Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-11

A neat trick, calculated to annoy the
wealthy American captains of industry,
who by many Europeans are held
responsible for the impending high
tariff on imports to this country, Is
being seriously considered abroad.
especially In England. It is restric-
ton on export of works of art and
precious antiques which, in modern
times, have become so dear to the
hearts Of American millionaires. While.
in an economic sense, such restriction
would have no material retaliatory ef-
feet, the step would bring sharply to
the minds of American leaders how Bit
terly foreign nations feel about the pro-
posed American prohibitive tariff. which
will keep many Of their products out of
our market.
European countries. and especially
England, feel that they are b"ing de-
nuded Of their most treasured works OF
art. For some years there has been
uneasiness on this score. It has been
felt by these people that Americans. SO
often referred to as barbarians, do not
really appreciate the famous paintings,
tapestries, sculpture, jewelry ana furnl-
ture which they buy, but merely pur-
chase them for the satisfaction OF show
ing that they can outbid the traditional
owners and to, obtain the Show-on
which attendant publicity accords.
There is no doubt about the ability
of foreign governments to stop sales to
Americans. Indeed, the matter has just
been raised in the British Parliament
and other European nations also are
considering the question. Italy. for
some time, has restricted export Of GER
tain works of art. Permission to bring
an Nrt treasure to the United States
must be obtained from the italian gov
eminent authorities.
The movement of European art treas
ures to the United States is accelerat-
ing. Monthly increases for 1929 thus
far are 81 ,O0O, 900 ahead OF last years
record In 1928 imports of works of
art over a hundred years old amounted
to the colossal sum of S46,9l40 900. For
the first four months of 1923 imports CT
this character amounted to $s.434, 300.
For the first four months of 1929 the
same classification shows SIG, 900.
Works Hardship Upon Living ToiIers.
What constitutes an additional irri-
tant to the Europeans in this situation
is that while the United States now
has pending in its Congress a measure
which will keep out the products of
their factories and fields-that Ia, the
work of living persons-it imposes no
taTll Whatever on WOTkS Oh ART over
hundred years old. The money paid
for these works of art goes, in many
instances, to families already rich or
to institutions or dealers. Not a cent
goes to workers and, of course. the per-
sons who produced these works of art
more than hundred years OH are long
since dead
Ssich situation seems unfair to coln-
tries where labor parties constantly are
gaining strength. In England. from
which country American millionaires
buy 100000 or $4,000, 900 worth of
works OF art a year. the Labor party is
in power and while Prime Minister
Ramsay Macdonald is not anxious to
have sny friction with Americans at a
ti'le when both nations are seeking dis
armament the workers. who placed his
party in power. feel that 1t would be a
proper move to prevent Americans from
absorbing English art treasures unless
they are willing to let the products of
living workers come into the United
States under reasonable duty. The
idea Of fevoring the work OF dead men
whose work can enter this country free.
over living workers who need EMPLOY
ment, is an irksome one to British labor.
One reason why Americans buy more