Litchfield enquirer., 1869-11-11
Parton on Winnie Ream.

The reader has s perhaps wondered, why Congress should have selected for the execution of the national statue of Abra- ham Lincoln a person of no standing or experience as an artist. Miss Winnie Ream is young lady of perfect responsibility, and, no doubt, highly estimable in her private relations. No one can blame be'' for her good fortune. She has done little more than open her mouth and let the plumb fall into it. But what has Congress done? Here was piece of work to be let out, the statue of man as little statues que as we can imagine,-whi required in the artist combination of artistical skill and judgement, love of the man, and love of truth. The work was to be seen by hundreds who had been familiar with the subject. and by tens of thousands who would take kind of affectionate interest in the artists management of it's difficulties The Abraham Lincoln of future generation was to be created. In the selection of the artist national fame Congress assigned this work to girl who and who had given no proof of her capac- ity to acquire those rudiments. She exhi- bited model. It was about to be over
 
 to her was, Q. ten thousand. dollar com mission, universal celebrity, aud two years in Europe,-three immense boons, either of which had been a fit requital for long ng-tried-excellence. And, as if this were not enough, room was given her in the Capitol itself in which to execute and ex- hibit her work. Congress bestowed upon this unknown. and untried child honors which it has consistently withheld from ar- lists who have conferred on the country whatever name it has in the world of art. but who hardly know what the word 'slob- bying" means. Recognition one-tenth as distinct and emphatic as this, how it would have cheered the early years of the excel lent sculptors of whom the country is proud Such caprice does not harm them ; for when Congress confers distinction thus it parts with its power to confer hon. or, and sensibly lessens its own. .r.,. ,.-...
 Five minutes conversation with Miss Winnie Ream explains this ridiculous be- havior of Congress. She is one of those graceful, animated, bright-eyed, pictur- esque, undaunted., twinkling little women who can make men say, Yes, to any thing they ask. She also wore @ pretty, blue, urban like covering for her hair, which was killing at five paces; and there is that in her manner which puts men in the humor of uttering badinage, and at the same time gives them the idea that she is @ helpless little body who would cry if she could not have her own way. The visitor to her room in the Capitol had but to stand apart and see the modest audacity of her demeanor, and observe the assured, lively manner in which she held circle of men in conversation, in order to comprehend why Congress, in it's easy, thoughtless, good nature, should have granted to her the most signal honors it ever bestowed upon an artist. far
 Men are naturally susceptible to the pie turesque in woman. It is natural also to feel like caressing and. protecting whatever reminds us of tender graceful childhood Members had done well to give private commission to this agreeable young lady by way of encouraging her to attempt ac acquiring some skill in modelling But they were false to their trust when they gave her an important public work to ex- ecute. Men who are charged by their fel. low citizens with the adornment of nation. al edifices and the bestowal of national honors are much to blame in allowing Q blue turban, pair of speaking eyes, a trim waist, and fluent tongue to carry of prizes due only to tried merit. Members can form little idea of the dishonor, nay, the contempt, which they bring upon Congress by indulging whim of this kind. Millions witness the result; only few in- dividuals see the bright excuse; and oi those few only one sex admits that it is any excuse at all.-AAaa,tic Monthly. ... --