The New York herald., 1922-03-16
Riker's Island or AL Smiths
Neighbors Might Take
Up Burden.
SCULPTOR DOESN'T WORRY
MacMonnies Insured for $40,
600 Whatever Happens to
Civic Virtue

Up in the Bronx studio of the
brothers Piccirilli yesterday swart
sons OF sunny Italy, with an eye on
the big clock. were building a runway
over which the Rough Guy must slide
TO start his journey to the fountain
base in City Hall Park, there to stand
unless the Burgomaster of New
Amsterdam rules otherwise-to SYM
bolize civic virtue triumphant over all
manner of temptation.
And, coincidentally, the Burgomas-
ter himself. setting goosequill to
parchment, was inditing screed to
his council, limiting they would do well
TO arouse the women OF the city to
the suggestion Of the degradation Of
womanhood implied by the attitude of
the Rough Guy in kicking them when
down.
And also simultaneously the creator
of Civic Virtue" now more generally
known as the Abysmal Brute. Frederick
MacMonnies, sculptor, was chuckling
nleasurably as he took his constitu-
tional around Washington Square. for
the thought kept returning to Sculptor
MacMonnies, as it did TO one Cicero,
hat times change and manners: that
only a few years ago the city fathers
thought so highly of his design for the
Rough Guy that they had the city in
sure his life for $4,000, a guaranty
which runs yet and whose premium is a
budget.
Clerks DeIve I'm Law.
Nor would yesterdays developments
in the comedy OF the Rough Guy be
complete without mention OF the stir and
confab among the BurGomaster's coun-
rcllors concerning what could be done
provided his Honor should rule that the
Rough Guy must not be set up upon the
fountain base in the City Hall Park.
Clerks were assigned to dclve into the
law. Who was the boss I'm such deli
cate controversies. Mayor or Art Com
mission? II the Mayor should jerk the
base from under the Rough Guy and his
female doormats. then where could the
Rough Guy be put? Among the really
important city agencies involved in this
investigation were the Park Commits
sioner, the Art Commission, the Cor
poration Counsel. Dave Hirshfield. Com
missioner OF Accounts Grover Whalen,
Johnny Sinnott. the Mayors secretary.
and Aristides Constantinopoulous. Ciyy
Hall Park masseur. Up to midnight last
night the problem had not been re-
solved.
II was the Mayor himself who started
things all over again yesterday by In
timating it would be well for the Board
or Estimate to summon the women OF
The city together 70 find out what they
thought about "Civic Virtue" being
symbolized as Young Bill Sykes Leaving
the Bath Here is what his Honor wrote
as he turned over in his mind the newest
peril OF municipal tranquility:
THE sculptural group by Frederick
MacATonnies, styled Civic Virtue. will
shortly be ready for installation on the
site Of the old fountain in City Hall
Park. This monument was erected by
funds provided In a bequest OF 100000
left 10 the city by Angelina Crane in
her will. dated January 10. 1891. Pre-
liminary approval was given TO the de-
sign on December IS, 1915. by the Art
Commission under the administration of
my predecessor. and subsequent ap-
proval OF various features Of the group
was given from time 70 time.
Favors Public Hearing.
'In view OF the criticism which has
been leveled at the appropriateness of
the design. In that il allegedly degrades
womanhood. the thought suggests itself
that the Board OF Estimate and APP
portionment might very well fix date
for a public hearing at which all in
trrestod citizens would have an op-
rortunity to voice their sentiments with
regard to this monument. We could.
with profit, take counsel with the women
or tho city as TO the advisabilty of
the erecting Of this sculptural group In
City Hall Park, and hence every oppor-
fi,nity should be afforded them at the
proposed public hearing to express their
opinion freely. frankly and without res
crvation."
The opinion was very definite yes
ferday around the City Hall Gas one
Says) that IL the ladies decide tho
Rough Guy won't do, the Mayor will
demand a relocation from the Art Com
mission. The Mayor is said to have
selected two sites tentatively. Riker's
island or that little square not far from
Is Oliver street where Al Smith lives.
rark Commissioner Gallatin said he
guessed the Mayor could have his way
n he 70 desired. but that he. Gallattn,
thought the MacMonnies group fine
piece Of work.
Mr.. MacMonnies spoke briefly on the
now famous work.
Can It be-" he suggested. that the
women are angry because some man
finally found the strength to resist
temptation? Can it be that such is the
cause Of their resentment. rather than
tho absurd notion that he is trampling
women under foot? In most instances
Of romantic sculpture we have the man
succumbing 10 the temptress. 7 think
women should he pleased when strength
is found TO Withstand their wonderful
wiles. Antiquity is all the other way.
There was Ulysses. who maybe did not
always put cotton In his ears whatever
friend Homer says about t. There
@as Acneas and the fair Dido. And
Lord bless us ALI What about Adam
and Eve
mo. shan't attend the hearing II
one is called. Too busy, Am 7 insured
by the city? Yes. for S9oooo."
Miss Mary Garrett Hay. speaking for
? considerable number of women. said
she thought the hearing recommended
by the Mayor would be ain excellent
thing, hut that she didn't know whether
she would have time 20 20.
1T should be amusing, that hearing
asfd Mary Garrett Hay.