The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-17
BRUNO SCHMlTZ HERE
THE DESIGNER OF THE BIG MONU-
MENT ARRIVES FROM GERMANY.
stone Side Groups VIII Be Made
I'm neutrality-suspicious. OF Mr..
schmifx's Work Abroad.

Bruno Schm.tz the sculptural architect
who designed the Indiana soldiers and sail
ors' monument. is in the city TO confer with
the monument regents about the completion
OF the shaft. Mr.. Schmitz is the guest Of
Capt. ]. A. Lemcke at No. go North Penn
sylvanIa street. He left his home in Berlin
May 5, and Immediately after his arrival in
New York proceeded to this city. He will
be here about a week, during which period
he will complete the contract with the re-
gents for the construction Of the two side
groups, War and Peace" These groups
viii occupy positions the east and west
sides OF the monument. Mr.. Schmitz met the
regents yesterday afternoon and talked in
formally of his views. He had dinner with
Captain and Mrs. Lemcke yesterday evening
and later called on friends in the city.
This gifted architect is but thirty-ive
years OF age. He speaks the English Ian
guage brokenly, and it is almost necessary
to have interpreter in conversing with
him. Yesterday afternoon he viewed the
monument and seemed pleased with it thus
far. He said he had been troubled with the
thought that perhaps the monument might
be too large for its surroundings, but
after viewing 1t his fears were a.
layed. He thinks the work in perfect
inal plans, Mr. schmitz says, have been car
ried out. 1t may be necessary. he thinks. to
make some minor changes In the details,
but the general plan will be carried out as
designed. As to what these slight changes
viii be the architect is unable at this time
to say.
a material not In harmony with the work"
said Mr.. SchmitZ; therefore, the larger
groups OF figures must be of stone. 1t was
the original plan that bronze should be use
in the friezes. bands and astYagals, but in
order TO employ bronze for the greater
groups, the monument would have to be diff
ferent in its composition
Mr.. Schmitz will contract with the board OF
regents TO design the side groups. ''War" and
Peace" and 10 place them in position. The
models will be made in the artists studio at
fashioned by the s hand of American Stone
masons. The figures will be made here in
indianapolis or Indiana stone. Mr.. Schmitz
promises TO have this work completed by the
latter part OF next year. He thinks the
groups will cost between $4,000 and $4,000.
Mr.. schmitz is not satisfied with the foun-
tains on the east and west sides OF the mon
ument, and thinks they should come down.
The sides upon which the fountains are
should be equal in extent to the approaches
OF the steps," was his comment, 'but the
fountain area has been shortened, and I
think this is inexcusable. These cascades
shape" 800 1''1 ''' - 9 U'iie'e"'
For the last year Mr. schmitz's time has
been so fully occupied in Berlin that he has
He has just finished the designs for the main
buildings 10 be erected on the site of the in
dustrial exposition grounds at Berlin. These
buildings are 10 be put up on an extensive
plan, ana when completed they will compare
favorably with the architectural display at
the the Columbian exposition. They are to be
Besides this work, Mr. schmiitz has has
been busy with the designs OF sew
in
similar to the Grand Army of the Republic.
the Emperor William" 1t will be erected
on on the kinhaeuser mountains in one of the
German provinces. Mr. Schmitz related the
Ing: It Is the story of Frederick Of the
Hed Beard. who reigned In the twelfth
century cen ,. The popular superstition among
the people OF the province was that Fred
erlck had a luxurious growth of red beard.
which grew and thrived until 1T swept the
ground at his feet. Frederick. it was be-
heved, was to enjoy eternal life. and many
people OF the province insist that ne vet
n I'VE and at certain time will make him.
self known to his people. 1t is said that he
sits at great table In a mountainous cave
with his head buried in his hands. waiting
Tor the day when he may proclaim his pres
beard has grown through the table where
ne rests and covers the Immense cavern. 1t
Is the belief among many people that Fred
walked about. This Emperor William
monument will tower above the spot where
Frederick OF the Red Beard" patiently
waits the day of his release. Mr.. Schmitz
estimates that the work on this shaft, aside
from the stone material will cost two and
half million marks. Another of the monu-
ments designed by Mr.. Schmitz will go up
at the point where the river Wazer pours
forth from the mountains. A third monu-
river Mosei with the Rhine. ''''O'' - '"'
The work and talents Of Mr.. Schmitz are
appreciated abroad. Al high compliment was
recently paid him by the Italian govern
ment When he was twenty-four years old
he learned that this government was offer
ing series of prizes for the best designs of
a monument to Victor Emmanuel. Among
other well-known artists Bruno Schmitz
submitted plans and received the first prize.
The italian government has decided to erect
the monument on Capitol hill, one of the
seven hills OF Rome. and Mr.. Schmitz has
recently learned that the design made by
of its details.
Captain Lemcke has known Bruno Schmitz
intimately for many years and is one of
the artists strongest friends. Mr.. Schrntz
was married In 1891, while Captain Lemcke
and family were abroad They were guests
at the wedding and Witnessed the marriage
ceremony In the cathedral at Munich. Mr..
Schmitz. 1t Is said. stands high with the
German royalty, and the Emperor and EN-
press are fond Of him. He Is frequently
consulted by the Emperor on matters OF art
Mr. Schmifx will sail for berlin on the
"Fuerst Bismarck" which leaves New York