Los Angeles herald., 1905-02-15
ART COMMISSION
MAKES|TS REPORT
ADVANCES SUGGESTIONS FOR
BEAUTIFYlNG CITY
Ordinances Are Advised Which Would
Regulate Nuisances That Are
Now Disfguring Public
Thoroughfares


The municipal art commission has
published its first annual report and
handed it to the city council for con-
sideration. In this they offer indorse-
ments and recommendations to the
council and urge the enforcement of
new ordinances which would work to
correct existing evils which add to the
ugliness of the city or would tend to
prevent vandalism which would de-
stroy beauty.
The commission, which is composed
of Maj. E. f. C. Klokke, Mrs. Sumner
P. Hunt, Mrs. w. j. Washburn, John
Parkinson and Fielding j. Stilson, was
appoint ed in November, 1908, by the
mayor, following the adoption of a
resolution calling for such committee
which was adopted by the council Ac-
cording to the terms of the resolution,
the committee was chosen from list
of names furnished by public organi-
cations which were at work for the
betterment of the city.
1t receives no allowance for it's eX-
pense from the city government, ex-
cept that it is allowed a meeting room
in the city hall. It's status is semi
official, but if it is considered that it
has demonstrated it's practicalness
from the present report, it is possi-
the city charter.
AS the commission has not been in
vested with any executive power, nor
provided with funds, being a semi
official body, It has only been able to
act in an advisory manner, to make
recommendations relating to the nee
essary and artistic improvement Of
the city and to use and extend its
moral influence in furtherance there
of, looking principally to the various
legislative and executive bodies of the
government to have them carried into
effect.
Text of Report
Following is the report of the COM
mittee:
"The commission believes the time
has come when this city should pos
sess an art gallery for the housing of
objects of art, and urges all organiza-
tions and individuals to cooperate
with the art commission in the secur-
ing of this gallery.
"The commission indorses and en-
fullest extent the efforts of the south
western branch of the Archaeological
Institute of America to procure a site
and build for this city a permanent
museum to contain the great mass of
archaeological specimens which could
ritory.
1.-The commission also urges the city
authorities to do all in their power to
build for Los Angeles public library
building worthy of the city and the
fine library it would contain.
"The art commission recommends
the early purchase of property in diff
ferent parts of the city suitable for
small parks, and the improvement of
the same for park purposes, and par
ticularly properties of irregular shape
where several streets intersect. Small
parks dl Sucl piiSSo Will 6iSoIiy ouo
to the beauty of the city, Practical
evidence of this is to be seen in the
city of Washington. Also that the city
as rapidly as practicable enter upon
the construction of a system of boule-
wards, and that as a feature of this
system the parkways aligning the bou-
levards be laid out and maintained oy
the park authorities, thus securing
uniformity of plan and regularity Of
care.
"The commission suggests that the
city appeal to public spirited citizens
for donations of land for city parks
and for gifts of statues, fountains, ETC.,
to adorn the same. Also for paintings
to be placed in the art gallery which
we hope to have.
"The commission further indorses
the action of the city authorities and
the Park and outdoor association in
the establishment of children's rec
reation ground in the Seventh ward.
and recommends that other similar
grounds be secured in crowded parts
of the city.
1.-The commission further recommends
that the charter be amended so as to
allow the board of public works to
initiate street Improvements, COM