New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-31
MUNICIPAL ESTABLISHMENT.
THE POSSIBILITY or REALIZING WARNINGS FOR
THE BEAUTIFUL IN THE REcoNsTRUc-
TON OF NETWORK
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir In the report given in yesterdays Tribune
Of my remarks at the Reform Club dinner. on
municipal art. | represented As advocating i'm
provements for the city other than those desired
by the art societies. With your permission shall
be glad to state my point Of view. which is impor-
tant only so far represents the opinion OF the
average citizen and promotes useful discussion.
AS a child of the Puritans / inherited appre-
citation OF and aspiration for the beautiful In
municipal art. As an incessant worker along other
lines have not found time for education In art;
as a citizen II has seemed to me important 10 Sc
cure purified primaries adequate school accommo-
datons good sanitation, Civil Service OF the best
sort and an improved system OF docks and parks.
/ recognize. however that the time has come when,
with clean streets. reduced death rate and good
school system. may begin with equal earnest
ness make the city beautiful
If the art societies Will issue prospectus. set
ting forth feasible scheme, with an estimate OF
approximate cost in time and money. they VIII
bring TO their aid great mutitudes Of laborers ar
tisans, traders and professional men, i latent love
for the beautiful is known to exist even In the
STUN districts OF New-Ycrk, and every exhibition
OF pjctures on the East Side has developed its APP
probation to surprising degree. Affairs FOR this
worship already erected IN the hearts OF the
people and the wood and water are ready, and
the priests of Baal calling loudly upon their
gods to manifest the divinity in materiallsm. Nov
let the prophet Of the true God bring down fire
from heaven and prove that He is GoG and not
Baal
IT, by picture or descriptive phrase. we can be
made TO the beauty in artistic bridges. river
entertainments and bouevards on the river-front
street arrangement and ornamentation, improved
warehouses; and public buildings, park spaces
and Fairgrounds, am sure that the response
would be prompt and sympathetic.
The people need only to be confident that for
every dollar expended full equivalent Will be
assured 10 the city. and that the expenditure Will
be directed by competent committees chosen ny
the art societies. With an enthusiasm thus kin
died and a confidence thus established, citizens Will
urge their Representatives to vote the money and
the power to cmbellish the city.
Cooperative work among artists and architects
gave us that leeting dream of beauty, the Court
Of Honor at the Worlds Fair In Chicago. BY a
similar combination they can make New-Hork
permanent Objoc-lesson to its vast population and
TO the still Vaster procession Of those who come
from other lands and States in the development OF
the ctys trade and manufactures. The best peo-
pie drawn from every quarter VIII then wish to
reside here. and to bequeath liberal sums when
they no longer remain 10 enjoy It.
Let US. then, by all means, have a carefully ma
tured plan Of reconstruction and ornamentation
toward which people may at least turn their
This work OF education may be slow. but with the
stimulating examples Of the reconstructed cities OF
England and the Continent before us new en-
thusiasm. born Of our eaunt hunger for the heauti
full Will greatly accelerate the pace Of the average
Philistne from the gray dawn to TIE full sunlight
OF better era IN municipal art.
J. AUGUSTUS JOHNSON.