The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-18

He objects to having art 'chucked under the
chin" by every passer-by, in patronizing man
ner
Mr.. w. NJ. Chase, president of the Society of
American Artists. spent last summer in Eng
land and painted a portrait Of Whistler which
will be exhibited here in the spring, and will
probably be sent abroad later for the exhibit
ton OF the famous Society OF Twenty. Both
Chase and Whistler admiring students Of
Velasquez, and some traces of the old Spanish
masters work may be discerned in their canvases.
Chase's portrait of Whistler and Whistler's own
advent here. will probably make an artistic SEN
saton this winter
1t is an abrupt transition from the world of
artists to that of another "colorec" society. just
south of Washington square, but am minded
to give you the contrast.
In one of Edward Harrigan's inimitable local
plays a band of colored serenaders sing in chorus
"Oh! goodness. Mr.. Johnson, who is that on the
cyar2n To which Mr. Johnson replies: why,
that's Alexander Ferguson, the wealthy janitor. !"
Mr. johnson utters these words In the same
tone of profound respect which haberdasher
would assume in speaking of Mr. Vanderbilt or
Mr.. Astor thus indicating the high social and
financial standing which a colored janitor enjoys
among his own class. and especially in Little
Africa. the region south of Washington square,
and OF which Thompson and Sullivan streets are
the main arteries.
Little Africa" presents to the student of city
life social phases which are at once grotesque
and commendabie. Darkes are initiative, and
delight IN the reproduction Of the forms and
ceremonies prevalent further up town. Many of
the leading social lights of the negro quarter find
employment coachmen or house servants in
fashionable families. whose manners they copy
almost unconsciously while moving among peo-
pie of their own race and color. So it is that
the latest fads' and crazes of what is called up
per society reappear almost instantly in an ex-
aggerated or grotesque style in Little Africa
In this interesting section of the city the laws of
caste are rigidly observed. A butler, if he be
sufficiently rotund and imposing in appearance,
enjoys rank equivalent to that of a Duke in
England. janitor is always highly esteemed
as landed proprietor, and barber
is regarded as man of fashion. A
the emoluments OF his calling, but
also the veneraton of an artloving community.
A skiliful performer on the banjo. even though
he be of humble origin, may rise to the same
eminence once enjoyed by Mario The ladies of
the colony are employed in various ways Some
enjoy life of leisure, with nothing on their
minds but the care of their houses and children
while others take in washing" calling which
ranks almost as fire art, or go out by the
days work" thereby lowering themselves in the
social scale.
Balls, receptions and soirees are popular
among the people whom l have described
and at all these festivities an inexoraole
code of etiquette is maintained. Itwould never
do for well-b darby to be guilty of anything
common" or low" That would reduce him
to the level of the justly despised white trash, !"
and would never be permitted to enter the doors
of the conservative and aristocratic old White
wash Club. or to take part in the brilliant gay
cites furnished by the asthetically frivolous
watermelon Coterie."
GEORGE PARSONS LATHRoP.