New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-02-06
COWHUNICAT[ONS.


| CINCINSATI, January 81, lo.;.
! To The Editor offhe Ne,r National Era:
| Five weeks ago to-day, the distinguished
artist,
ROBERT >. DtSCANSoS,
died in an insane asylum near Detroit. Born
in New York, he emigrated at an early age
to Muuroe, Michigan, where he learned hi,
trade Of house-painter, but becoming ambi-
tious Of distinction, he soon transferred hi,
efforts to canvas, and became celebrated
long before his death for his ideal pictures.
His first prominence was obtained at the
Artists Exposition of 1913, held in what was
then the American hall, where he exhibited
the portrait Of child, which was highly ap-
proved by Mr.. John Q. Adams, who was on
visit here.
Through the generosity Of Sontag, whom
he accompanied, Mr.. D. was enabled to visit
Europe, the first time about 1850, when
passing through France, Spain, and Italy, he
received such strong impressions Of Southern
scenery as made it impossible for him ever to
succeed in painting the cold, raw landscapes
Of England and Scotland.
His Recollections Of Italy," "Land Of
the Lotus Eaters, Ben Bolt, -" Paradise
and the Peri" were all ideal pictures Of a
very high order Of merit.
"Ellen's Islc," think, was presented to
Hon. Charles Sumner two years ago.
Mr.. Duncanson visited Europe several
times during his residence Of thirty years in
this city, and upon the occasion of the last
one was entertained by Tennyson, as mark
Of his appreciation for the "Lotus Eaters"
paradise and the PERI" lie asserted, was
painted under the influence Of Michael An
gelo, and no doubt his insanity was caused
by an intense devotion to spiritualism cou-
Piled with the pecuniary distress to which he
was subjected for, notwithstanding his great
reputation, lie was driven to the necessity of
maintaining his family by retouching old
pictures for VIM. Wiswel, the "artist's
friend," in this city.
His professional brethren ~ called meet
ing to pay tribute ofrespect to his memory,
but being "only a Niger" and himself
ashamed Of the little negro blood in his veins,
probably quarter" as the Commercial puts
it, only six artists attended, and they iume-
diately adjourned sine die.
An amiable, pleasant man, Of modest, TN
assuming disposition, he forfeited respect by
repudiating the race with which he Was
identified, was ostracised by the whites from
whom he sought social recognition, and be-
came thereby almost Pariah.
The subject leads ME to call attention to
another rising young Cincinnati artist in the
person Of
SOLOMON WHITE, Esq,
who cannot, if he would, successfully deny
his identy Of color.
Mr.. White returned here from Southern
tour of theatrical scene-painting, and has
since been engaged in his line at the Robin
son Opera House, recently finished here.
He has received high encomiums Of praise
from the local press for the crcditable IHan-
ner in which the scenery and drop curtain
are painted at this establishment, and is, /
am informed, engaged to remain permanently.
Daring last August met the
Ron. VA. II. GRAY
me his scheme Of emigration, and the induce
ments necessary to produce an exodus OF
coiored laborers from Georgia and other
States In which they are ill-treated, in favor
OF Arkansas. Believing 1t to be the vision
airy plan Of an enthusiast, paid little or no
attention to it, but recent developments have
convinced me Of my mistake.
Since my return home Mr.. Gray has be-
come Commissioner Of Emigration for the
State Of Arkansas, and colored families are
leaving Georgia at the rate Of from 100 10
900 persons per day.
At first the planters looked on indifferent
ly and thought it would not affect them much,
but as the stream continues to carry of the
brawny wealth Of the State they have become
aroused and are making efforts to restrain if
not to prevent it entirely. They have learned
that the European laborer cannot be cursed,
kicked, and cufed about, and therefore is a
poor substitute. They find that white immi-
grants only so where they may acquire the
soil, and they have little disposition to otter
that inducemept so long as the negro will pay
rent.
Every one knows the outrageous treatment
Of negroes in Georgia, and when we read the
sentiments Of its most liberal legislators, we
are convinced Of their Bourbonism, for "they
never learn If some Of them could only
be induced to take trip outside the boundary
line Of the State and consent to remain over
night, there might be some hope for her
Kentucky is about the same, or rather, lit
tie more SO.
A bill is now pending at Lexington to dis.
franchise the colored voters Of that city by
requiring them to show a tax receipt at the
polls, while 1t 10 understood the collector
shall receive no taxes from colored men, md
therefore gives no receipts to them previous
| 10 an election.