New-York tribune., 1910-11-28

surroundings Surely II cannot reasonably
be claimed that they are ornaments 20 the
parks. or that the green lawns would not
be more beautiful without tnerl-
It Is easy to imagine that some giant
striding through the park with monument
under his arm became tired ana set IT
down and left IL where IL now STANDS, dis-
placing grass and shrubs ana 0isnZurlng
the face of nature II must not pc undeT,
stood that the Art Commission Is opposed
to monuments in parks. but the coInrniS-
sion is concerned that every monument
should be so placed as to ri into us sur
rOundingS. and, above all. enhance Jhe
beauty Of the park in which il Is placed.
The report goes on 20 say that many of
those submitting monuments seemed 70
think that because the commission disap-
proved of a site as being unsuited to the
particular monument il was thereby con-
demning the monument Itself or sighting
the person or event which it was intended
TO commemorate It went without saying.
however, that the commission was in full
sympathy with every effort "a honor those
to whom honor was due. but was sOlicitous
not TO dishonor them by honoriug them in
an unsuitable place. II was believed by
the commission. moreover. that a monument
should be so placed as not only TO recall
grateful memories Of the person but 70 be
distinct ornament TO the place in which
ii stands. The report says
Seeks Harmonious Settings.
While definite rules cannot be laid down
for the location OF monuments any more
than rules can with fnality De given FOR
the composition Of a picture or a group or
sculpture. yet certain fundamental prih-
cipIes are very evident a monument
should be so placed that II IS IN proper Te-
IatiOn both architeCturally and sculpturally
70 the spot in which il is located be II
street square or park that its eOnrnenlo-
rattve or particular character Is N nar-
rnOuy with its surroundings. and LildL u -
and will remain a distinct adOTumefet 70
rne locality in which II stands me PFoo-
able perrnanenCe of appropriate ound-
ings should also be considered, foT E4-s ciLansss
in the character and occupancy OF adjaceill
buildings have frequently turned harmony
J-5ese sirnpIe principles are frequently en-
Tnarfs TO the city They seem 10 think thal
auv unoccupied space in the streets or
marks IS suitable for any kind or mOnu-
IDan+ Dr0vided only that II Is conspicuous
c,o,rar1ay19Iv rna1v monuments are nrSr
s1Ibr7irred for City Hall Park The photo-
e,-aDhs of existing monuments Wnlcn ac-
1or3Oauv the report are Intended 20 NUS
trate the attitude OF the commission aAt
IN be suggestive TO future donors
The report declares that the statue OF
Nathan Hale is in a very unsuitable situa-
+fon. as il has no logical relation 20 its per
r7auent surroundings and is in the rnlds'
of corr7nIex street traffic. The Greeley
monument in Greeley Square, says the -
uort is very badly placed as II has l.is
elevated almost over It's neac anu SI1Ilt-. - ~
N me r1idst of great confusion OF traflc o.
/ al kinds 4 picture also OF the equestrian |
statue of Washington as seen from Ot-l = =
avenue and 14th street SHOWS uO" 44i0-
fectiVely Il Is placed. , p
know that the members OF the MunlcIpa
Art Commission serve the city W!-ho~N pay