New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-24


How far that means that they are French
Renaissance or merely that the critics regard
all public buildings without proper court
house dome as degenerate and French and to be
abhorred. we are not certain, but they say that
something in "a Colonial or classic style would
'be better fitted for an American public build
ling" We learn also that "they also desire
that the building have dome and II Is said
that Mr.. Gilberts plans do not include
dome" or course. the committee which chose
the design said dome did not suit the situation
and surroundings and some of the most eminent
Of Mr. Gilbcrt's competitors have heartily con
graduated him and commended his plans nut
this free democracy which bankers for domes
must not be baked by any attempt of so-called
experts most Of whom were probably educated
in France are naturally weak in their artistic
morals and need watching by laymen as much
as ever did the minister of n heresy hunting
Aud LIGHT congregation So Mr.. Platt has gone
10 Washington TO keep our architectural iaith
firm in the dome of 1910 grandeur and save us
from new tangled notions.
Another cause for Mr.. platt's dissatisfaction
IS that Mr. Gilbert only recently became resi-
dent Of this city. having formerly dwelt III
Minnesota. True, he was invited to compete
along with architects from all over the country.
Likewise the whole country pays for the Gus
tom House and Minnesota people and people
from everywhere else do their importing mere
and settle their dues to the Government. But
all that is pretty theory. Practical politicians
know that the real end and aim OF the New
York Custom House is to furnish patronage to
Nev-York politicians That is what the Gov
eminent established It for. The idea that II be-
longs to the whole country is pleasant little
fiction for reformers and Western Congressman.
II Tho Custom House service IS local political
ong,no surely tho erection Of new building
should likewise be local political job. The
cuoetlon Is not TO get the best architect. but TO
got a New-York architect The Idea or the
snendinr Of S275OOOO in this city being in
trusted 10 an architect who has not long lived
and voted among us, who has not learned OUT
WAYS" and does not know how 20 pick ont the
kind Of men we want for subordinates. II Is out
rageous 1t Is subversive OF the Constitution.
1t is en- insidious attack on local self-govern-
ment, the foundation principle OF which IS wen
known to be that the whole country shall main
tain In every locality institutions for the use OF
local politicians and the profit of local aren't
tects tradesmen and others.
Secretary Gage. we are sure. cannot fall 10 ne
duly impressed by Senator Platts patriotic ana
unselfsh plea against Cass Gilbert Mr.. Gilbert
Is an able architect, his plan has won In honest
competition its acceptance Is desired ny every
body interested IN the success or me present
competitive system and in the keeping or such
work ont Of politics But Mr.. Gilbert has never
rim a caucus for Mr.. platt and probably mas
no friendship with any district leader who has.
Mr. Croker. in control Of the city government
has his own architects. the eminent horgan
Slattery. and it is only fair that MI flatt' as
the supervisor Of Federal patronage. should
likewise be fully equipped with reiinue IN
Guiding a proper architect Mr.. Gilbert does
not fill that bill Mr.. Plat Is entitled 10 me
man he wants. and It Is an invasion OF MS
nrerogative to force some other man upon MN
Inv any system Of expert choice or Chinese civil
service. And, besides, the incompetent fellow
was going to build a custom house without a
dome.