Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-01-18
The President Takes Steps
For Their Recognition
Asks Institute Of Architects to
Name Advisory Council


Washington, Jan. 17.-Quick to appre-
ciate the plea that the fine arts have
been denied that governmental consider
alton so generally shown by other ma
lions, as suggested by the American In
stitute of Architects. President Roose-
welt has taken the first steps looking to
their recognition by this government.
In<response to report from the Ameri-
can Institute of Architects, the President
announces in correspondence made public
TODAY that he has asked the institute to
designates the names of 80 men represent
ing all parts Of the country, to compose
q council of the fine arts. The object
OF the council, which is to consist of
architects painters, sculptors, landscape
architects and laymen, of which the su-
pervising architect of the treasury de-
partment is to be executive head, is to
advise UPON the character and design Of
all public works of architecture, paint
ings, sculptures, all monuments, park
bridges and other works of which the art
of design forms an integral part and to
make suggestions end recommendations
for the conservation of all historic mon
uments. Hearty approval is given by
President Roosevelt of the recommends
tects. The President says he will direct
members of his cabinet to refer to the
proposed council of fine arts for their ex-
pert advice all matters in their charge
embracing architecture. selection of sites
and landscape work, sculpture and paint
ings.
Moreover" declares the President, Il
shall request the councn to watch legis-
t,,<f, 10, ol-a
recomm endations to Congress in regard
to changes in existing monuments or
with regard to any new project. 1 earn
esty advise your body TO take immediate
steps to secure the enactment of law
giving permanent effect to what 1 am
directing to be done. The course you
advocate and which. I approve, should
not be permissive with an executive; il
should be made mandatory upon him by
act of Congress"
The President will Immediately call
upon the council for report as to the
character and location of the Lincoln
memorial. After thanking the institute
for it's wise and patriotic action the
President says 1t will secure to the Amer
lean public what is literally priceless ad-
vice from the best men in the several
artistic professions throughout the COun-
try.
The committee also recommended that
a bureau Of fine arts should be establish
ed which should have authority to APP
prove or disapprove plans and designs OF
all future public works of architecture
etc.
In presenting it's recommendations the
committee calls attention to the many
millions of dollars appropriated for public
buildings, monuments and other works
of art as lasting monuments to our civ
ilization and declares that under oui
system, and in the absence of proper
management, the results do not adequate
ly and properly represent or express the
which our people have attained
The committee presents n striking con
trast Of conditions in the early days OF
the republic when trained experts in ths
arts were sought in the work of build
ing the national capitol and the situation
following the rapid growth of the cc1in
try when it is declared this systematic
method OF procedure was lost sight of.
As an evidence Of Indifference, the COM
mittee says that existing public buildings
are largely subject to modification due
to the caprice or supposed convenience
of temporary officials. Our statues
paintings, coinage and engraved notes
and other works of art are referred to a:
having been treated with indifference.