Evening star., 1932-04-24

second-rate foreign artists to decorate
the Capitol with paintings of allegorical
subjects having nothing to do with
American life or ideals"
From letters written by Brown at the
time Congress was first asked to create
an art commission Mr. Bush Brown
quotes: 1T is generally understood that
the artists are the proper persons to
interest themselves in this matter (the
appointment of an art commission) d.
If they prove themselves in
different to these great interests and
allow themselves to hold such inferior
places in the estimation of their coun-
try, why, cannot help it"
Brown, according to his letters en-
tered a strong protest against what he
termed "disgraceful attempts to set
aside American artists and institute
tries to libel the artistic condition OF
our country"
Roosevelt Revived Commission.
In 1859 Henry K. Brown was named
chairman OF the first art commission
by President Buchanan. The following
year the commission made a report on
the condition of art in the Capitol with
recommendations. The Civil War alb
sorbed all public attention, and the
commission went cut of existence, but
by reason Of its accomplishments it was
revived during the Roosevelt admins
tration as permanent function OF
government.
A letter which Mr.. Bush Brown feels
has particular bearing on the subject
today was written by Brown June %,
1862, in which he said; I'm regard TO
Congress, do not want to speak disre-
spectfully Of it. I wish to err on the
other side, if at all, in my judgment.
They (the members) are sensitive to
public opinion, their ears are attuned
to the slightest vibration of the popular
voice on all matters that can affect
their political standing. But what do
the masses of the people care about
the fate of art or artists, whether they
are righted or wronged What right
have such as they to expect anything
of Government or come near it at all?
Whatever has been done for art
here, has been through some individual
who has made it his business to secure
a commission for some friend. Now I
have friends who would aid the cause
Of art here, with all their power, if I
could stand by them and furnish all
the facts.
Daniel Webster was the mouthpiece
of sh' commercial policy of Massa-
chuse'ts and was sustained and sup
ported by his people, who knew what
they wanted ACCOMPLISHED by him.
Definite Plan Required.
Henry Clay was taught his A. B.
C's in the very subjects through which
he became disting, Shed, by men who
gave him all the data upon which his
greatest speeches Were founded. He
spoke as one having authority. This is
all as It should be, for he represented
the interests of his country
IF these men needed the assistance
of merchants and manufacturers to
guide them, how much more do these
members in both houses of Congress
require to be constantly aided and Sus-
taintd by the artists whose interests
they might attempt to represent, from
the fact that they know but very little
about art"
Mr.. Bush Brown feels it is merely
fiction" that art only thrives in the
great commercial centers. and the idea
has come into being only because all
other countries have their capitals in
the commercial centers.
He believes that if artists take
definite and honorable position in
Washington as the American Institute
Of Architects has done, I'VE would find
that Washington would soon become
the art center as it is now a scientific
and literary center"
What the artists need now just as
much as they did in 1862 is to know
what they want and to have a definite
plan to carry it into effect, Mr.. Bush
Brown asserts Through the American
Federation of Arts we have all the nee
essary machinery to accomplish both
purposes, he adds.