Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-13

mond, by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Note
also may be taken of a portrait of the
present King of England, when Prince
of Wales. painted by Sir John Watson
Mr. Buchanan, lin mark of grateful
recollection of the hospitable reception
and agreeable visit at the White House.,
| on the occasion of his tour in the Unitcd
States.
And besides all these there are addi-
tiona gifts and loans exhibited-the
Aurora Borealis." by f. z. Church, the
gift OF Miss Eleanor Blodgett: "Crossng
the Ferry" by Adrien Moreau, presented
by Mrs. James Lowndes in memory of
her father, Lucius Tuckerman; The
Grand Canyon OF the Yellowstone by
Lucien w. Powell, gift of John B. Hen
derson, and Indian Summer Day" by
Max Weyl, presented by number OF the
artists friends on his SEVENTEEN birthday.
Only a Small Beginning.
Such in general character is the display
ginning less modest than many toward
lection OF art treasures-a national gall
1ery worthy Of America
Richard Rathbun, assistant secretary Of
the Smithsonian Institution in charge OF
the National Museum. has said in his
book on the National Gallery or Art, re-
GENTLY published:
THE cultivation OF art. even in direc-
lions promising practical benefits to the
people, has never received encouragement
from the national government except in
the privilege of copyright and patent.
There has, therefore, been very little of
art In the ownership of the government
to which the Smithsonian Institution
could claim right of possession. and the
interests of private benefactors have been
directed elsewhere.
But, fortunately, popular sentiment Is
now developing q broader national spirit
whose effect has already been manifested
In such a manner and to such an extent
as practically to insure the assembling
at Washington at a time not far distant
of a public collection of the fine arts
worthy of the country.
''Other galleries of art now of the
greatest prominence have had as humble
beginnings" he adds, "even If their pre-
lminary history does not show SO many
years of almost unencouraged existence"
Purposes of Management.
1t is the present intention OF those in
authority to maintain the National Gal
lery OH dignified and broad basis, re-
ferring matters of standard to an expert
committee and making the collections
serviceable as we'll as available to the
general public. AT present the museum
Will only be open during the customary
hours. In the near future arrangement
will be made whereby it will be open on
Sundays and in the evening.
And in conclusion attention should be
| drawn to the interesting juxta position of
the National Gallery and chronological
| exhibits; to the splendid specimens of
artistic craftsmanship Of the primitive
| peoples. basketry. weaving, pottery and
metal work: to the picturesque grouping
| of the figures which form tableaux rep
| resenting the occupations and play of
| these same people, and, lastly, to the
| clever modelling Of these figures in wax
/ and clay.
! All of which goes toward demonstrate
| ing the universally of art, and helps to
| heighten the interest in the mature pro-
auctions of the nations whose civilization
| is OF ripened age.
| Washington will, indeed, hencefortt
have another notable show place.
| LEILA MEEIIL1N.