Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-31
The Freer Gallery.

In a most striking manner the offer or
Charles L. Freer of Detroit to enrich the
art treasures of this city by the ADDITION
of his celebrated collection OF pictures and
other valuable objects attests to the fact
that Washington Is being steadily recog-
nized as an appropriate place for the as
semblage of the best works that the studios
of the world afford. Steadily the feeling
grows in all parts of the country tnae
Washington Is the federal center, not only
of political activity, but of artistic. scien-
ti6c and literary interest. In an increasing
ratio wealthy people from all parts OF the
United States are making 1t their winter
home 1t is rapidly developing architectu-
rally and Ia being enveioped In an atmos-
phere of good taste and intellectual prog
ress which is not quite to be duplicated
elsewhere The Library of Congress Is
striking exemplar of an awakened govern
mental appreciation of this new condition
The recommendations Of the Senate's park
commission attested to the strong interest
of the people of the states in the regenera-
ton of the capital.
The usual tendency on the part of wealthy
collectors of rare objects and fine pictures
Is to offer them to their own communities.
out Of a sense of local pride and desire
to keep their names green In the places
where they are best known as individuals.
Mr. Freer has gained the broader view OF
the question. Had he offered his collection
to the city OF Detroit It would have had
merely local and state significance But
established in Washington 1t acquires a ma
tional, even International significance
and reputation. The name of F'reer Will IN
such circumstances become known to the
people OF all parts of the world. The COL
lection will interest, instruct and inspire
thousands OF all races and spread far
more effective influence for culture than
though 1t were confined to city Of the
states, however important and rapidly
growing.
1t is Impossible to localize an institution
which Is planted here at the capital. What
ever its immediate environment 1t becomes
national by reason of It's close association
with the things that stand for the republic
in all its parts. Had Smithson given his
fortune to one of the states the result
could never have become so world-famous
or so richly productive of scientific achieve
ments. In Washington, as a quasi-ofhcial
establishment, the Smithsonian Institution
stands before all the world as a great
monument to one mans benefcence and
desire for the spread of enlightenment
And it is eminently proper that the name
of Freer should be associated with that of
Smithson, standing for an Intelligent APP
probation Of the public's need of such
means of artistic inspiration and of the eX-
ceptional advantages offered by Washing
ton for advancing this propaganda.
The acceptance Of the offer should follow
as matter of course. 1t appears to be
accompanied by no seriously hampering or
embarrassing terms. 1t Is exceptionally
generous in its stipulations. which involve.
in addition to maintenance. only the grant
of site for the structure which Mr.. Freer
Is himself willing to construct. and the
Identification Of the establishment for all
time with his name. The precedent set in
the acceptance OF the gift Of Smithson
seems to cover the case.
1t Is to be hoped that the liberality Of
Mr.. Freer will demonstrate to other
wealthy collectors the wisdom Of placing
their treasures In Washington for safe
keeping and for useful display. To give to
the capital is 10 give to the whole nation,
which is better than giving to single city
or state.