The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-15
THOSE WORKS OF ART.
hr John j. Dillon Relates His Expert
ence with Tho Art Club.
To sr1fp Enron on Tuu Nvwa


SIR; Yesterday afternoon, at an hour too late to
prepare a reply for publication, my attention was
called to an offensive article respecting myself and
my collection Of pictures by European artists,
exhibition at s97 Westminster street trast you
viii give my rejonder the same publicity as it was
accorded
Having entered into a contract with the presi-
dent OF the Art club based upon documentary and
other evidence with which that gentleman and is
satisfied, proceeded 20 fulfil my undertaking, and
before placing my pictures on exhibition was
glad to have an opportunity OF submitting a large
number OF them 10 the inspection of himself and
his colleague in the management both gentlemen
subscQnently expressing themselves fully satisfied
both with the pictures and my bonafdes | was,
therefore surprised on the morning of rday the
9th inst, TO receive an untruthful. scurrilous
letter abounding in slang" criticisms signed by
some members OF the Art club, doubt the joint
literary effort OF the Friday night crowd, who
gather in their rooms To drink beer, smoke
pipes, maunch crackers" and edit finsensate
Art Critiques This letter atonce laid before the
president, at the same time ntimating my desire 10
withdraw AT once from such nfeiicitous surround
ings. He most courteously expressed his
profound regret that such an incident
should have occurred, and urged me
To reconsider my determination and continue my
preparations for the exhibit, in which desire his
colleague in the management acquiesced with
much reluctance acceded to their
joint wishes and also refrained from
tonting myself with an acknowledgement OF theirs.
Had then been aware Of "The Friday
Nights Crowd normal appetite for
beer and sandwches,p certainly would
have insisted on being allowed TO withdraw at all
hazards. On my next visiting the premises was
rudey accosted by two parties who in loud, blatant
tones addressed me In insulting language largely
terlarded with "slang" similar TO letter, and so
coarse was their manner that
had to remind them that fisticufs and
In ha m atf
then invited them TO inspect the pictures and dis
cuss with me their meritsS TO select
any one or two for inyestig CATION
and debate the result OF such discussion TO be ap-
picable to entire collection. After being repeat
edly challenged two at last indicated "a land
scape and battle by w. II. Hulk, and head Of an
old woman by J. J. Barker). l instantly produced
the proofs Of my assertion and offered TO debate their
artistic merits, but they refused, and insultngly
beloved offensive epithets TO end the disgr aceful
scene then stated that my presence was the
resalt of contract with their superior Off
GERS who, after due consideration. had
determined To abide by the same bat having wish
to be again subjected 10 such scandalous and
uncalied for onensivencss would
withdraw gladly II furnished with proper
grounds in writing 10 dissolve my contract; aud
after two unsuccessful attempts at last had my
self to dictate such a document as
would project me from being damnined
by my withdrawal from my engagement, which I
therenpon did. As to the two sets OF notification
cards they were printed and mailed at my desire
and expense. reiterate the truth OF every
statement have made respecting my pictures,
and am prepared 10 prove same IL necessary; tho
collection Is now before the public 10 whom look
for a verdict; TO no cause but Jealousy OF
their excellence l attribute the effort
10 exclude them, however, able writers
Language have defined jealousy ..aa- con-
scious inferiority," emphasize the denni-
ton and accept this tribute from the Art club and
only regret that coming to this city rs a stranger
should unwittingy have placed myself in environ
ments other than those OF a gentlemen. I am, sir,
yours respectfully JoHN DILLON,
1t Artist and Dealer in Pictures.