Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-02

the kind of knowledge most useful to
our condition. The result is seen in
the variety and excellence of every
species Of mechanism, especially in the
Wonderful inventions Of the telegraph,
cylinder printing press, steam pillow and
sewing machine"
THE time is propitious to enforce
every argument which can awaken at
tention of our Government to Dement'S
which liberal arts can bring TO the
state.
THE domain OF fine arts is the only
one neglected by our legislators, and yet
is the one most needing their care. II *
my belief that II the subject were
brought before them in proper way.
they would lend generous hand
There is no question Of the native
intellectual ability of the American TO
reach the highest position IN the me
arts. He is endowed with every essen
tial quality: quick of observation. origi-
nal in conceptions and indomitable in
carving them out free from ShacKleS
and nreiudices transmitted from the
dark ages; fertile in resources. and IN
ventive beyond parallel in any other
people.
"Our country Ia forced in great
measure to depend upon foreigners to
illustrate its annals. This Is all wrong.
An alien to the patriotic impulse. VINO
knows not the spirit of and wants OF
people, is untitled to be their lnStruc-
tor and guide. since zeal for ms coun-
try does not animate the work or MS
hands
MANY of our public buildings are
certainly beautiful. Even grandeur may
be attributed to a few. but J believe
there are many serious defects m the
position, construction and decoration OF
several important edificeS Inc orlgl-
nal old CAPITOL was so remarkable Tor
harmonious proportions that 1t was
hazardous and bold experiment. TO
change It by any addition whatever.
And when a larger building became
necessary IL should have been placed al
a considerable distance and distinct
from the other.
WHAT kellogg had to say about the
w washington Monument then I'M
der construction shows his utter leal
lessness i'm speaking his mind and casts
some interesting light ON the criticism
and discussions that made the rouhos
of the Capital He said: ..,.
ION a barren. desoiate pehnlSula'
about a mile west of the city, Is an IN
finished monument to Washli'Stoll Eot
On long wears IL has been q stanoihg
~ehuka IN the patriotism of the Amer
lean people .,,,,>,a.al
What pride would 1t excite IN theu
minds A colossal obelisk butt up Oh
separate stones is opposed TO what l
Relieve 10 be the true principle m
ynlved in this species OF monumental
architecture, / have never seen one ~
any other country. It is a thing Oh truiy
American invention.
When Kellogg referred TO the WASH
inet0n Monument as an ooellSK OF
American invention" he had IN MIND
that none of the Egyptian ooelisKS was
built up OF stoneS~-all are monolthS'
So the American monument was throw
ing aside precedent, and something
new in the way of memorials was being
erected in the Capital of the Republic, !
He continued;
What knowledge Is posterity to de-
rive from the intended monument 10 |
the Father Of His Country External |
~. nothing Indicates Its purpose moth |
ing perpetuates by significance OF de- |
sign the virtuous character ana pa
trtotic deeds of Washington,
According tn the original design, the (
base of the obeliSk is surrounded by !
portico of the Doric order. which, II !
carried out, would furnish additional |
reasons for adverse criticism. II would |
then present the artistic incongrulty OF |
a severe. heavy style heine supported by |
a lighter and more ornamental one, IN |
fact. the paradox Of an ancient, mas |
sive. towering shaft, rising from less |
ancient and comparatively feeble sub |
struoture--a mixture OF styles utterly |
indefenslhle.
MY feeling Ia that an obeliSk OF such |
enormous height should rise from the |
ground itself, in other words, appear 20 |
grow from 1t as. It's lasting and ever |
lasting support.
1.-THE absence OF color In the material |
OF this monument Ii serious objection, |
III some states Of the atmosphere its |
tint Is so similar to that OF the sky that I
IL becomes invisible, fact / have often /
noticed"
Little heed was taken Of what he said. |