Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-29
STATUES ARE DRAFTED
Shields Are Placed on Nude Fig
 ures In Jersey School.
RECORD CROWD SEES CHANGE
smartins Under Humiliation Venus Is Subjected to In Present Disguise. Woman Offers Statue With Flannel Suit-Clash In coIors Shock Folk.

Woman Offers Statue With Flannel Suit-CIash In coIors Shock Folk. Trenton, N. J., Nov. 29.-After gaz- ing for many years without pious scruple upon the score of nude fig ures in the Trenton Industrial School of Arts the board of directors has be- slowed protecting shields, white and triangular in design, and modest dra- peries upon the statues.
 The first news of the change reach ed the public with the added informa- tion that the reformed row of statues was open for inspection. So great was the rush to the place that police re- serves were necessary to preserve or der. It was the banner day for at- tendance in the history of the school. One of the statues in the school was that of we'll preserved but venerable Roman. The old fellow was in a sit ting position, with his hands caught on his knees and his head held down as if he were bowed with the woe of the universe. A shield now protects him from drafts. His attitude did not invite drapery, and so the shield was chosen. It is large serrated triangle, with its whiteness progressively appar- ent against the old mans smoke be- grimed side. And it is this contrast in white and smoky brown that prom ises to draw the severest criticism to the directors. It is held that when they decided upon the change it be- came imperative they match the shad- ing of the statues, but instead of that they have provided a startling clash in colors.
 Drama Humiiated.
 Even Diana has not escaped, and there are many who say the directors have offended more grievously in her than in all the other statues combined. Formerly Diana was seen as if taking shot at quarry in corner of the big exhibit room. Now she is placed as if trying to fire an arrow through the wall, for Diana has been subject ed to humiliation in that her face has been turned directly to the wall, and because of this there is a loud protest against the directors. It is asserted that this makes the prospect even more inartistic than before, but the directors plead that Diana defied both drapery and shield.
 Apollo now stands with draperies drawn into a pair of misft trousers There was one woman observer who loudly proclaimed that this modern Apollo was an artistic fright" and there were many who applauded this harsh judgment. It was told that the directors had tried to equip Apollo with shield. but failing in this re- sorted to a novel design wrought out of dark blue silk. Apollo was the cause of many cynical comments. One man said the directors erred in not l providing Apollo with a few yards l more of silk and turning him into a ballet dancer. When the public first invaded the place few of the direct ! ors were on hand, but a few of the | preliminary observations were enough | to send them away precipitately.
 Venus UnrecognizabIe.
 Venus now appears clad in drapery | that is becoming in the eyes of the directors. A girdle is around her | waist, and from 1t falls silks in sedate folds. It is somewhat difficult to rec. ognize Venus in her present disguise, and one woman was so indignant that she cornered two of the directors and said she was willing to provide Venus with an entire suit of canton flannel. The directors had delayed in their re. treat from the building. and with sad smiles they said they were willing to have the woman experiment with tho canton flannel suit. A Greek athlete has a shield, and another shield has been bestowed upon girl bather.
 Not only have the statues been treat. ed to refining dress, but plaster models have been taught that nature is i'm. modest. Even plaster busts have been caught in the protection of silk, and against the busts of two beautiful young women now lean two of the tri. angular shields.
 The directors have made a clean sweep of the school. Garments have been drawn on charcoal pictures, and several paintings in the nude have been taken from the walls.
 No statement has been issued by the directors. but 1t was unofticially given out that they desired to take the praise or blame invited as body.