The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-03-24
WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK
Location of the River Statue.

To the Editor of The Journal: =
This city is certainly to be cOngratu-
lated in having citizens able and willing
to present to it so notable and unique
work of art as is, we are told, Larkin G..
Meade's heroic categorical figure of the
Mississippi. -'s 80 80 .s
= 1t is only natural that the donors of so
important a piece of statuary would be
keenly interested in having it worthily
placed, though their desire in this regard
should be hardly greater than that Of
other citizens equally qualified to judge
where it should be located. 1t, is there
fore to be hoped that the permanent abid-
ing place of this work of art will be most
thoughtfully considered by all who are
interested in this gift, and that those who
have so generously made it will not take
amiss suggestions that may be offered
looking to the selection Of the most ap
propriate location for it. --- -.
). Without expressing any opinion as to
whether any better out door place
could be found for this piece of statuary
than the plot of ground upon which the
old city hall is situated, is it not of prime
importance to determine whether it
should be placed out of doors at all?
If so placed would it not, in this lati-
tude have to be carefully housed over
from the time of the first freezing weather
in the fall until the end Of such weather
in the spring, or approximately from Oc-
tober Is to April Is; for, unless properly
housed, would not rain and snow settle
upon it's uneven surfaces, there freeze and
break the marble of which it is made?
If it is conceded that this colossal figure
must be boarded up from public view for
six months of the year, should not that
fact alone be conclusive upon the question
as to whether it should be in or out Of
doors?
Again, is it not true that the entire
value of a work of art depends upon it's
lines? And, if so, is it not equally true
that within comparatively few years a
carefully sculptured work of art would
lose very much Of it's beauty and value
from it's erosion by the elements?~ The
opinion of those qualified to speak upon
this point would seem to so Indicate
| IT, then, the proper place for this work
| of art should be found to be in rather than
| out of doors, the question at once arises
| Is there a place in this city where II could
be suitably housed? 40 80 T..- -.- - 49,
l. There isosuch a place. one in, every way
worthy aof this gift-the great stair court
| or entrance hall of the courthouse and'clty
hall.
! Probably there are not score OF people
| in this city who realize that with the com
| pletion of this court there will be in this
! city one of the finest courts or entrance
| halls to be found anywhere. This last
| word is used advisedly. It is to be Tin
| ished throughout in white marble with
massive arches, columns and stairs.
| Without in any way trespassing upon
| the necessarily clear floor space of such
court, there will be abundant room tc
place upon it this piece of statuary with
| ample space around and above to permit
| of its being seen to every advantage from
| any point Of view.
! A. more splendid, dignified and worthy
| location for great work of art as we are
| assured the one in question is, could not
be found anywhere.
| be found anywhere. j.