The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-02-18
woRsHIPs MACMoNNIEs.
"A "Royal Parsonage Whose Artistic
Taste Must Not BE Questioned.

"A "ROyaI Parsonage" Whose Artistic
Taste Must Not BE Questioned.
10 the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
1t seems to me that every intelligent and
right-mnded person in Indiana should re-
gard the withdrawal of Mr. MacMopnies
from his connection with the monument not
only as public and personal calamity, but
as a public and personal disgrace. Indian
apolis possesses few natural beauties of
landscape or surroundings. We have limited
attractions. excepting those we can make
for ourselves For years we have been
negotiating, living more or less contentedly
as bread-wnners only, and making the best
of our embarrassing circumstances. There
are many among us, however, who are
waiting eagerly for the time to come when
they will be able to lift themselves out of
this Slough of Despond. l believe that time
has come. Already we are struggling out
from the mire. We are gaining some dis
tinction as literary center. Let that good
work so on. Possibly we are trying too
hard in that direction. and are in danger
of losing something while endeavoring to
grasp too much; but better that than
inertia or Indifference. There will be
survival of the fittest some day; and il we
Keep on struggling there can be no reason
why we should not have in indianapolis
real literary atmosphere. which savants
Beginning of an art feeling n Would To that hat
Il had 50 good start as, the literary. Is
II as it. should be? Literary
has comparatively few supporters. Liter
azure and art should go hand In hand.
We have an annual picture exhibit with
smaller ones scattered throughout the year,
good In quality usually; they would be bet
those connected with these displays can
realize the actual amount of money required
TO carry on even these small exhibits. Ex-
no rpp hy he
receipts. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Literary clubs are full and eagerly at
stand open for weeks and are practically
empty. Where are all of our club members?
We have IN our QUIZ, city professional artists
larger cities give them receptions and pub
lish eulogiums Of them and of their work
With few exceptions they do not find en-
enlargement or purchasers among us. Do
we even understand the shame we ought
to feel? Men full of genius and talent,
men capable OF the best work there is, are
in our midst without patronage or sufi-
cient encouragement. The house of every
k.sve upon its walls a painting by one Of
our own artists. Do we realize what this
would mean, outside of the honor done
TO ourselves? 1t would mean books. travel
the broadening and perfectng of that art
which is God-sent and noble, but which is
hampered and crushed by lack of appre-
be without honor in their own country or
some day we will hang our heads in dis
grace because OF our present stupidity and
thoughtlessness
AS for Mr. MacMonnes. shall we reject
the services of a sovereign? When a royal
personage-by right of his art and his in
Observation-Disclosures to beautfy our city
and let MS share somewhat in his fame shall
we so Insult him that he must cast the
dust from his shoes upon US? What are we
that we should do aught but be thankful
that he consented to undertake our work,
and that he should give to it so much time
and thought as to suggest changes which
must recommend themselves to the
most needless as superior and sig
nificart? Can any read his written
description of his proposed groups with
out feeling the blood Jingle to his finger
ends and his heart longing to see such in
spired work fulfilled and placed upon our
monument? Do not let this present dis
grace remain. II necessary let there be a
public outcry against such dishonor and
let US insist that Mr.. MacMonn,es return
to his contemplated work. NJ A. p
Indianapolis, Feb. t.