Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-13
An Art COMMISSION.
The Bill a. Amended Mnd Passed by
the SenAtQe

The Bill a. Amended and Passed by
tho Senetee
The Senate yesterdabnafter on mo-
ton of Mr. Hansbrough, fpAssed the bill, s.
1922. creating an art commission, after 1t
had been amended in 1seNeral particulars.
Mr.. Hoar asked why artists and sculptors
were to be excluded from The membership
Of the commission. and Ar. Hansbrough
answered that this Was,i done because
ARTISTS and sculptors run IN schools, and
each school would be 'preHidiced in favor
of such works of art has came from it,
Mr.. Hoar declared his belief that the great
superiority of France jp modern times in
Its modem monuments.puhaicw works of art
and architecture both, pubic statues, me-
mortal statues. and So onis grows out Of
the fact that they called into the service
OF the government in making the selection
of those works eminent artists. 'They al
ways find that artists who, as they say,
have won their spurs" he continued, "are
impartial and admirable judges, and that
they have at heart the best interests of art
and Of the country; and the criticism which
the Senator from North Dakota suggested
does not apply. Now, once or twice within
my knowledge there have been called in
as advisers in such matters st. Gaudens
ana Mr.. Richard Hunt, who recently died,
both eminent artists of the city Of New
YORK. Their advice has been of the great
est value I should be very seriously in
those words and leaving the appointments
to the discretion of the appointing power"
III the Senator will read section 2 of the
Dill answered Mr.. Hansbrough, 'he will
to statuary to be located in the various
parts Of Washington. 1t is confined ex-
ciuslvely to statuary and works of art
Wnich are to be placed in the Capitol build
not relate in the least to statues to he H.
Gated about the city. That is to be done
by another process altogether"
MT Hoar moved to strike out the clause
amendment was accepted. Mr.. Hoar fur
ther moved to amend by striking out the
requirement that the commissioners shall
De men "eminently distinguished in litera-
lure and the fine arts" He said that the
very best man in America for such a mr.
pose might not chance to be distinguished
IN literature, and the amendment was ac-
copied; also one requiring the commission
10 convene annually instead of semi-an-
huaily. The bill, as it goes to the House,
reads thus:
That there be, and hereby is. created a
pody. which shall be known and designated
as the art commission of the United States
10 consist of five persons who shall he
cltlzens of the United States Selections
1or membership in said commission shall be
nade In the following manner. to wit.
One member to be named by the President
oI the United States for term of six
years; two by the Senate, one for a term Of
Two years and one for term of four
years, and two by the House Of Represen-
tatlVes, one Tor a term of two wears and
one Tor term of four years; and after tho
expiration of the terms above nrescrib
ed' the term of office Of each commissioner
sha!i be for six years. The said Commission
shall be invested with the duties and nriv-
lieges hereinafter mentioned
That 1t shall be the duty of said com.
MISSION to convene annually in the CITY of
washington. for the purpose of examining
the art collections in the Capitol and the
congressional Library buildings and also
10 inquire into the condition and make in
spectlon OF the Congressional Library
proper. and to examine all works of art
ana valuable historical records and manu-
scripts offered for sale or as a donation tn
the United States for use in the CanitoI or
congressional Library buildings. Upon
completion Of such examination. inquiry
ana inspection as aforesaid, it shall he the
1urther duty of the said commission to
make annually report of their findings
with such recommenda tions as the commits
SION may deem proper. to the Senate and
Rouse or Representatives.
Inat 1t shall be the duty of the libra rian
OF congress to designate suitable rooms
In the Library building as permanent
meeting place for the said commission and
their successors The librarian shall also
assign page and a messenger to do duty
In connection with the work and to be ,ln-
der the control of the commission while
the same is in session."