Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-26
FOR A NATIONAL GALLERY
Plans of Francis Howard md the
American Artists of London.

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American Artists of London.
From the New York Tribune OF Today.
A national gallery will be established in
the United States If Francis Howard, the
well-known American art critic and organ
izer of exhibitions Of paintings. who lives
in London succeeds in carrying out his
present plans He arrived here on We'd
nesday evening from London on the Gee
anic For the last four days he has been
actively engaged in the prosecution Of his
plan to stimulate American art by the
founding of gallery, national in scope and
character, where American artists may
study and receive inspiration.
Mr.. Howard talked freely and earnestly
of the objects of his visit to the United
States at the Hotel Cambridge yesterday
afternoon. He said:
I came here to interest the art lovers OF
America in the establishment Of a national
gallery in this country. For several years
American artists at London, including
Whistler and La Fargo. have been deeply
interested in the movement to build home
for American paintings.
The First Steps Taken.
A short time ago I was named honorary
chairman of the American national gallery
initial committee of artists This commit
tee was appointed by the American artists
living in London. 1 Immediately commune
Gated with President Mckinley and Secre-
tary Hay on the step we had taken and the
object of our organization. A circular was
sent out to the leading American artists OF
London such as Fisher, Harrison, Chase,
Hitchcock, Beaux, MacMonnies, st. eau
dens and Humphreys johnson. These were
found to be in perfect accord with the
movement. They were invited to become
members of preliminary committee to ask
for the approval and assistance of the gov
eminent. either by furnishing funds or by
giving site for the building.
Leading American artists living in this
city will be asked to become members OF
this preliminary committee l am already
assured of their cooperation. We shall
elect officers and begin work at once. A
committee of influential citizens will be
formed to further the work.
The proposed national gallery will be
along the lines of the British National Gal
lery. 1t will be treasure house OF the best
works of the best periods of art There
will be portraits of famous American men
and women. Masterpieces will be lent to
local galleries throughout the country. and
a system of interchanging pictures will be
established, greatly to the benefit of the
smaller galleries.
In Favor of Washington.
Personally, 1 am in favor Of Washington
as the most desirable city for a national
gallery. 1t possesses favorable climate
for the preservation of the most delicate
CANVAS, anu dTe Spleuulu
sites available there At Washington the
gallery would be largely freed from munich
pal and undue partisan influences If the
much-needed art university Is ever estab-
lished at the national capital, the two insti-
tutions will act hand in hand in stimulating
American art.
Mr.. Howard said that his mission is in no
way connected with the proposed establish
nent of a salon here, an idea which is re-
ceiving the support of Mr.. La Fargo and
other prominent artists. In his opinion a
salon should be established. and he Is pre-
pared to cooperate heartily in the found
ing of such an institution. At present, how
ever, he Is chiefly interested in the national
gallery project, and is willing to devote ten
years, If necessary, to the prosecution of
his praiseworthy plan
Mr.. Howard is one of the best-known art
critics In London, serving in that capacity
for seven years on the principal London
weekly literary paper. the London Sun He
is descendant of Benjamin Franklin, and
his mother is daughter of Judge Pascal of
Washington. He studied art In Geneva
Paris and London, and won recognition by
his success in first seeing and encouraging
ability in painters who have since become
famous. He is an expert in organizing ex-
hibitions of paintings. He founded the in
James Mcneil Whistler is president. He
organized and directed the London exhi-
billions at Wells courts. He has achieved
these results by the expenditure of his per-
Sonal income.