The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-05-24
MAYOR SUTRO AFTER ART
He Is Opposed to the Placing
of the Statue on the Tower
Summit.
He Thinks Wells Should Be Paid a
Compromise Figure and the Con-
tract Cancelled.

Mayor Sutro is not satisfied with the
statue ordered for the top of the great
dome of the City Hall. He is opposed to
the design and favors the payment of a
compromise figure to Artist Wells on sthe
cancellation of the contract.
The Mayor has looked deeply into the
subject and is convinced that any such
figure as the one proposed, if made of
white metal as intended, would not stand
the strain of the winds nor be pretty
work of art as should surmount the dome.
In discussing the question last night he
said:
II am opposed to the statue under the
present contract. In the first place the
figure should be work of art which would
be credit to the city. 1t must be remem-
bered that the figure when placed in posi-
ton is expected to remain there for CEN
turtles. If we are going to have anything
it should be of bronze.
"The contract price is $4,000. To put it
in bronze would probably cost $12 900, and
in fact do not know but what the white
metal one will reach that amount before it
is in position. What l would prefer to do
is compromise with Mr.. Wells and reject
so, and then advertise for designs and
award a contract to some artist who will
give us work of art.
another thing; l believe we should have
is a clock in the tower. 1t would cost very
little, but would be a great benefit to the
people of the city. do not know whether
clock could be put in now that the con-
tract for building has been let, but think
it could.
Here is part of letter received from
one of the best artists who ever visited San
Francisco. do not care to make the gem
tleman's name public at present, as this
was simply private letter to me and not
intended for publications."
MUNICH, GERMANY, April 20.
things at the City Hall ] would like to talk to
you about. That building is truly magnif-
cent struct ure, and a work of art not appreci-
ated yyour people. The architect who planned
that building is a great artist, and it is posi-
lively outrageous the way he has been treated
by the City authorities. That imposing work
while those OF the others will be totally forgot
ten. He was right in protesting
against that monstrosity which had commenced
to disfgure the proportions of the building be-
fore ! left. To erect that dome is piece OF
vandalism.
To any American interested in art in our
country this cannot seem otherwise and the
one satisfaction remains, namely, that future
San Franciscans will be more cultivated in
such matters and that thing will have to come
down. have not the slightest doubt about it.
Victor Gulielmo, who is considered by the
writer the finest artist who ever visited Cali
fornia, had his design rejected by that pack
OF idiots, the Board of Supervisors"
Anywhere else in the world no committee of
Supervisors would have had the presumption
to have thought of depending upon their own
Judgment
This great sculptor was treated in a most
outrageous manner by these people.
Some time the history of these matters will be
made known, as it is being contemplated.
Mayor Sutro is undecided as to what
action he will take regarding the statue,
but if he can find any way to have the
matter reconsidered by presenting mes
sage to the Board of Supervisors he will
do so.