The Washington times., 1922-05-21

The most wonderful entertain
ment followed, with an art dis
play, music and addresses. DR..
.Stepanek is an accomplished
pianist. as well as a lingrist,
scholar and diplomat. The hos
pitality of the Czechoslovaks is
proverbial, for are they not
Bohemians? The very thing
that has given the artists IA
vorite name to his own world.
1t Is this liberality of Bohemia,
this "camaraderie."
The visit had a beneficial in
nuence. too, on the guests. whose
league has been regarded here
tofore as q rather too serious
set of people, little given TO fri
volity, this Junior branch OF the
dignified Archaeological Society
of Washington. The intellectual
treat Of frequent learned lectures
has been their main diversion.
with an occasional decorous
studio assembly. but now they
have set themselves a new pace.
For tho first time they have
entered Bohemia. Life can never
be again q dull. drab thing.
FOLK ART DISPLAYED.
And. indeed, after such a
delightful glimpse Of the art and
architecture of Czechoslovakia
and it's traditional customs as
was afforded by the visit at the
legation yesterday, only high
inspiration could follow. The
important feature was a display
Of pictures and folk art just re-
ceived from Prague, and exhibit
ed here for the first time, but
later to be publicly shown in
Washington. New York, and
other cities. For everywhere a
new interest is awakening in
this brave country which has SO
recently come into its independ-
ence, with a President and gov
ernment modelled on the Ameri-
can plan.
The Czechoslovak native art is
quite different in it's motive from
our own. 1t has a quality of
life and individuality which marks
the rugged youth Of the strong
est nations and predicts a bril-
liant future. There is nothing
morbid or decadent in the art OF
Czechoslovakia. The native artists
have often studied in Paris, like
Simon pronounced Shemon). who
lived there many years. Some Of
them, like Vondrous, who made
a fine picture Of Columbia Uni
versity, have visited America.
But they possess the ability to
retain in any environment their
native genius. And this quality,
with sincerity and the love of
beauty. makes for great art.
The women of Czechoslovakia
are highly artistic. too, and they
express their taste in beautiful
embroideries, handicrafts. and
the decoration OF their homes.
They love bright colors, and the
native costumes OF the country
are a delight to the traveller,
especially II he 10 fortunate
enough to be present at the
numerous peasant festivals in the
country, where they gaily dance
all night.
The Czechs, as of course every
one knows nowadays, occupy Bo-
hemia, and Slovakia, their allied
state, is the home of the Slovaks.
who differ in temperament from
the Bohemians, though their alli-
ance is q harmonious one. Mo-
ravia, with it's city of Brno (for 1t
IA the fashion to omit many Of the
vowels in Czechoslovak), lies be-
tween the two regions.
BOHEMIAN LOVES PRAGUE.
The old city Of Prague, with It's
medieval atmosphere, appeals to
the Bohemian artist, las 1t did 20
our own poet Longfellow, who
made Prague the theme OF one OF
his favorite ballads. THE Belea-
guered CITY," in Voices OF the
Night"
81 have read. in some old marvellous
tale.
Some legend strange ana vague.
Thst a midnight host Of spsctrss pale
BeIeaguered the WALLS Of Prague.
Beside the NoIdsu's rushing stream.
with the wan moon overhead"