The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-12

prOceedings by no method OF special
pleading IN modern Jurisprudence can
We even II We would, enter any pleas OF
claims looking 10 an interest as heirs u
the estate OF the long deceased. Nothing
OF their possessions ever reached us for
purposes Of adaptation" Therefore,
since appropriation comes first in order.
the claim Of adaptation" Is matter for
subsequent proof regardless OF existing
facts
AS to art and the radical principles OF
art, no nation either before or since. ever
reached such degree OF perfection as dc
the Greeks so that in thin respect OF
human performances we freely admit the
debt We owe, but only in being debtors
so far as seeing. looking upon the eyid-
ences In which we had no ownership
apart from a common heritage which only
survived 20 the world at large I'm superb
ana beautiful fragments. numerous and
grand enough TO ever preserve M least TO
the memory Of Greece all that was once
great and glorious In art. almost divine.
In no sense. 10 no extent, are we iniia-
tors. what merit we may have. what sue
cess We have gained, We are willing to
stand or fall by, not counting comparison
with any past age or people. but hope
fully manfully striving. contending for
our present excellence as our own. And
in being 'our own" there is ample reason
fully justifying us in denying every
charge of imitation appropriation. and
adaptation" N our language Is our own,
Cho improved heritage OF few cen
turie9 50 also. is our art, science. domes-
Tic life. and all the discoveries and their
appliances. constituting as they do such
q wonderful aggregation as our old earth
tpernaps very old at no other period OF
It's history has ever witnessed.
NOT HEIRS IN FEE SIMPLE.
when we come 90 investigate the con-
ditions OF our domestic life. the most
cursory glance at all the comforts duly
embraced In those conditions tell as most
plainly with no uncertain assurance that
We have attained to the highest stage Of
all the cxcellcncies and luxusies o. hu-
man existence. In no sense have they
come 20 Us or their own free viii. We
are not the heirs In fee simple or any
such estate: they are not the heritage 81
any past age: we heartily disclaim All
knowledge OF any appropriation. any
measure OF adaptation" from what ox-
isted in the distant past. be II Greek or
Roman The conditions surrounding us
are but the natural adiuncts of an adj
yanced civilization arising from It's irrc-
sistihle demands at every stage az its
progress. And yet. tie broad and sweep
Ing assertions made by Mr. Ruskin. at
first sight seem possessed With no small
decree Of the mos. meliiduOus pausi-
bility Perhaps We canno: or DO not try
10 rightly penetrate that charming.
mystic glamour. enshroudinF a. II does
In roseate hues the erandly historic and
stored past. so replcie "a IL is with
countless host OF sllaring associations
easily captivating TIRE imagina,io ion OF
men. C. A r.
Nots-In these few br1er remarks ,ee
have only intended TO enter n general
denial In the premises cited IN our quoted
extracts. We have only indicated several
lines Of argument that might be ably
elaborated into a most reasonable refutd-
iloa OF the views and opinions 50 boldly
enunciated by most learned AMI DIS
trcu!shed writer most versatile ard
profound thinker. However, there f. not
necessarily any great presumption on opr
part IN having orr iittle say ANA m
begging leave 10 differ" G. 4 r.