New-York tribune., 1909-09-15
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER

architecture and he could take leaf from the
book of modern art; but out of the elements
In which he thus dealt he fashioned buildings
which bore his own stamp.
LET the student of architecture who wishes 70
get at the secret of the best and most charac-
teristic work of the firm led for so many years
by Mr. AcIEfm look narrowly at tha broad lines
of such edifces as the library just mentioned
or the library for Columbia University, or the
station now building for the Pennsylvania Rail-
road in this city, or perhaps first and last the
wonderful little library designed for Mr. j. F.
Morgan. Let him consider first the serene
symmetrical effect of the whole and then let him
note the proportions of doors and windows, the
spacing of these parts of the design, and the
treatment of the cornice. the entrance steps and
so on. He will observe presently how justly
each note in the scheme falls into its place, and
there will come over him sense Of exquisite
simplicity, of a charm almost musical In its
loneliness and elevation. He will realize, too,
that there is certain force making itself felt
through this austere beauty, that kind of In
tellectual power Is at the bottom Of all that
placid grace Now let him ask himself what
this has meant to rapidly growing school of
architecture. All can raise the flower now, for
all have got the seed Only those who have
kept close and intimate watch of the growth
Of architecture in this country have been aware
of the silent revolution in which he played
beneficent a part. His work was a perpetual
argument for dignity and sObriety. BY one of
those strokes of fortune which come only at rare
intervals this great constructive artist was
tvpe with none of those many hued tdiosyn-
cratic traits which battle and mlslead the dis
cipIe. None of his followers could bend his bow,
but there were arrows in his CULVER which all
could use ideas of learning and of taste which
pave to countless architects who never saw him
new light on their problems. 1t is a solid fact,
which could be demonstrated with the conclu-
sIveness Of mathematics, that all over this coun-
try the public and private buildings Of the last
twenty-Odd years are the better because, con-
sciously or unconsciOusly the designers of them
have taken the influence of AcKim into their
minds.
We have emphasized this general service that
he rendered to the country because, as was said
at the outset II was unique; but 1t is impossible
to avoid, in bidding farewell to so brilliant an
artist, a few reflections on the more personal
side of his character He loyal citizen.
using his resources to fine ends. 1t was not
enough for him 10 wreak himself on the private
commissions brought to his firm. He gave him
self whole-heartelly 10 such dsinterested and
momentous undertakings as the beautlfying of
the city Of Washington The Academy at Rome.
one OF the wiseSt educational foundations ever
created for the benefit of American architects
painters and Scuptors was initiated by him and
steadily fostered through his efforts. He saw
the vagaries into which the young artist is only
too easily lured, and ne sought, not only rs an
advocate Of his Academy but In every Oppor-
tunity that came 10 him, To bring his juniors
back 10 the tranquilliziug influence Of Rome.
With his death a tower Of strength has fallen,
but he has left behind him living inspiration