New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-11-25
METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM.

Col Fairman the author Of q communication
protesting against the Union League meeting
printed In THE TRIBUNE Of ITuesday, made speech ut
the meeting on the resolutions presented and as 10 con-
tanned the only expression Of sentiment made there by
practical artist he claims that in justice, 1t should be
laid before the public. He said;
Mr. PRESIDENT: desire to say o Few words Deiore
being called TO vote upon the pending resolutions =.
have heard nothing said tonight In this ns
cordial in every particular Nor do rise to
express word of dissent in reference to the gentlemen
prcpOsed as Committee. But, Sir, are eulDafBlng
upon vast project THIS Museum of Art, when com
peted, must be OF necessity the center OF nu -
and desire the business talents the persohal uuenSe'
and the wealth OF the gentlemen proposed s az wc
the oaDdlesticK. NO one VIII uisputs ING
reectins the glores OF the past must be to the Art
student But, Sir aDprehend that we would not coh-
e ~ 1roanctiye bower Of art among us And aver
that In this country there more ayalaDle talent or me
that education is more general and the various
incentives TO art career are more literally Ielt ana
this latent talent to fluid the agencies needed for ITS
deveopementi speak with earnest interest ON thIs
ences that would those of my cass who may sue
coed entered the Academy Of Design In this city
artist was driven from my purpose by the utter i
efficiency of that institution, and forced to an numme
sphere of industry TIL later III life TINS proposed museu
with its incidental system Of instruction In the Fine Arts
proposes meet what seems 10 Meone OK our greatest
How many OF the Fine Arts and which Of them, can be
grouped together III this new aud benehcent scheei 10
Have youi All of the Fine Arts cannot be enbraced
that evident; one VIII propose TO teach oaoIy or
Arts he taught there May Music. now science as well
art find fostering home therei How can the SIS
ter arts be associated benefit each These and
similar pertinent questions will need TO be disposed OF
before the practical work can be commence IN the WY
the proposed Institution would be the sueTsedure or
absorption Of the public ORGANIZATIONS assuming e1nca
graceful solution Of very unpleasant contest IN regard
10 the preensions of such possess And while am
known beyond these walls as the puiSsant antagonist of
the Academy in Twenty-thlTdst ! am willing 70 take
the counsel IF Paul and forgetting the things tha are
behind press forward TO the mark of the prize OF the
high calling In the presence Of this beDeheent pro-
jec and 80 do not propose either review Or ecis VI
II we are to have native must have artists TO
schools to schools we must have educators III
structors. II we have not them we must make them;
thus the elements required for this part or
work OF the committee would therefore Ike 10 see
added 10 mat conmlttee sunieieh huoed VI sm VIII
practical talents, WORKING artists whose experience as
students and artists well as opportunities OF oDserVa
strictly practical departments OF tho contemplated work
II is certainly reasonable 10 assume tat men "o nave
oaT Saard for such task Mere examples Of art 10
a MUSEUM Will not meet educational ends unassised
as in every other department OF tuitive knowledge
Here some disturbance made by individuals making
Mr. f. calmly appealed to the chair 20 call the dsoriery
persons to order, which he did. Mr.. + proceeded,
extend this very courtesy had not been Published IN an
evening paper and addressed 10 Inc on Behalf OF the
Committee. As 1t Is hope the chair will sustain me IN
my right to speak, am required to vote IN TINS con
nectOn and while aspiring TO no leadership OF any KIND,
an content be held che0p.as 10 be deprived VI
my rights an individual To call this "a mere
meeting Of inquiry" when 1t Is proposed 10 name com
mttee and clothe it with power that control It's
entire future development IL an abuse Of terms inadnis
sble all well know that II these gentlemen accept
the functions thus prOcred II Is not among snpposabe
things any proposition einanating from them would
ind resistance from influential quarter. Therefore
seeing the whole project virtually concluded III tbs
action desire to the committee 30 composed hs 10
the entire work safe from the mistakes which 1t
must otherwise exposed arising either from the want
Of professional knowledge. or eXtrtne0us nhd IRE
sponsBle Influences am not sangune OF accomplishing
duty this connections for. indeed wonld not have
been here bad the courtesy OF an Invitation been eh
tended by gentlemen outside OF the committee. move
you, Mr. President aud wish 1t to be known II is under
protest aud IN completely with any further action,
that twenty be added 10 that committee to meet
the requirements Indicated IN Dy preceding remarks,
and cvAire no place for myself Ia that number.