The morning times., 1896-03-07

Mr.. Hansbrough has at last got his
art commission bill in shape and hopes
now that ii can be passed next week.
A most wonderful opposition developed
against the bill, and the present measure
is very unlike the one introduced some
weeks ago. The feeling was not confined
TO any particular section, but came from
the East, West, North and South. Will
ing to gain his point Mr.. Hansbrough ac-
cepted all suggestions and modified his
bin.
He now thinks the bill much stronger
than il was before. Usually, this is not
the case. He finds that the suggestions Of
fered have been OF such n nature that the
measure is well rounded. OF course, by
following certain suggestions he has
strengthened the chances of its passage,
but aside from this Mr.. Hansbrough is
pleased with the measure as it now stands.
THE NEW BILL.
The bill as amended directs that there
be, and hereby is. constituted and created
a body which shall be kno wn and designated
as the art commission OF the United States
10 consist of five persons other than artists
or sculptors, who shall be citizens of the
United States and eminently distinguished
in literature and the fine arts. Selections
for membership In said commission shall
be made in the following manner, TO wit:
One member 10 be named by the President
of the United States for term Of six years;
two by the Senate, one for term of two
years, and one for a term OF four years,
and two by the House OF Representatives,
one for a term of two, and one for a term
OF four years; and after the expiration of
the terms above prescribed, the term of
office Of each commissioner shall be for
six years. The said commission shall be
invested with the duties and privileges
hereinafter mentioned.
That it shall he the duty OF said COM
mission to convene semiannually in the city
of Washington, for the purpose OF eXamin-
ing the art collections in the Capitol and
the Congressional Library buildings, and
also To inquire into the condition and ma Ike
inspection of Congressional Library proper,
and to examine all works OF art and valu-
able historical records and manuscripts
Offered for sale or as a donation TO the
United States for use in the Capitol or
Congressional Library buildings. Upon
completion OF such examination, inquiry,
and inspection as aforesaid, il shall be
the further duty of the said commission
to make annually a fun report OF their
findings, with such recommendations as
the commission may deem proper, 10 the
Senate and House of Representatives.
SOME OBJECTIONS MET.
That il shall be the duty of the librarian
OF Congress TO designate suitable rooms in
the Library building as a permanent NEE L
ing place for the said commission and their
successors. The librarian shall also as
sign a page and messenger to do duty in
connection with the work and to be under
the control of the commission while the
same is in session"
This measure meets all the charges OF
an aristocracy in literature and art. The
first bill made no provision for the length
to six years. The manner OF selection has
| also been changed. The first measure
provided for the appointment OF the com
mission by the President; now it is divided
a number of artists Of New York made
a violent attack on the first measure.
Their objection is met in this measure.
Artists are not TO he appointed on the com
mission, but men eminent in art" In
this way no school of artists can be dis
eliminated against. For instance, 1t il
said the Presidents choice would be
Richard Henry Glider. He would go OF
the commission as a man eminent in
| literature and art.'
With all objections thus removed, Mr.
| Hansbrough hopes TO get his measure
| through the Senate next week.