Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-05-02

A LETTER FROM PowzRs, THE SCULP-
ToR.-Mr, William c. Bryant, in a re-
cent letter to the Evening Post, men,
tions that the artists in Florence are
much alarmed at the prospect Of duty
to be laid by Congress on works of art
not by American artists, imported into
the United States, and he incloses the
subjoined letter from Hiram Powers,
giving his views of the probable conse-
quences Of such a proceeding on the
part of the Government
Me- Dear ST There is statement In
the New York Evening Post that Con-
gress is about to lay heavy duty on
foreign works of art-so high, indeed, as
to shut out, for the most part, foreign
ers from competition with native artists
at home. But however this may be, its
effect would be disastrous to American
artists in Florence for it is already
threatened here to lay an export duty on
our works, In retaliation for the duty
already imposed on Italian art. l have
talked with one of the representatives
in the Italian Parliament on this sub
ject, who says that while mere copies of
paintings or sculptures may properly be
taxed, he thinks that original works by
living artists ought to go free of duty
into America, as they do in France and
England, and the Government here
would not complain of such law.
or course We American artists here
feel much anxiety on the matter. There
is no hope for US if Congress increases
the duty. We shall all have to leave
here for an export duty would tax our
works for America not only, but every
where else, and we could not live here.
1t is possible that the Government
might be induced to retaliate by an tw-
port duty on American produce-petro-
leum, for instance-which would be
more just than an export duty on the
works of few Americans in Florence:
There are no other OF our artists in TIA
lily, if | except in Rome and not under
this Government. Thus you will per-
ceive that an act which may be sport to
those artists at home who have petit
toned Congress, if passed by Congress,
would prove death to all our hopes here.
And surely it is an advantage to art in
America that some Of US should come
abroad and study here. The intention
cannot be to provoke hostility towards
US on the part of foreign artists and for
eign Governments.
have no doubt that the Roman Gov
eminent will follow suit if the Italian
Government sets the example OF retalia-
ton.
And does our revenue require high
duty on original works of great masters
abroad or is it that the petitioners de-
sire to compel our people to buy their
pictures, or have no pictures at all?
do not know if we Americans are
not also included in the high duty pro-
posed and If SO, then our case will be
desperate indeed. We shall have to run
the gauntlet getting out Of Italy with
our works; and also in getting into
America with them, paying some fifty
per cent, at head and tail Of our
voyage.
1t seems TO me that the present plan
is not a wise one. 1t is highly cslcu-
| lated to provoke retaliation. We want
to sell our produce abroad, and law
might be made here tomorrow exclud-
ing the vast quantities Of petroleum en-
tering the ports of Italy from America.
And who shall say that this would be
unfair?
wish You to publish this if you think
it would do any good.
With kindest regards, l am sincerely
yours. HIRAM Powers.
Florence, Feb. "a, 1867.