New-York tribune., 1889-10-20
IMPORTATION OF ART WORKS.
WHAT DEALERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE
"ANGELUs'
70 the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Trfbwne.
Sir: An impression has been created by certain
newspapers inadvertently, believe-to the erect
that the picture dealers of NewYork are opposed 10
the law permitting works OF art TO be imported mo
this country for exhibition free Of duty. Millets
" Angehsp lately so imported by concern styling
itself The American Art Association" has been cited
as a case IN point
In view Of this thoroughly erroneous impression,
we, the undersigned, desire to stae that, far from
being opposed strongly in favor OF, the eX-
emptIon from duties OF all such works Of art as are
introduced into this country for permanent exhibition
in public art galleries such the Metropolitan Mu-
of this city. Nor have we anything to say
against the free importation OF works Of art destined
for exhibition in the galleries of genuine art assoca
tens. unconnected with trade in such works. under
the &" six-months' clause of the Revised Statutes.
But we wish TO say with equal directness that
unalterably opposed TO such Interpretation of the
present law allows the heads of many socaled
associations of this city evade the intent OF that
law by covering with its protection a number Of men
who are neither more or less than dealers but who,
having by certain representations procured in Albany
charters as nceporatos Of art associations enjoy all
the advantages accorded by law to legitimate corpora
tons OF the kind mentioned.
Our protest against the importation of the Angeus7
free Of duty made because such importation by tho
socalled American Art Association IS well known to
be simply speculative venture OF Mr.. Sutton. the
charter that II exists for the promotion and encourage
ment OF the fine arts Is merely business firm engaged
in the sale of pictures, brc- abrac pottery. etc.
We intend that 10 let such import. FREQ Of
duty world renowned work of art simply for the
purpose Of money making Is fragrant abuse Of the
law. whcthor the work be the Angeluso other
At the time beg to say that II is our
intention-Whch we have not the slightest desire TO
cOnccal-to take such steps as may be calculated 10
lead 10 a proper discrimination by the Treasury be
tween works Of art legitmately imported for public
and permanent exhibition IN art galleries belonging 20
genuine art ASSOCIATIONS ann unconnected with picture
selling and the free importation of pictures for
purposes OF simple gain by such concerns the so
called American Art Association.
WILLIAM sCHAUS, RICHARD d CO..
NJ. KNOEDLER & CO.. BLAKESLEE & CO.,
l.. CHRIST DELMONICO, SAM p AVERY. JR
New-YOrl, Oct. Is, 1880
CThc position taken in this letter is perfectly
reasonable. Nevertheless we would remind these
gentlemen that for some four years they have been
publicly complaining OF importations in bond"
by the American Art Association" without
turing to take their case into the courts and
a final construction of the law. Would it not
be satisfactory TO have this perennial qucs-
ton finally settled than TO continue Book OF
Lamentations and incidentally TO advertise the
exhibition, auction and picture-selling business
Of the American Art Association" ED