Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-03-12
The Transfer of a Great Treasure,

The people of the United States have
entered into rich legacy. With the
formal inaugural opening Of the famed
W. A. Clark art collection at the Cor
coran Gallery Saturday night. and With
the first public inspection thereof yes
terday, the lovers OF art in this Nation
have become possessed Of an inherit
snce which throughout the years to
come will prove source Of gratifica-
ton and of inspiration. The wires OF
press associations carried news OF the
event into every corner Of the country
Through the collections disposition
to this gallery its enjoyment by the
people of this entire community was
best assured. BY virtue OF its perma-
nent location here in the Capital
City the interests of all the people
of this Nation were best served. It is
adequately and tremendously displayed
In accordance with the express desire
of its donor. because he possessed the
wise forethought TO place 1t IN the
custody Of an institution with which
for decades he had been intimately
and generously connected and in whose
ideals and ability he had the utmost
confidence. It was q striking comoi-
nation of prescience, Of extreme hber-
atty and of practical utilization OF all
ready established and thoroughly tested
fundamentally.
The accommodating interplay OF tes-
tamentary wisdom on the part Of the
late Senator Clark. Of striking gener-
csity on the part of his widow and his
daughters. and Of desire and ability on
the part OF the direct legatee, the gal
iery. cheerfully to accede to the sttpu-
lations of the collector have brought
about an establishment in the world
of art Of which ali concerned may be
proud. The public shares in this pride.
It is difficult to praise too highly the
collection and its new home. II wouio
be equally difficult to praise too highly
the pubiic-spirited generosity OF sucn
surviving members of Mr.. Clark's 'am-
siv as have made promptly possible the
endowment of this collection by the
nuh,ic which he served during his lie
time OF necessity the Corcoran GAL
,erv must have declined his legacy but
for the supplementary gracefully ten
dered good Offices OF Mrs. Clark and
Of his daughters. Mrs. Mary Clark oe
grsbant. Mrs. katherine Clark MOTIFS
and Miss Huguette Marcelle Clark. It's
existing edihce was already filled 1ts
income was limited. II enjoyed. how
eyer three assets which were endcac'ous
In bringing TO 1t the necessary iourtn'
These were the ardent desire TO pos
sess the collection, the unreserVeo as
position to display 1t in full accordance
witt, its former owners wishes. and the
complete professional ability wherewi'n
successfully 10 function as perpetual
trustee for the people. who. in the maj
ANALYSIS. are the legatees. MRS. ozark
and her daughters promptly PROVIDED
what vas needed - the spacious anc
harmonious new wing. skilifully oe-
signed wherein on Saturday the FIRST
Citizen Of the Land was the first guest
10 enter, 10 be followed, It Is nopeo'
throughout the years by millions OF MS
fellow countrymen.
In the words Of the president OF tbs
custodian institution. THE beautiiul
addition was erected az tribute n
Senator Clark by his widow and hi'
daughters. Their action has saved I'M
great collection not only for the Cor
coran Gallery and the National cap'tai
kyI, for the entire Nation and for future
generations "
The Nation will hold Senator Clark
name In grateful remembrance. and "
a scarcely less degree the graceful gen
crosby Of these women. but for wflon
his wise and beneficen. plan mlgh
never have been fulfilled.
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