Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-03-26
HISTORICAL COLLECTION
Proposed for Exhibition at the Worlds
Fair and the Museum.

AIR anu tho mOSe0ms
The following is sketch of . plan by Mr.
W. E. Curtis, which has been presented
through Secretary Blaine TO the worlds fair
committee OF the House Of Representatives
for historical collection to be exhibited at the
worlds fair and placed on permanent exhibi-
ton in the national museum:
A model of the house in which Columbus
was born, with a collection Of portraits Of him.
self, his family and as many as possible Of the
men who were associated with him and his dis
coveries, both his patrons and companions.
An illustration of the court of Ferdinand and
Isabella, With life-sized figures properly cos
tuned, portraits and fac SMILES of state papers
relating to the first voyage and subsequent
events in the life of the great discoverer.
Aperfect reproduction of the caravel in which
Columbus sailed, manned by Genoese sailors
in the costume of the time, to be moored in or
near the grounds OF the exposition; the caravel
to be equipped as nearly as possible as it was
during the voyage, with originals or fac SMILES
OF the compasses and other nautical instruments
used by navigators of that age, together with
the actual charts used by Columbus, if those
can be obtained, and if not accurate reproduc-
tions.
A model in relief of the West India Islands
and the north coast of South America. showing
lumbus and the other early discoveries, with
historical illustrations, models, relics. &C., of
Americus Vespucci, Alonza Ojeda, Nunez de
Balboa and others.
Life-sized models of the natives Of America
at the time Of the discovery, with q collection
of objects showing their costumes, habits, GUS
toms and manner Of life.
The last days Of Columbus, illustrated with
models, portraits, a collection of the original
OF his papers, his last will and testament, his
death and burial and model OF his coffin and
tomb.
THE EPOCH OF THE CONQUEST,
illustrated by models Of the palace of Monte
yuma and his temples, with other objects,
either original or accurate reproductions,
showing the condition of the semi-civilized
portions Of the continent their social, relig-
lous, and political organization; costumed
figures OF the conquistadors, their armors,
weapons, &c.
A similar illustration of the civilization Of
the Incas Of Peru, with models Of their palaces
and temples costumed figures, implements of
household and military service, showing the
social religious and political life, with cos
tuned figures of Pizarro and his men.
Collections showing the development of the
resources OF the southern continent for four
hundred years, and giving by object lessons
the history of the Central and South American
republics and their progress in civilization.
The epoch of the revolution, illustrated by
portraits historical papers. and other objects,
tracing the history OF the struggle that resulted
In the separation of the American colonies from
the crown of Spain.
RELICS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
There are very large collections in Spain,
Mexico, Peru, Chill, Colombia and other coun-
tries, great portion Of which could easily be
obtained, either in the original or accurate re-
productions, at a moderate cost, and the whole
arranged in chronological order Woud make a
display of historic interest whose value can
scarcely be overestimated Many Of these rel
les are held by the several governments in Ii
braries and museums and some in private col
lectlons No attempt has ever been made to
bring them together, but every American nation
would appreciate the value of the collection
and enter with enthusiasm into the effort to Sc
cure a complete and accurate display illustra-
tive of the history of America. The papers Of
Columbus alone, if nothing else, should be col
lected for the national museum of the United
States. The originals of many and the fac
SMILES of the remainder can easily be secured,
and III Peru and Mexico priceless relics of pre-
historic civilization can now be obtained which
few years hence will be beyond the reach Of
collectors
This historical collection should be supple
mented by display showing the present cOndi-
ton of society and civilization in the other
American republics: the manner of life and
customs Of their people, their style of living,
their methods Of agriculture and progress in
the mechanical arts and the sciences, their
distinctive national costumes. &C., to be
illustrated by accurate types from the ranchero
OF Mexico to the gaucho of the Argentine
Republic. This would of itself be most
valuable and interesting collection, as each
republic has its peculiarlties, and the native
races furnish material of the most picturesque
character of which none but those who have
travelled in Spanish America and Brazil have
the Sllp test idea