Evening star., 1925-03-31
Exotic Establishments.

The Republic Of Mexico is to be con
graduated on its decision to make lts
embassy on upper Sixteenth street
not only an elaborate place OF enter
tainment for official Washington, but
also "A residence representative OF the
hest traditions of Mexican art, INDUS
try, horticulture and that indetnable,
but important, aspect known as at
mosphere.'
The house proper. originally the
home of Secretary Franklin Mac
Veagh. is not amenable to accurate
architectural application. Most of the
original structural scheme must neces-
sarily be retained. but in detail, and
in certain major instances. the exist
ing scheme will be made to blend as
far as possible with Mexican ideals.
Native shrubbery and flowers pecu-
lar TO the sister republic, objects of
art, including examples Of the Aztec
school and themes Of decoration, are
all TO combine to render the premises
a handsome and interesting cross
section of the best aspects of Mexican
national life.
The nation situated across the Rio
Grande is TO be congratulated on the
possession Of distinctive national types
of architecture and Of art which may
be successfully applied to its govern
mental buildings in other lands. It is
to be congratulated on having admin
iStrative and diplomatic officials dis
eliminating, far-sighted and liberal
enough to adopt and put into effect
plans for which thanks will be given
by every Washingtonian and by many
visitors from all parts of the country.
The home of the Pan-American Union,
for example, famed throughout all the
world for its unusual combination of
utility and appropriate beauty, is one
If Washington's favorite structures.
1t is almost as highly cherished by
local residents as by the representa-
tives of the countries Of Spanish and
Portuguese America to whom it ex-
tends a homelike welcome.
Other embassies and legations here
in many ways are thoroughly and
beautifully representative of the ma
lions which own them. Washington
would contemplate with pride and
gratitude a future collection each one
uf which would be absolutely and
beautifully typical Of the country oc-
cupying it. Such a group would form
Il permanent architectural and histori-
cal exposition that would prove a ma
tional asset.
The converse of the proposition is
equally true. The fundamental Of ex-
traterritoriality is capable of such
consistent physical extension that
diplomatic buildings Of the United
States throughout the world may
some day be suggestive. if not actual
ly representative, Of the best in Ameri-
can architecture and fine arts. In
such an event the field of choice is
wide one. The claim is made that
America has no distinctive type Bet
ter might it be said that she has sew
eral, including the New England
colonial and the Southern colonial
adaptation of the Georgian. The pres.
ent habit Of buying or renting almost
any available residence and filling it
or taking it over filled with a hodge.
podge. of household goods characteris-
tic Of many periods and many climes
Undoubtedly some day will be super
seded by policy of erecting hand
some, dignified, appropriate and truly
American structures equipped with
sterling examples Of American crafts
manship.