The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-02-01


were god-like, we swing our censers until the
thickening incense hides from mortal view tina,
grand image OF glorious manhood, which should
have clearly stood before all eyes forever. 1t is
mistake to suppose that true Greatness whateve,
may be the fate of that which is fictitious, become,
dwarted in stature at the familiar approach of men
When such is apparently the case, the cause i.
rather to be sought in the false standard by which
Iitueness wonid measure it. If the hero is not 9
nero 10 his valet, it is, says Mr.. CARLYLE, very
iikeiy 10 be the Wallets fault-sfor, to the whoa,
EYE, few things are wonderful that are NOT dc
1aAt' but to those of finer perceptions it is other
wise, ana to them, to borrow the illustration Of
1ne Old Poet the sun loses nothing of its glory
because they are also able to detect its spots We
care not therefore, over what haunt of business or
pressure the figure of our first, best patriot NAV
Presoe, nor In what guise it is denoted -
W nat matters it. on this account. whether
MS well known lneaments look grimly out Of
Oarrara marble, or swing dismally to and fro
upoha tavern slgn-post? Put him where you will,
the memory OF his virtue and his glory will rise
up insnctively in spite of place and circumstance.
Only ennobling recollections will gather round
his humblest effgy suggestive of worthier aspra-
tons in young and old. Let his statues then be
multiplied hundred-fold. Let mediocritv he
wlthdrawn from the too near scrutiny or too close
contact OF humanity. Let CESAR be enthroned
among the Gods, but let WASHINGTON still live
simply among us as the good and great man.
We had word or two more to sav nno, Al.
other point which has been raised by the cavilers
is g.
for argument against it. We are unable to sec
any thlng derogatory to the sculptor or his calling
In thus placing his statue where it stands. Wby
should Art be coy and dwell only in dim recesses
remote from the busy scenes where toilinp men
most need its presence? Why stand idly in the
temples, and refuse to meet us in the market pla-
ces! Would we not labor less YEARLY, if we could
ft our eyes at times to the waving lines of fretted
splre and shadowy dome, and find refreshment in
their beauty; or could draw momentary iuspira-
uon from marvellously chiselled forms, glowing
with strength and grace, and fair designs that
outshine cunning Nature? We doubt not that CR1s-
PIN cobbled as faithfully and well beneath the
rlezes OF the Parthenon, and not less gay than in
Shoe Lane London; and that the DoR1As edid as
good a business in their street of palaces. as
ever throve in the dingiest room on Bowly's
wharf
ART does not work alone for connoisseurs and
critics. If its creations are of any worth, it is
not because they please merely, but because thev
soften and refine. 1t has long been our reproach
that we encourage it so little, and can boast of
possessing so few of its productions of even aver
'ge merit. We hope the time is not far distant
when artists may find that we can adequately re-
ompense their genius and when the results of
heir skill shall enliven the dull monotony of our
horoughfares, and enable us to snatch furtive
oy whilst plodding through our daily avocatons.
The WASHINGTON Building, as now completed by
he elevation of the statue which gives to it its
lame, teaches some lessons by which all our cti-
ems might profit. 1t stands alike as a memorial |
u the liberal taste which has at once encouraged |
Art and adorned our City-and of the reward
hat may eventually wait upon untiring and we'll
ERECTED industry. And while perpetuating the
uolic spirit of one citizen, it recalls in melan-
holy contrast the pitiful and unavailing shifts to
Which great and wealthy people have resorted to
btain funds for the purchase of Mount Vernon
nd the erection of national tribute to the Father
his Country.