New-York tribune., 1900-03-11
AUTHORIZATION OF MR. BARTLETT
HIS SELECTION AS THE SCULPTOR OF THE
LAFAYETTE STATUE AT PARIS

An interesting statement regarding the authority
of Paul Bartlett the American sculptor,
cute the Lafayette statue to be erected in Paris
given to a Tribune reporter yesterday by
Quincy Ward Boese, OF the law firm of Boese &
Carhart No. 27 W!lliam-st who represents Mr..
BartIett's interests in this country during his alb
abroad.
The position take in the matter with regard to
Mr. Bartetts status in the affair, said Mr. Boese.
entirely agrees with that of the jury consist
ing of J. Q. A. Ward. John La Fargo and George
B. Post Certain names suggested and the
jury ndOrsed Paul Bartlett and Karl Bitter. Now
I can't tell how Bartlett finally left alone in
the matter. but he sent photographs of his models
Paris and finally followed them there himself.
The next thing 1 heard from it letter from
Mr. Bartlett inclosng copy of a letter from NJ.
Redon. tho architect of the Louvre approving Mr..
Bartlett's sketch of the monument. This was last
July. AS Mr.. Bartlett's sketch ap-
proved | requested by him to arrange for
a formal contract with the Lafayette Memorial
Commission and accordingly l opened up a
respondence with that body through Robert j.
Thompson. its secretary.
Il had long interview with Mr.. Thompson
October 81 and again November 2 1 urged
Mr. Bartlett's behalf that. while 1t might be pos
sble to from the correspondence between
Bartlett and Thompson that contract existed be-
tween them, yet there actually was no authorita-
tive employment by the Commission of Mr. Bart
lett to this work. Therefore insisted that
official letter be given to Mr.. Bartlett retain
possible thereafter a formal contract be signed.
Thompson objected TO making a formal contract
the time the ground that il impossible
for him get his Executive Committee together,
and that Mr.. Bartlett was not here TO execute II.
This last objection, L explained amounted moth
ing l had a power of attorney from Mr. Bart
lett, giving me full authority to execute the
tract his behalf Finally after much urging Mr.
Thompson agreed to send me an official letter en-
gaging Bartlett and in November last | received
this letter from him. addressed TO Mr.. Bartlett II
read:
Chicago November g. 1899.
Paul Wayland Bartlett, sculptor New-YoTk.
Dear Sir: In conformity with and agreeable to
the recommenda tions of the expert council and
jury of tae Lafayette Memorial Commission, you
have been commissioned appointed by the La
fayette Memorial COmmtSSion-to execute the La
fayette monument to be erected in Paris France
and pedestal therefor. the bronze statue and
sculpture work alone. as may De decided later.
Formal contract for the above work subject TO
recommendations of our council and jury. VIII be
entered into later date. 1t Is to be understood
that the entire cost OF the monument. including
sculpture work. bronze casting and the pedestal
therefor architects fees. etc, is to exceed, in
maximum the sum of 100000 Very faithfully.
ROBERT J. THOMPSON, Secretary.
During the time these negotiations were pending
ami. l presume. subsequently, acting my in
structons Mr.. Bartlett drew Mr.. Thompson as
secretary of the Lafayette Commission. believe
the amount 100. That letter OF Mr.. Thomp-
sons is the only paper that Mr.. Bartlett has which
Will bind the Commission 10 pay him, but when
Mr.. Thompson returns TO New-York from Paris
1 expect TO have formal contract MIR. Bartlett