New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-12-02
4 N1TIOYAL ART MUSEUM

It is a singular trait of our impulsive and
energetic people to discuss questions without
ascertaining what has been discovered and
dlscOursed about them by previous inquirers, and
TO start enterprises without ascertaining what
has previously been accomplished in the
premises Diffusion and not concentration of
effort and enterprise is the prevalent method /;
thus We have numerous inadequately en-
lowed colleges, half dozen incomplete
public libraries, and several languishing clubs.
Were the resources of all combined, an
effective and satisfactory result would be
reached but time, talent, and means are
wasted, usually because a few interested indi-
viduals lack the first element Of success in
public cts-diSinterestedness.
The recent movement in behalf OF an Ar
Museum is case in point 1t is not a new
idea the parties engaged therein are not oc-
cupying new field. Scores of philosophical
men have discussed and labored therein for
years past An American East India merchant
offered a collection of "0ld Masters" as
nucleus for a public free gallery long ago.
Mr.. Bryan kept vigil over his pictorial treas
ures, CLEANED during years of residence abroad,
Mt the corner of Broadway and Thrteenth-st.
for long period, offering them, meantime, to
apy fire. proof institute building where they
would be safe and open to the public. Mr..
Jarves collected o chronological series OF the
Italian paintings brought them home, and
offered them for sale, on moderate terms,
as tho foundation of national gal
lery; and many such cases might
be cited. But something definite and substan-
tial has really been done in this city, and so
hat oil N rpaIiZn the
idea of Museum of Art is the funds to erect
n building After the NewYork Historical
Society opened their new ire-prOof edifce in
the SecOnd-ave., artistic and antique acqui-
sitions flowed in to enrich their collec-
tions. Mr. Lenox gave the Nineveh Marbles;
number of liberal citizens purchased the
Egyptian Museum; every year new American
portraits of historical celebrities were added;
Mr. Bryan gave his choice pictures; works of
statuary were either bestowed or deposited, until
the building was inadequate either to hold or
eligibly exhibit its treasures OF art and an
tiouity. Then the idea was conceived of erect
ing Museum in the Central Park, under the
auspices of the Society. An excellent charter was
obtained from the Legislature; most desirable
site was given by the Commissioners OF the
Central Park an architect was employed TO
make the design of building, which could
bo indefinitely extended without detriment to
its harmonious effect; two or three wealthy
and philosophical citizens expressed willing
ness under certain conditions, to furnish the
money requisite to erect and endow free
nnblic Museum of Art in the Central Park, and
under the auspices of the New-York Historical
socety-an institution which has fairly won
the respect and confidence of the public by
the character of the gentlemen who have
sunerintended its interests, and whose valuable
acquisitions form so desirable nucleus and
foundation for Museum OF Art and Antiquity.
Mr.. II. II. Tuckcrman opened y correspondence
with the widow of the late lamented sculptor,
Thomas Crawford, native OF this city, which