The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-01-27
the American Art Union and thv Emo

Tns American ART Union and Inv Emo
Arts.
We are receiving notices every other day, from
the 1900 $4,000 subscribers OF the present Art
Union, inquiring, with deep pathos, when the an
nuh esribtionis to take place, as directed by the
charter and constitution. Never, sin,e art found
resting place in the city Of New York, has this
nstitven, art in general been in perilous pre-
dicamcnt as at present. The National Academy of
Design has sunk so low to forbid ali hope of re-
eusctation. unless some vigorous measures be taken
towards rival institu!ions. The American Art
| Union is 80 heavily embarrassed a. to be ompelled
| TO postpone its drawing indefinitely nor is there
any bope Of future SUCCESS without radical change
in its charter, constitution, by laws, and Board Of
Managers The Artists Association have closed
their accounts for the year, and will hardly n,ur
the responsibility Of another campaign, unless under
circumstances nuch more inviting than those Of
las. year We do not believe that either tho
National A Z emy Of Design or the Artists Asso.
citation would exist year, il proper, liberal, and
comprehensive art union gallery were founded,
and me ans taken to bring the works Of artists
/ b. fore the public without intermediate agency. 1t
il not an ever estimate when say that the annual
expenses for rent commissions, and losses, of the
\
more than, under proper system, they would be.
We could give some interesting details on this SUBJ
iect but until there shall boa willingness ON the
part Of all the artists to consider this AFTER they
would be out Of place.
| Since tho publication Of Mr. Whtleys appeal
10 artists, on the subject of erecting convenient
| temple for the advancement of art, we have re-
ceived many communications on the subject, AMI
| Al ,;.Ls tnofk AL
CANT rooms which are opened only three months
during the year by the national academicians,
would, for the present, answer most Of the pur-
poses specified in the appeal to which it replies.
Another is OF opinion that the halls Of the Ameri
can Art Union would be large enough for the pre-.
sent; but this suggestion is idle, it is copjec-
| tured that the present Board of Directors will
bold on to their offices at the next election, and
endeavor to maintain their influence and position
70. another year. Cannot this be remedied by the
election Of new directors
In looking over The charter Of the American Art
Union, we perceive that it excludes artists from
the Board of Managers, but allows frame makers
and de alers in prints to participate in the control
of its fairs. We have had enough of the wisdom
of such board as these provisions and exceptions
provide for and shall, therefore, urge an applica-
ton to the Legislature now in session, for an
anne dment. Artists and the public have only to
agree in making this requ st, and the whole pro-
perty ard destiny Of the institution will be imme-
diately under their control; and to this complexion
it must come at last, or all will be lost. and no in.
stitution henceforth for some years, will be pos.
sble.
Now, let US consider the obstacles to this plan.
We shall take il for granted that the charter
would be amcnded fno,t will be an easy matter for
the "Bulletn of the American Art Union to state
officially that such painters might be elected to
tho management of the affairs Of the institution
were mo artists and the charter would be
inviolate The next objection is, that the TWEEN
tyone signers Of the card indulge the hope
that the institution may yet be made sub
seryient to their own private ends. But this
we knew is not true. Very many OF the signers
did at the urgent solicitation Of very influential
persons; and Mr.. Durand, the President of the
National Academy, was importuned 50 earnestly
that he could not refuse. None Of these gentlemen
are committed gainst inquiry and progress, no.
would they, but from feeling Of gratitude towards
their liberal patrons-Messrs the Dlrectors-re-
main silent or inactive on this matter We takei
for granted that no opposition to a movement,
among The artists, would arise from the managers
of the Art Union--nay, we see reason why they
do rot compromise and ope ate. We have pur.
posey abstaned from referring to this subjec. 70,
several days past, presuming that some steps would
be taken by tho a fists themselves.
We now, however, feel bound to state that the
interests Of artists, and the cause Of art, demand
union and action; and further, that it s idle fer
the Artists Association, the American Art Unio2,
or the National Academy Of Design, to attempt to
advance single ste until existing feuds be al.
Iaye5 We have no idea tina. the American Art
Union will attempt another years experiment.
after the decline Of the last two years, unless al
entire change take place in the Board Of Managers
If it shall persist in doing SOTO the great dst7-
ment of art-wc shall feel called upon to appeal to
their l20o0 $4,000 subscribers Of the asst year. 70
select rev Board-to depose the present one--sud
bring aboat, at the f-st meeting, such refor 10
leg ii and proper way.
The TERMINATION o. THE F,PREsT DIVORCE
CAsE.-The longest trial upon record in this, and
we believe in th old country, has terminated.
After thirtytwo days, the suit Of Catharine N.
Forrest against Edwin Forrest, for divorce, on the
grounds Of adultery, has been brought to a close,
by verdict. on every Issue, in favor Of the plaintiff,
and award Of an allowance to Ter Of three thou
sand dollars year. This yesugatieh has been
serious task to all concerned. The Judge, the
jury tie counsel and tho reporters, have had dur
rg The protsacted inquiry, onerous and arduous
duties to perform; but I'll 70 lastthe greatest aad
tbs most Important OF allwas that Of the rendition
Of the verde yesterday morning, by the twelve
mon sw0In upon their oaths to render "a true YER
dict according to The evidence
To review the testi monyto 20 over the mass
Of imputed infamy, reckless swearing, perjury,
wsntonness vice, SANDER on The living and oalumuy
tae dead, iuvasions Of domestic hearths, and ex
hnwa!iops Of long bEyiod and perhaps DETAINED
tenants efthe sonb-is task from which We recoil.
Ii is enough FOR rs to say that in every public
bouse, in every bar room, at every corner Of our
streets, IN private society and in public thorough