New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-11-26
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
MR.. TOWNE RESTATES HIS VIEWS.
ABOUT THE TINE AND MANNER OF ooMMEMo'

MIX. lONNE tllO 'lbNS'
ABOUT THE TINE AND MANNER OF ooMMEMo
RATING THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA.
To the Edffor OF The TrfDune.
Sir: Through some ina1vertence your report Oh 'io
closing session, on the 21st inst. OF the American
Society OF Mechanical Engineers enormously stateu
that vote was passed dissenting from the Suggestion
contained in my presidential address that further tmo
Is needed in which 10 prepare for the proposed I'or
national Exhibition. In your issue OF yesterday S'
print letter calling attention this and quot
ing verbatim the resolution referred to as follows
"Resolved That the American Society of Mechahlca'
Engineers cordially indoses and heartily urges the
holding Of the proposed great International E%niOi
in this country IN the near future to cclcOrslo INV
4oOth anniversary of the discovery Of America
The writer of the letter explained that the resoiuuo
was purposey made nOn-cOmmittal as TO locallon anu
time and closes with these words As the menuo,s
present at the New-York meeting almost unanlmouss
agree with Mr.. Towne that 1892 is too early da~ :,
the Fair is to be at all creditabe from an archec'i
and artistic point Of View In Writing the cu'' -.
in your issue of today which relates to the supIcC'
Of the Fair. the above letter and quotation "cro
evidently overlooked as you again make the statement
that In spite of Mr.. Townes arguments the soco'
passed a resolution in favor of holding the RAJ,
1902 Permit me 10 reerate that the iesoi"
above quoted is the only passed at the Heou"T
in question. and that not only was no action am
expressing preference f0r 1oJ., but tHd' hO"''
the representative members Of the society present. "
the meeting of last week expressed their e"trV 'o
currence in my views The statement made was nv
that we cannot erect buildings Of the needed SIC ~
1892 but that more time should be taken IN ofue'
give higher architectural and artistic quality 10 III.
buildings and TO all that relates to the adornmc"
the Exhibition. In rapidty Of construction we uouD
less excel all other nations The laying OF brlcAs %
driving Of rivet may be done under high pressure WIZ"
out dctriment to the work. but any attempt 10 a.
complish the work OF design under pressure ana WIN
great rapldity especially that part OF II which ra
10 ornamentaton. will inevitably result in deeriofa be
Of quality more than inversely ppp0ri0nae 10 W ~
haste with which such work IS done. cur aolnN ~
erect great structures in the shortest possible lo
unQuestiOned. Nv contention IS that the cOminE ~
uOrun'ty should be utilized both as an occasion ~
edncating and developing our artistic faculties eu,
doing the best of which are capable; Tor shom.i
other nations that we have already made snDstan''"
progress In this direction. . ,,.,,r
NV suggestion IN fun that National celebta'~u
should be held on August 3. 1892 COMMEMORATE va
the discovery by Columbus at which time should .c
ded Gated tho statue building intended 70 consu'
the permanent memorial OF that event. and tlal D
industrial celebration should be opened on MAY Il
1895 This would afford a whole years aadl,o"st
time for preparation would conserve the sentiment
the event and would avoid the occurrence OF ne IN
hhiiion during the heated period Of the Prrsdehua
campaign which IS TO take place In l.92 ,,,.,-p
HENRY L. TOWNE.
New-York Nov. 25. 1859.