New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-20
NEW HEAD FOR MUSEUM
MAY Be NAMED TODAY
Trustees Maintain Strict Sc
crecy on Possibility of Sue
CeSSOr to Mr.. MORGAN.
TO, ACT ON ALTMAN GIFT
Collection Has Already Been In
formally Accepted-Merchant's
Name May Be Added to
List of Benefactors.

Inc board Of trustees Of the Metro
poltan Museum of Art will meet this
afternoon to consider the acceptance OF
the art collection of the late Benjamin
Altman The decision to accept It has
already been informally announced by
offlcers of the institution. as has the an
nouncement that Mr.. Altman's name will
be added TO the thirty-two benefacsors Of
the institution.
But there are other things which may
come up to add to the significance OF the
meeting. The strictest secrecy prevails
as to the possibility of electing a presi-
dent the fifth since the museum was
chartered, In 1870 The last incumbent
was J. Pierpont Morgan.
TIE post became vacant at the time
OF his death, on April T. 1918 He had oc-
cupied II for nine years, being elected to
the Office in 1904.
The name Of j. p. Morgan the flnan-
cier's son. has been the most prominently
mentioned as the NTH president. The
name of Joseph H. Choate. vice-presi-
dent has likewise been mentioned. as
has the name Of Robert w. de Forest.
vice-president and secretary OF the mu-
scum.
John Taylor Johnson was the first
president. serving from 1870 to 1893. The
second was Henry c. Marquand. 1s93-1ep;
the third. F. w. Rhinelander ls02-'4. and
the fourth. J. Pierpont Morgan 1913.
Recently n person closely in touch with
museum affairs said II was reasonable
20 expect" that at the meeting on Octo-
Der % successor TO j. Pierpont Morgan
would be named. Action had been post
poned. II was said. because OF respect
for Mr. Morgan. When asked yesterday
about the possibility Of electing a presid-
ing officer at to-day's meeting, one OF the
trustees said:
There is no telling what action might
be taken in that respect. l personally
have not heard anything about such an
election. but that is reason why II
might not be up for consideration
Asked IL there was any truth in the
report that there was difference "
opinion as TO who the incumbent should
be. the trustee evasively said he had not
as vet heard the names of possible can
didates.
Another trustee would not discuss the
matter at all. There have been rumors
that because OF the intersection OF the
Altman collection problem at to-day
meeting, when II is expected that there
will be discussion also regarding space
for a temporary exhibition. the election
of a PRESIDENT would be postponed TO
later meeting.
Still another matter which hung IRE
over summer. and which may come up
to-day. is that OF a memorial 10 j. PIER
mont Morgan. A committee was appoint
cd soon after Mr.. Morgan's death to pro-
vide for one.
Every effort Is being made by the mu-
SCUM authorities 10 exhibit the Dig MOT
gan collection on schedule time which
Will be early next year. possibly In jan
uarv. Many cabnetmakers, IL was
learned Yesterday. are AT work IN the
museum shops getting ready the numerous
cases for the smaller objects or the COL
,actton. A contract has been awarded Tor
a great deal OF plate glass, amounting 70
20 GO and il calls for delivery WITHIN
thirty days. :.
An idea of the extent OF the cases IS
eboun in estimates furnished the Park
Department. through which the contract
was awarded. There are to be t"eNe
wooden wall cases. twenty-one taoie
cases. six watch cases. fifteen STANDARD
wall cases nineteen japanese cases.
sword case and others. Some materials
for the cases are to be delivered to-day
Park Commissioner Slower announced
bis intention Of attending in his ex oHiclo
capecity the meeting of the trustees tnis
.fternoon. He said a few days ago that
Tho CITY should take steps looking TO the
intimate completion OF the museum ana
,,.t,,.tsd that ne would suggest asking
Co. addit,onal money TO build another
wing, which would give suiiioi en.o. .oo"'
H. hisnlaY OF the Altman colectloh.