Evening star., 1896-03-23
Art at the National Capital.

's'rhe Man on Horseback" is locally and
nationally Interesting topic discussed by
the Rev Frank Sewall in the latest issue
of The American Architect. Mr. SewaN
finds 1t difficult to understand the general
American tendency toward honoriHg with
statues the memories of conspicuous sol
tiiers while practically no attention Is
paid to the distinguished many who have
achieved fame in the arts of peace. 1t
would be very difficult. in fact impossible,
to prove that as nation we are truly more
grateful TO the soldier than we are to. the
unmiiitary leaders of our civilization. In
no seTse military power. 1t IS nevertheless
true that the martial spirit. when aroused
by great occasions. Is strong in the breasts
OF Individual Americans. and It is not sur
prising that our military heroes have ap-
parentiy been first in popular esteem Then.
too it should be remembered that many,
If not all. OF the soldier-statuss came into
being as the result OF organized effort OF the
part of societies of veterans whose per
sonaI and political influences are extremely
powerful Had there been cooperative en-
ersy to honor great civilians, directed by
aspiring artists. there might have been quite
as many military statues here. but the
men on horseback would not have such
monopoly as now exists. Mr.. Sewairs in
auiTies as to the monuments We have not
are pertinent and suggestive. He asks:
w here Is your National Gallery OF Arts?
Where are your great national pictures?
Where are your walls decorated with the
frsScos or heroic and romantic scenes OF
your nations history and legend? Why are
the magnificent terraces and porticos and
pediments of your public buildings left
vacant Of statuary. as if swept bare by
raid os vaEdaIs? Where are the groups Of
your American scholars, poets, inventors,
discoyeTe-s, philanthtopists and statesmen
that should, even by this time, Ne ador2ins
the ME spaces along the aveIue from the
Capitol TO the Treasury? Where are his
torical or symbolic monuments OF your
nations achievements in transportation
ard communication that should adorn your
Geleral Post-oftice? Where is the Edison
group that should stand or the portico of
the Patent Oiticec Where the historians
and poets and philosopher to grace the
noble approaches 10 the rev Library of
Congress? Why are not the great es-
pianades about the Capitol adorned with
symbolic groups representing the marked
achievements of the several states of the
MON in the advancement Of civilization on
this continent, and the great porticos and
sunkea gardens OF the Treasury and the
State. War and Navy Departments relieved
of their cold emptiness by statues of emf
nent civilians or by symbolic representa-
lives and reminders OF the Development OF
our trade and commerce? Is there for all
this wide use of commemorative and dec
orative art 10 field. no call whatever, in the
capital of the United Statss?''
Some day in the not far-distant future we
shah be able TO enjoy the tangible replies
10 those inquiries. \ National Commission
OF Fine Arts vii! work the needed improve
ments and will break the monotony of men
on horseback In the new order ef things
military greatness will not be neglected-for
the country would not tolerate iI-treatment
OF those whose valor and skill made and
saved the republic-but there will be proper
consideration of all claims to distinction to
the end that a justice-loving and normally
peaceful nation may suitably commemorate
the services OF those who never saw a battle.