Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-01
A ( T N oTEs.

tional government has done little to foster
the work OF American artists, 1t is true
that more than one painter Of distinction
has been officially quartered beneath the
roof Of the stately Capitol. In 1S45 the
late Eastmen johnson was given for his use
as a studio one Of the Senate committee
rooms and 1t was there, Mr.. Walton says
in the current number of Scribner's, that
he painted his portrait Of Alexander Ham,
ilton's widow; as well, presumably, as like
.nesses Of John Quincy Adams, Webster,
Gen. Sewell, Judges Story and Mclean and
others prominent in official life. At the
same time, at her residence. Mr.. johnson
drew a portrait of Dolly Madison, which
created considerable excitement and so
greatly charmed Daniel Webster that he
procured replica for himself. 1t was
about the same time that Prof. Morse was
in Washington, and 1t was he, it is said,
who encouraged Johnson and prophesied
his subsequent success. Certainly the well
come and privileges accorded to the young
painter in Washington at the beginning of
his career were well justified before the
end. His works found their way into sew
eral of the great foreign galleries, and he
received much honor both at home and
abroad. His washington Crossing the Dsl-
aware" which is in the Metropolitan Mu-
scum, New York, Is one of his most cele
brated canvases, but the little painting,
Girl and Pets" which represents him in
the Corcoran Gallery Of this city. is like
wise a characteristic example. When SO
much is said in reproach of Washington as
an art center so interesting a "reminiscences
of former days is peculiarly delightful
About year ago it was rumored that
foreign art critics were turning thoughtful
ly to the contemplation of American art;
that they were impressed by it's sincerity
and vigor and predicting much for its fu-
ture. The tide Of appreciation seemed to
have turned and to be setting in toward
American shores. Nor was the rumor I'M
founded. During the past year it mas been
fully confirmed, and American art has done
much to establish itself in public esteem
to prove itself worthy. Now. however, it
seems that foreign connoisseurs have dis
covered the fact that America possesses a
number of notable collections, and much
to the surprise Of some of the uninitiated,
the curator of one large museum has come
from abroad purposely to hunt these out.
This is M. Mingeon, curator of INSECT
laneous art objects at the Louvre who,
after visiting New York, Boston, Detroit
and Chicago, will go to Japan to obtain
certain coveted works Of oriental art for
the French government. Mr. Charles L.
Freer's collection. which will eventually be
placed in this city, is. of course, his OBJ
jective point in Detroit. OF the oriental
Arts he is said to have spoken with much
praise, and, in the same connection of Mr..
]. Pierpont Morgan's possessions, which,
on account of the duty on art, are still in
Europe.
The American Free Art League has Wig
orously renewed its campaign to secure the
removal Of the duty on works of art A
folder issued by this organization sets
forth concisely the reasons for advocating
the desired legislation, together with the
names Of leading advocates and a crisp
summary of the situation. Private own
ership," 1t says, lis the great reservoir
which constitutes the chief source on
Over fifty per cent of the foreign works
of art in our public galleries have paid a
duty-the tendency therefore is to keep
this source at a low ebb." If the duty is
desired for revenue 1t should be noted that
the average annual income from it since
1897 is only about half million dollars;
and If 1t be continued for the protection of
the native artists 1t should be remarked
that, without exception. the artists them
selves are opposed to it. Kenyon Cox saws:
I'VE believe that this duty is the greatest
handicap which it Is in the power of the
government to put upon the progress of
art in this country" and whitelaw Reid
has added: II firmly believe that for a
nation which wishes to reach the market
OF the world Tor the best, and therefore
the most profitable things, free art is as
vital as free air." Why, then, do we pro-
crastinate?
It is interesting to note in this connec
ton that st. Louis has established an en-
dowment fund for the purchase of Amer
lean paintings-one Of such generous pro-
portions moreover, that 1t will yield an
annual income of between 5000 and s1O.-
Go. This is to be administered by Mr..
Halsey c. Ives, the director of the St.
Louis Art Museum, who was 1t will be
also the art director of the
Louisiana purchase exposition.
Speaking Of art museums one is natu-
rally reminded of Worcester's delightful
possession. which at present has but
small permanent collection, but will soon
have tremendous endowment fund at its
command. and of the unique building at
Springfield. its sister city. which contains
the well-chosen and remarkable George
Walter Vincent Smith collection" The
latter is perhaps less well known than the
former, but both will repay a pilgrimage
and should not be overlooked by returning
tourists. The Worcester Museum will con-
tain, until September %, one of the best