New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-14
THE SALON IN DANGER.
SPLIT IN TIE SOCIETY WHICH CONTROLS
TIE ANNUAL EXHIBITION

LIE ANNUAL LAIliIlI lON.
FROM Az OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBUNE,
Paris, Dec. 27.-To the numerous American artists
anxious to exhibit their work in the famous salon at
Paris no event has ever been Of greater Importance
than The unfortunate discussion which now prevails
I'm the ranks OF the society OF the
French artists our Young painters and
sculptors will be the principal suffer
ers by the quarrel. Many Of them have received at
the hands Of the International Jury OF the Fine Arts OF
the Universal Exposition in the Champs dc Mars
medals and pizes which were understood to enttle
them TO have their works freely admitted TO the Paris
ANNUAL salon without being subjected to any further
selection BY the Board OF Admission. This privilege
IS nov pronounced unlawful by majority OF the
French Artists Society, which controls the receptions
aud management Of the annual salon. This society Is
admitted throughout the world as being the highest
orthortv in oucstons Of painting and
sculpture and the medals and prizes
conferred by jury composed Of its members
are universally regarded the Official conservation
of rudoubtcd talent. our artists who have not Sc
cured any distinctions at the hands Of the ju5 Of
the Universal Exposition and our young men who
are studying with the hope Of obtaining some medals
the Paris salon, which recognition would greatly
assist them in their VIII also suffer from tho
present quarrel between French artists. For II Is
possible that il may result in two rival Salons being
held every year. or the refusal to admit them 10 any
further competition for prizes.
Both Of these propositions are under discussion. ana
are the consequence OF the quarrel which broke ont IN
a serious and formal manner al the meeting held
two DAYS ago y the society OF French Artists al the
Pala> dc l'lndustrie. the splendid building IN the
Champs Ely,ees which has been let by the Govern
ment TO the society at the nominal price Of franc
a wear for salon" exhibition. Tho purpose of The
meeting was 10 discuss the question whether or not
the medals in gold silver ard bronze granted to Sev-
enty three French and 400 foreign artists at the
Universal Exposition Il l-s0 should give them the
privilege attached to the first second and third class
medals yearly distributed after the salon. that is the
exemption Of examination by the jury Of works
presented for exhibition. About thousand paint
ers. sculptOrs. etchcrS and architects attended The
meeting. and the discussion soon became
very lively. The bureau composed Of tho committee
presided Nv " Bougucrcau surrounded by
4 noisy group, and the artists who wanted 10 speak
experienced great difficulty in being heard. VI.
Mci->oncr succeeded. however. in reading letter.
stating that he and few other were anxious to
declare that they had separated from the committee.
When the artists" he said were invited t. the
great Universal Exposition OF ioo0 they sent their
work, with The conviction shat the rewards 10 be
granted al The end Of that great international com
petition would be assm.lacd 70 those obtained In the
preceding Universal Exposition. VOL. after nothing
had been said or done 10 dc-trOy t'at conviction.
lfcr medal, have been publicly granted. the com
mittcc now proposes to discus their worth. This
amounts 10 a betrayal of confidence. The committee
declines solve the question, and calls on You to do
II in this meeting but are convinced that such =
question should not even De put, and We "ithdra"
consequently. being unwilling TO i1v" any share III
tho vote Let me say before leaving YOU. that above
the particular Interests 81 any group of ~oc"tie-.
here Is q patriotic sentiment which should prevail
,ycr everything after The triumph u The Exposition
# i, that France. through no faction q her 'hiir'lI
,hould try % diminish tha value ~ reward, which