct idea of the style Of
this Gallery. we viii state that il Is published in semi
monthly numbers, to be completed in twenty -four parts,
the numbers being sold separately for dollar EACH and
the whole collection, which will be complete during the
year. for the small Of twenty dollars The work is
printed very large and beautiful new type, and on
French or imperial folio drawing paper, with only one
page sheet Each number will contain the portrait
and biography Of some distinguished American; and we
understand that it is not to be confined merely states
men, but that all pursuits Of life will be fully and fairly
represented As matter of courtesy, it well enough
to begin with General Taylor, although thrust be evident
enough any person, without the aid Of much argument
that this country has. during the last fifty years. produced
good many men who have won more respect from the
nation in their public service than this distinguished in
divdua. The second number, which will be looked for
ward to with very great interest," is understand to
be dedicated to Mr. Calhoun Who to be his
son. not info med but presume that, in col
lection like this, such General Cass, Mr. Buchan
an Mr. Polk General Jackson, and other venerated and
illustous ornaments of the great democratic party will
not be left out There will be good deal of curious
speculation in tho public mind in regard to who these
twenty four 'ustrious Americans" to be; but we
have not observed that the List has anywhere appeared,
do suppose would be very good policy to publish
il in the beginning Hardly two persons in the whole
country will be likely to hit precisely upon the same
set OF men. About few, there can be no doubt.
The first ten would be unquestionabe names; the
next fourteen would be the subject OF considerable
speculation At all events, doubt not that since
the Gallery is in such hands, il will very
suiting all parties; and being got up in so superb
STYLE we are sure that will command very general sup
port and patronage We hope, at all events that at the
capital OF the nation, where many Of its great
gathered, and generous appreciation will be dis
played of the services thus rendered to the country by the
proprieos of this Gallery II is triumphant display of
the perfection to which the arts OF typography and engra-
wing have been brought in America; and we have no
doubt tna as eacn successive number sent 10 Europe
il will be looked upon fully equal. if not superior
work that has been produced the other side Of the
Atlantic.
We learn that Mr. Bradyone Of the propreors Of this
emphatcaly national enterprseis at present this city,
collecting materials for its prosecution We that
his efforts will be seconded by all who feel an interest in
the advancement Of art, and pride in the fame OF the
illustrous sons OF the republic.
he
To the Editors.
In this age OF locomotion il is certainly very pleasant
to have matters arranged as that they shall contribute