The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1911-06-24
LA FARCE and The CATHEDRAL
fHE tRt tHITEC7'S PARTNER
REPLIES ron HIN.
:ir. BrnLamin Wis,ar Morris Tells of the
Relations Betwcen Mr. la farge and
thp Trustees rs Mr. Ia FarGe Made
Them known to Him before He Left.


Relations Betwcen Mr. la farge and
thp Trustees rs Mr. Ia Earge Made
Them known to Him Before He Left.
Nr Benjamin Wistar Morris. the part
ner of {. Grant La Fargo. the architect
made public Yesterday a long letter telling
what he knew abou; the controversy
between MIR. La Fargo and the trustees
Of the Cathedral Of 81 John the Divine
which has resulted in the replacing Of Mr.
La Fargo by Ralph Adams Cram as con-
sulting architect.
MIR Morris explains that hs know
nothing OF the earlier relations bet ween
his partner and the trustees except what
Mr. La Fargo told him from time to time
In his letter he says
disclam any intention whatever 10
criticise adversely the motives of the board
OF trustees or the committee on the fabric
of the cathedral. but in Justice to them
] feel that they should have the benefit
of the statements herein contained. and that
they may have the opportunity or more
fully considering the proposed change
in the architectural aspect Of 'hs cathedral
After saying that he regrets all the
publicity the affair has received MIR
printed in the public press either OF a
speculative or Inaccurate nature that
the work involved is Of such a public and
catholic character are reasons which |
believe make it my duty 10 make state
mont concerning some of the important
facts and the general situation as | under =
stand them
Going back to the beginning Of the
work he says
7 have not seeu the original contract
which was made between the trustees OF the
cathedral and the firm of Helms 4 La Fargo
but At the time Mr. Ia Fargo suggested
the formation OF our partnership he told
me that the original contract was either
teYminable or TO he automatically ter
minated with the dissolution OF the partner
ship Of Helms la Fargo either by mutual
agreement or nv the death OF either partner.
Mr.. Helms died in 100, and shortly after
in the same year another contract was made
between the trustees and MIR, la Fargo
for the execution under his direction as
architect OF certain work which was then
we'll under way With the exception OF a few
minor details the work 10 be performed
by Mr.. La Fargo under this contract was
completed recently.
Nothing appears in this contract which
tween Mr.. La Fargo and the cathedral
st its comp.et on. Mr.. La Farge has stated
to me that the question as 10 his continuance
was not touched uron Al the time the CON
tract was made such action being left az a
matter for future consideration. az least
such was his understanding.
The first difference of opinion between
Mr.. La Fargo and certain Of the church
committee haying charge Of the building
Of the Cathedral appears to have been
over the proposed use OF reenforced con-
crete for the grea' arches Of the transept
Mr.. La Fargo opposed the idea OF con-
crete. Mr.. Morris says:
II vas strongly urged upon him to ar
range that IN" construction of these arches
should he recnforced concrete. The art o!
that type Of construction was a. that time
in its early stages, and the suggestion being
carefully considered ty Helms h La Fargo
was. after dIe investigation On their part
reported upon by them adversely
They insisted upon the 9roprie'y and
necessity of the use Of stone for that portion
Of the work. When an independent inves-
tigation was made the report. ! understand
that was referred back to the board wa.
TO the effect that while the construction OF
these arches in reinforced concrete would
not bc impossible, II vas the opinion of the
referees that II was undesirable. and that
IL would be better that the suggestion OF the
architects be followed. This strong stand
taken in order to preserve ana maintain
the integrity and honesty Of construction
OF course was not calculated to increase
the harmonious relations Of IN architects
with the gentlemen no had opposed them
Five DAYS after the dedication of the
completed portion Of the Cathedral Mr.
n;
the trustees describing briefly the work
which had been done and asking whet her
they were prepared to enter into an agree
ment with him for the further carrying
on of this work during his lifetime He
got a brief reply acknowledging his let
ter and asking him TO call Oh one of the
trustees Mr., La Fargo called, and Mr.
Morris continues;
The result Of this interview a. dsscri bed
by Mr.. La Farse 10 me was that ne gathered
the Impression that his suggestion OF the
manner in which the architectural work oI
the cathedral could he carried on Will
harmony and satisfaction to all concerned
was OF such a nature that this trustee fell
he could recommend ito the board for adop
ton.
On the bas. Of this understanding. Mr.
la Fargo felt a, liberty to leave the cit,
with the idea that there would he no i'm
mediate occurrences Of importance in con
nection with the cathedral
Mr. Morris now adverts at some length
n a discussion Of the design and pur.
poses OF the Cathedral saying
The question al issue. however, appear
to me 20 be a much broader one than ha
yet been touched upon IN the public press
A distinguished body Of gentlemen repre-
senting the Cathedral some twenty year
ago determined after mature Investigation
and consideration and with the most exper
advice upon the type of building that thi
church should be when completed Whethe
IL should be a broadly conceived and vita
type OF design. representing the ca,holicit.
and vitality Of the Episcopal Church. u
stand for all time in the metropolis Of tn
United States. that country which Is m
refuge OF the oppressed ot all nations. O
all creeds and colors. or whether The build
ing should represent single 'particula
style Of bygone age. vital though il was a
that time is a quest on which would appea
TO have received very full Considerat io
o. the time the firm Of Helms 4 La Farg
were appointed architects Of this building
There was no lack of designs OF the OF he
type submitted In competition. such bein
the case. it would appear that funds o
money and gifts of value received bv IN
Cathedral were intended ny the donors =