Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-30
The Freer Art Collection.

Next Tuesday the regents of the Smith
sonian Institution will meet in annual ses-
sion. One of the most important items OF
business to be considered is the offer of Mr..
c. J.. Freer of Detroit, Mich. TO give out
right to the United States, in custody of the
Smithsonian his art collection, together
with building for its preservation and ex-
hibition, provided the government grants
sufficient land for its emplacement. AS the
matter is now understood, Mr.. Freer
will endow the collection sufficiently to
provide for the maintenance of the build
ing and it's contents This will impose no
obligation on the government or the insti-
tuition beyond the furnishing of site.
In these terms there should be no doubt
whatever of the prompt and grateful ac-
ceptance of the gift. The Freer collection
is known throughout the art world as
unique, valuable and inspiring. 1t embraces
not only the largest single asseTnblage OF
works by the late James Whistler includ-
ing his famous peacock room." rated as
one of the most striking examples of mod
ern decorative painting, but also numerous
paintings of the highest grade by other ar
lists, and costly and discriminating col
lection of Japanese and other oriental art
objects 1t is, taken altogether. one of the
notable private groups VI lle WOIIu.
This collection. properly housed and ex-
hibfted under government auspices in this
city, would constitute a striking and at
tractive object of interest to tourists from
all parts of the world. 1t would greatly
stimulate American interest in art. 1t
would educate generations of observers 1t
would. Furthermore, inspire other private
art collectors to regard Washington as the
oft ba tipr r,Ia Of
their treasures. 1t would greatly acceler-
ate the movement toward the creation of
truly national gallery of art at the capital.
Indeed, the Importance of this gift, con-
sldering it's character and the manner of
its tender. cannot easily be over-estimated.
When 1t was announced. some months ago,
all believers in the future of Washington
as the logical art center of the western
hemisphere were greatly encouraged. They
took 1t for granted that it would be eager
ly accepted. with warm expressions of ap-
probation for the generous patriotic spirit
of its glver. And they are CORRESPONDENCE
disappointed now to learn that some of the
regents of the institution are indisposed to
accept the gift.
II Is difficult to imagine upon what
ground this munificent offer should not be
Immediately accepted by what course of
reasoning it could be regarded as other
than an aid to the highest intellectual ad-
vancement of the whole people 1t is, to
be sure in the main composed of the works
of single artist, but an artist of remark
able ability and versatility. whose name is
permanently enrolled with the great ones
of all time. And as an American by birth,
Whistler will be always rated as product
of the western soil and an honor to the
United States.
So powerful are the inducements for the
hearty, grateful acceptance of the gift that
any suggestion of doubt is likely to fall
upon incredulous ears, if not verified The
regents of the Smithsonian are charged
with grave responsibility. and their duty
in the premises is so clear that ii is not
to be believed that they will hesitate in the
face Of this exceptional opportunity.