The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-05-29

who have aspired to become creators
of beauty wait and hope. At last the
wings Of their spirit are broken
against an impregnabie wall built by
indifference and lack of vision.
They perish in a land where wealth
Is poured out,in unstinted measure to
crafty the sensations of an hour.
One-half OF the money spent each
year by faddists and self-advertisers
would open the legitimate channels
necessary for their preservation. That
these channels be opened is an eco
nomic and civic necessity.
American artists have a right TO
steady employment which will allow
them to achieve decent living condi-
lions.
They have a right to the respect AMI
consideration of their nation. which,
given the opportunity, they are able
to reach with their genius.
| 1t is written In our Constitution that
life, liberty and the pursuit of hap
piness Is the inalienab BILE right OF every
American citizen.
| 1T Is imperative that this right be
| accorded our artists; that our nation
| awake as a whole. and write a speedy
| end to our condition OF vassalagc In
the realm of art. The time has come
for the fulfiilment of our Declaration
|
| economic freedom must be added
artistic freedom.
| NATIONAL OPERA THE
SOLUTION.
Before this freedom can be achieved
the National consciousness must be-
come alive to the fact that a great
artist Is OF as much value to the ma
! ton as Q great financier.
/
at least of equal value with factory
products. Undeveloped genius must
grip the Imagination as being OF as
vital Importance as undeveloped
1 mines.
The disaster OF unemployed artists
must be recognized as proportionats
with the disaster OF unemployed ar
| tisans
!. When this awakening TO the true
meaning OF q democracy has come
, the United States will assume lead
ership in culture as well as in COM
merce. .-..
A national opera system will. be
| recognized to be as essential as the
national system OF public schools.
The establishing OF such system
will check the appalling waste OF
money and talent. which has been
placidly permitted for so long.
1t will enable the musician to re-
ceive a return on the investment for
this education. The public will bene-
fit through being able to hear good
music at a moderate price. American
composers will be given inspiration
and opportunity.
| Already a splendid group of Ameri-
can song writers are producing q song
literature which compares favorably
| vxrif nf nit
possible that. given the added i'm
! petus of the increased musical at
mosphere, one or me- e of these young
| composers may write a grand opera
Of such worth that an Intelligent pub
lie will demand it's continued produc-
| ton.
| Given the background OF their own
opera system. more American singers
will fill the highest salaried positions
in the great companies.
| The millions spent in Europe for
training, and paid in America to Eu-
ropean singers will be spent In the
United states and paid to our own
| citizens.
POINTS PROVEN BY COMPANY.
| Washington has acclaimed her own
singers and has found that among
them are those who are worthy to
rank with the best operate artists.
The number OF brilliant successes
achieved by these young singers, who
! have appeared with the company dur
ing three seasons, proves that oper-
attic art is inherent In American as
well as in European communities.
A host of experienced singers who
have sustained leading roles in the
foremost opera houses NJ the world
have expressed themselves as willing
-. -. ,~&N