The morning call., 1893-07-20

California" said Ernest c. Peixotto yes
terday. I'VE made hit at Chicago. and
the ornate Spanish style of architecture
ought to befollowed In erecting the several
buildings in the fair grounds in the park.
Il have noticed somewhere that the asser-
tion has been made that with the cOntem-
plated arrangement that has been pro-
posed there will be terraces and fountains
rivaling those at Versailles. That kind
of talk does No good, and very possibly
much harm. We want 10 Fave an expOsi-
ton excellent of its kind. distinctly Cali
fornian init general ensemble. but it Is
folly to attempt any comparison with cor
tain of the wonders of the world. Here
we inherit legacy from the past rich in
traditions and romantic interest, and we
ought to so order things that they will be-
so far as the buildings, gardens and gen.
eral arrangement is concerned, at least
the embodiment of the ideas OF local talent.
The purpose Of expostiOns Is supposed
to be to expand the mind and elevate the
souls OF the people. and II this Is true. as
believe it to be, then we ought to take care
that the affair does not degenerate into
huge Sacramento Fair, which. while good
in its way, differs from an ideal exp0si-
tIon."
Others of the artist brotherhood also
echoed the opinion Of Mr.. Peixotto as 10
the advisa bility of esche wing, in the archi-
tecturai design of the fair building. all
hermaphrodite designs that must of ne
cessity appear incongruous and out OF
place.
Willis Polk was enthusiastic on the sub
ject 1--WE have tou long ignored the only
pure style of art we can lay any claim to-.
he remarked. LET us make new depart
ure. and In the grouping OF the several
buildings, laying out the surrounding
ground, and last but least OF all. In the
Style of design let us show originality OF
conception along clearly dehned lines.
1.-The crate Spanish Rensalsance IS, 10
my mind, the only style in any way suit
able. The old missions are severe in ont
line, but with the notifications as seen IN
the State building at Chicago 1t 10 hand
some in appearance, offering scope for
unique treatment in detail, and Is Inrther-
more thoroughly characteristic. In opan-
lsh America there are many line specimens
of this style of architecture, and at San
Antonio, Texas, there Is also a most inter-
esting edfce.
Il think, too, to have the fair arranged
around an amphitieater bad. The stair
ways connecting the terraces simply pro-
woke strong language. l know at the zoo
In ST. Louis they have some such arrange
ment, and the people detest the slght OF
them. The Administration building, TOO;
as represented in a recent cut. was placed
In the bottom of the anphitheater. ms
is all wrong; the main building ought to
be upon an elevation. where its beauty
might show 10 advantage. and the dome
rise high above all surroundings.
Apropos OF Mr.. Willis remark anent the
dome on the Administration building tho
rules framed by the executive committee
for the guidance of architects contain
curious term in the fifth section. A sup
pressed DOME" or some other form Of or
namentatioa. is called for, and as . matter
of course opinions differ as 10 what
suppressed dome" means. Architects
pronounce 1t untechnical and ambiguous.
and in this connection the question is be-
ing asked, who is to pass upon the vari-
Gus designs submitted ?" While the exec
utive committee says our architects "may
be. and und doubtedly are. men of business
capabiIity and thoroughly honest In their
ln'entien, 1t does not follow that they have
the artistic instinct sufficiently developed