New-York tribune., 1903-02-16
VIII.

The art of architecture is still in its infancy IN
this country, perhaps than any other
profession The unprecedented growth Of large
cities in a country has caused a demand for
architects which it has been almost impossible
to supply II was after a quiet conservatism
such expressed itself among other places, In
Washington Square and lower Fifth-ave. in the
metropolis that this rush for building took
place. and the eccentricities which pro-
duced by large number of men who had no
right to the name of architect present sad
contrast to the quiet reserve of the old regime
There was no time for an education, and we are
only now extricating ourselves from the conse-
quent confusion.
The progress which has been made within the
last ten or fifteen years has perhaps been greater
and more promising than is generally realized.
but there is still great call for educated men,
Education is becoming more and more easily OBJ
tanned each year From the very beginning Of
things, from the time O. the dwellers and
the mound builders. there has always been an
art Centre to which people would go from all
over the world in order to obtain education
under the instruction of the best living artists
To-day this centre is unquestionably Paris. The
instruction there obtained Is not only for the
fortunate who have been able to avail
themselves of such opportunities. for at all times
these men. upon their return to their own coun-
tries, have nsted into the minds Of their peo-
pie much of the spirit which they themselves
have imbibed
1t is very promising TO know that there are
more than ten times as many American students
in the Ecole des Bedux Arts to-day as there
were al the time the writer was there, sixteen
years ago If we except the French, there are
more Americans than of all other nationali-
ties combined These young doing
,arrnI -
draughtsmen In offices. and many of them
are professors instructors in our different
colleges where architecture is taught. and there.
too, they are greatly improving the standards
of education. 1t is great pity. in my opinion,
that architecture is taught at all in our col
leges Until they can see the way clear to teach
painting and sculpture at the same time. We
teach architecture generally too much though
il wer a mere science subject for historic
research. Why could not college in a great
city like this connect itself with the working
architects painters and sculptors. the men who
are doing the best work? These men could have
studios OF atelier1 in close connection with their
everyday work. where they could make fire.
quent visits under the auspices of the university
Two or three ateliers in each of the arts would
stimulate a wholesome rivalry competition
which would be most beneficial. 1t might also
become an fnducement even IL there is but a
small remuneration. for working artist to re-
ceive such appointment from a university be-
cause of the distinction of being connected with
it-as it is in the OF the Ecole des Beaux
Arts. These artists could also be consulted as
to what studies might be followed by the archi-
tectura1 students In the regular college course,
and this might be the beginning of a great
school of fine arts under the auspices of an
already great university
One Of the great misfortunes with which we
meet in profession is the fact that so many
practicing architects stop work themselves TO
take care Of their offices in so-caled business
like way and only To direct clever draughtsnen
to do their work for them. This is especially
true of the men who have the large Offices 1t
is exactly the same with architect as with a
sculptor painter or musician-he must work
himself and with his men. He must never stop
using his T square and triangle, making work
ing drawings. if he would effect progress SO