The Washington times., 1894-11-19
VIEWS OF aLOYE And LIFE. "
Washington People Discuss G. F.
Watts Famous Painting.
QUESTION OF THE NUDE IN ART
Secretary Pugh, of the Y. N c. A., Would
Not Hang Such Picture in the Associa-
ton Rooms Opposition to Exhibiting Itin
the White House-Opinion of an Artist

While the much-talked-of production of
Artist Watts brush, ''Loye and Life still re-
mains hidden in the lower regions of the Ex-
continue to discuss its merits and to debate
the question as to the proprlety Of hanging
the painting on the walls of the White House.
There may be some individuals who would
gladly dictate to President Cleveland the
proper manner in which to manage the af-
fairs of his household, and demand that
Love and Life be forever hidden from the
eyes of the multitude. But those with whom
The TIMES reporter talked Saturday, al
though their opinion might be contrary to the
views of the Chief Executive, did not care to
offer him any advice on domestic affairs,
especially upon consideration OF the fact that
the alleged offensive production has not yet
been exposed to public view in the White
House.
1t was stated, however, that should Mr..
Cleveland decide to uncover the picture and
hang 1t In hi 6 official residence petitions
might be sent to him, signed by citizens of
Washington and other cities, asking that the
work be taken down. Until the President
takes some action, however, the matter viii
probably continue to be only discussed.
General Secretary James E. Pugh, of the
Y. NJ. G. A., did not hesitate to express his
opinion on the subject of the nude in art gen
orally, and Of the particular picture in ques-
tion. After looking at the Watts painting,
as accurately produced in THE TI,IEs Of sun
day last, the general secretary SAID, in reply
to the question of TINES reporter:
Il do not think 1t would be for the best in
terests of the public morals, especially Of the
young men. for such painting 10 be exhibited
in The Executive Mansion. To speak directly 10
the question whether oppose the hanging of
the picture on the walls ofthe White House,
say do most emphatically oppose such pro-
cedure. | would not allow any such a pic
ture to hang in the association building, and
be subject TO the gaze OF the young men and
the gentlemen who frequent the rooms Of this
Christian organization.
1T would most certainly attract greater
crowds to the Executive Mansion than would
20 there otherwise, and TO my mind this
would be of great harm to the public in gen
eral and especially to the male sex
The Rev. Father Thomas S. Lee, pastor of
st. Matthew's Church, was called upon, but
refused to talk to the reporter.
Mrs. Mary E. Griffith, president OF the
Womans Christian Temperance Union Of the
District, was next seen and shown the repro
duction of Love and Life" She imme-
diately recognized it as the same picture she
had seen in the foreign exhibit at the Worlds
Fair. and quickly returned the copy Of The
TINES containing the reproduction 10 the re-
porter, with an exclamation of disgust.
When asked to pass judgment on the pro-
priety Of hanging such picture in the White
House. in full view of the public, she at first
declined to saw anything on the subject, de-
claring that, although the Womans Christian
Temperance Union has a department OF social
purity, in her opinion it was not proper for
such an organization 10 be mixed up in any
such discussion.
do YOU think if Love and Life were hung
in the White House or any other public places
it would corrupt the morals of the public who
should gaze upon it?' asked the reporter.
why, 1 most certainly do was the prompt
reply. Il can't understand how art would be
elevated or the public in any way benefited by
such display. But the picture has not been
placed on exhibition yet, and why should
there be so much fussing on the subject. The
public has no reason tof believe that Mr..
Cleveland will so far yield 10 the wishes of a
certain class of people with low tastes as TO
bring upon him the condemnation Of all the
morally pure persons not only in this coun-
try. but in the world. When he does that
then it will be time for the W. c. 7. {. and
all other such organizations TO enter their
protest and ask the President 10 reconsider
his action and remove the picture to the cellar
again.
Have you the same opinion of all classes
of the nude in art as you have expressed Of
Love and Life?'" was asked.
Mrs. Griffith hesitated for moment and
then said
Il have not do not think paintings of
children nude are Objectionable. Certainly
they are not "a Objectionable or harmful as
pictures of nude young men Oryoung women.
no matter how lofty an ideal the letter may
represent"
Mrs. Westcott, treasurer of the W. c. T. T.,
was present during the interview and upon
being asked by THE TIMES reporter for an ex-
preston of opinion, indorsed all that Mrs.
Griffith had said.
1T depends altogether on the person who
looks at the picture as TO whether it will have
an injurious effect on public morals, = said
Rev. Howard Wilbur Ennis, pastor of the
Western Presbyterian Church and the local
representative on the general council Of the
Brotherhood Of Andrew and Philip.
IF the picture hung in the White House
one might go there and look upon it and
think only of the noble conception OF the ar
rtist's mind. Under such circumstances it
seems u me there would be no objection to
the pictures hanging in public place. But
when the man or woman looks upon the pic
think of the artists ideal, then there is harm
done and the picture should remain where it
is"
Mr.. Lendell A. Conner, jr. president of the
District Christian Endeavor Union, expressed
similar opinion as DR.. Ennis. Being an
artist. he discussed the question from a pro-
fessional standpoint. Il see nothing in that
picture, said he. looking at The TINES re-
production, (which would corrupt the pub
lie morals Well find such pictures and in
fact. to some people more Objectionable than
Love and Life hanging in many OF the lead
ing art galleries of the world, and there is no
protest made against them. Why should
there be against this? What the public Of
Washington ought to do is to rise up as one
man and demand the enactment and enforce
ment of a law prohibiting the exhibition OF
the obscene figures upon the bill boards about
the city. which are intended to degrade pub
lie morals and not elevate art"