Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-19
BLAMED BY SENATOR|
Cannon Held Responsible for
Park Commission Lapse.
ARRAIGNED BY NEWLANDS
Speaker Criticised in Address to
American Federation Of
Arts.

Speaker Cannon was held accountable
for the failure of Congress to adopt the
park commissions plan for developing
ana beautifying Washington by Senator
Newiands of Nevada in an address be-
lore the American Federation of Arts
today at the New Willard Hotel.
Inc present speaker of the House has
oeen strangely rcactionary in regard to
aloing the development of true art in
this country. and in this city in pacticu-
lar, Senator Ncwlands declared emphat-
ically.
he accused the House. too of refusing
10 give its Endorsement of the park COM
MISSIONS plan because the park COM
mission was appointed subsequent to a
Senate resolution and the House had nc
hand in it's creation
The delegates to the American Fedora
ton Of Art called at the White House
this morning before it's regular session at
the New Willard and were given cordial
reception by President Taft. The Presi-
dent made no Set address. but expressed
TO the individual members his approval
OF the work OF the federation.
People Ahead of Lawmakers.
When Senator Newlands was introduced
Ito the convention he announced that his
subject was "A:t as a National Asset -
The national policy. he said, should be
not to recognize art merely for its own
sake. but to recognize 1t as utility also.
lie praised the public men Of the early
days OF the country for seeking high
ideals in art In public architecture.
FOR many years we have listened only
to practical methods, and have lost sight
OF the artistic development OF the early
days continued Senator Newlands.
With the Chicago exposition there
came renaissance. however. and the
people have walked UP to desire for adj
vancement In the fine arts and for beauty
In pubic buildings. The people have gone
far ahead OF their Legislators The Grass
Ignorance Of most legislative bodies in the
country amounts to bOorishness. This Was
exemplif1ed In the debate In the Senate re-
Gently on the bill to create fine arts
council to aid the government In selecting
statues and paintings and architectural
plans. unless the published accounts of
the debate were Incorrect
Senator Newlands advised the fedora
ton to begin an active campaign to win
members Of Congress over to true art in
terests. He declared that they should
make the congressman feel that the
friends OF art have political influence as
we'll as ideals. Then, he said. there would
be beneficial legislation.
He also advised the federation to en-
dearor to bring about remedial LEGISLATION
in the states as well as in the federal
government.
Art in Colleges.
L. Lindsey Hlayney, professor in the
University of Kentucky. made strong
appeal for the Improvement Of college
courses throughout the country, SO far
as the study Of art is concerned He
declared that the average college grad
uate is woefully weak in his knowledge
of art and in culture.
Will Continue Magazine.
The federation heard the reports of sew
eral committees, including that of the COM
mittee on ways and means Although the
publication Of the-Art and Progress Maya
zine was said to have been published at
a loss, the committee Recommended that
1t be continued and that finance COM
nittee be appointed to look after 1t. This
suggestion was adopted.
The committee on new business recon-
mended that the federation aid in bring
ing about frequent art exhibitions
throughout the country and that it seek
the advancement Of the study Of art in
the public schools Of the country.
No action was taken on the PROPOSE
ton to indorse the George Washington
Memorial movement. looking to the. erec-
tiOn of q convention hall in this CITY,