The New York herald., 1873-10-29
'A'".' Mast and His Neglected

0e0kW0s
Our correspondent "Amicus'' makes an
appeal in another column to which we gladly
respond. Thomas Mast certainly deserves
great honor from the republican party. A
man who declined one hundred thousand dol
lars from Tweed deserves something more
than dinner from Grant. We entirely agree
| with "Amicus' that Mr.. Mast is q famous
artist He has the genius of Hogarth, we are
convinced, and has only been prevented by
cruel fate from showing it. Any student in
the next century would look through MIR.
Nast's work in vain for such picture Of our
day and its manners as Hogarth left behind
him of the England of our ancestors. Be-
meath the satire and political purpose of
Hogarth was artistic truth-that quality in art
that lives forever We think Mr.. Mast has
this quality; but thus far all that any student
Of the future would see in his work would be
of Oakley Hall, the diamond of Boss Tweed,
the white coat Of poor Greeley and the in
credible legs of Carl Schurz. Drawings like
these have certain aptness and catching
quality, especially when tackled on to
loud ringing political cry. But they
belong to the season, like the autumn
weeds which die with the snow Art like this
has false qualities, and in art, as in al things,
falsehood is death. We think Mr.. Mast could
win name like that of Hogarth but as yet
he has won no such enduring fame. He has
wide notoriety, but his place in art is like
the place of Dan Bryant-the person who
blacks his face and sings "Shoe Fly'-in
music. There is genius required to sing
''Shoe Fly" but we do not say that Mr.. Bryant
is as great in music as the author Of "Fidelio."
The error Mr.. Mast makes is in becoming
partisan or a camp follower Of the republican
party. And if General Grant has not given
him that recognition which would prevent him
from wandering over the country, begging
money from country lyceums, he must blame
himself and the use to which he has brought
his art. General Grant is soldier, and had
abundant use for spies and partisans, whose
business was to tell the enemy lies about his
army and make good shot now and then,
when the ambush permitted. But he never
promoted his spies or partisans to high COM
mand, nor has he even given them Office since
he became President Men who accept this
calling are supposed to do it from some intu-
tive fondness for its risks and excitements,
for the pay is small There is always the risk
Of hanging, and it is an Office Of dishonor.
The error Mr.. Mast has made is in allowing
his really fine capacity to be employed in
work that o man of Grants instincts does not
feel bound to reward with anything more than
dinner.
At the same time, as every man who shows
genius, and especially the genius Of Mr. Mast,
should have recognition, we are willing to
open our columns to "Amicus." and to any
of Mr.. Nast's other friends who would minis
ter to his wants. We are willing as q sincere
admirer Of Mr.. Mast, to give our share. We
should like to see hundred thousand dollars
raised for this needy and neglected artist. We
shall give our contribution with pleasure, and
see that any subscriptions sent to US will be
held for his use. The Earpers are rich and
will deal literally with O man who has con-
tributed so much to their business success
We are confident '.Amicus" is mistaken in
saying that the members of this populous
and wealthy firm have ground the artist and
the architect of their fortunes sinto the dust"
They can do nothing better to destroy this
unjust impression than to unite with the
HERALD in raising sum for Mr.. Mast With
the assurance Of a competence the genius of
the artist will take its true, natural fight. No
longer compelled to draw libels on religious
denomination to please Bishop Simpson and
the Methodist Church, or to compose grotesque
and painful caricatures for the qualification of
Thomas Murphy and Henry Clews, Mr.. Mast
will show us the genius Of Hogarth. Let us
all unite, then, to raise him out Of the mud and
ruck Of politics. A man who sings and dances
''Shoo Fly" SO brilliantly can do something
better.