The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-11-04
Centennial Letter.
INuMnE 81

I IN y
The machinery department affords
the grandcst evidence of our rapid
national advancement. The great
Corllss engine is a wonder to every
body. Directly opposite this engine
is the Cascade, great fall of water
around which seats arc arranged.
This is Il most agreeable place to sit
during tho hot afternoons, falling
water lending Il cooling appearance
whatever the thermometer may say.
Our great improvement is shown not
alone in the mechanical department,
for the art display is very fine. The
Art Gallery is a model of perfection
in architecture, a delightful retreat
for the lovers of art. Every picture
and statue is deserving of much study.
The paintings from Queen Nictoria's
private collection arc greatly adj
mircd, and certainly deserve all the
admiration that has been bestowed
upon them. The "Banquct Sccnc,"
from Macbeth, is Il very fine picture
and indicates the artists talent for
expression. The scene is laid at the
time Of the ghosts appearing, in Il
large hall of the castle. a number
of noble lords and ladies have been
assembled en- joying rich feast, when
the ghost appears and they fall back
in terror at the apparition. Lady
Macbeth is standing ut the head of
the table with a firm, set expression
on her face as though she were hard
ly willing to believe she secs the
spcctcr. Macbeth crouchcs at her
feet with an expression of most ab-
icct terror, as onl ly a conscience
stricken criminal can have. In the
excitement a goblet of wine has been
overturned, and the wine looks so.
natural that one feels almost COM
PEELED to take tho goblet and catch
the wine before it runs off the table.
The Italians sun pass all other nations
in sculpture. Ii is wonderful how tho
artist can put such perfect expression
into statues chisclcd out of marble.
With painting it is rather different, ~
the artist has the colors with which to
make his picture as life like as possible.
But in sculpture he only has the mar
bic to work upon, and into this, he
seems almost to breathe life. One small
statue "I'hc forced prayer" has attract
ed much attention. 1t represents a lit
tie child after receiving whipping,
compelled to say his prayers before re-
tiring. The little fellow partly
undrcssed, with the most pitiful pres
sion on his face. His chin quivcring,
and the great tears running over his
check, portraying the character perfect
ly.
In the Womcn's Pavilion is a large
picture of "Truth unvciling Falsehood,"
done by Miss Lillian Spencer of
Cincinnati. 1t is very fine picture,
and one that America has reason to bo
proud of. On the right side, truth is
represented by beautiful woman with
flowing drapcry, her face expressive of
deep tenderness. At her feet another
woman is kneeling, raising in her arms
a child for truth to take and guide
through life. On the left side OF the
picture is falsehpod, apparently a most
facinating and beautiful creature, from
which truth is lifting a gausy veil.
showing falsclood in its true form, u
most hidcous monster. The blonding
Of the two characters Of falsehood in
one form is wonderful. As you ap-
proach the picture, you see falaehood
only as most alluring being. Draw
ing nearer the illusion gradually fades
away leaving the monster exposed to
view. This is my last day at the Cen
tennial, and though 1t is hard work
tramping round, | regret that the timo
of departure is so near. For ] have
such delightful time, | should like to
remain as long again. e. A. G..
CENTENNIAL ADDRESS-Thc Cen
tennial address delivered by DIR. w.