Conversation so far:
What made Robert Dale Owen stand out as a congressman?
Robert Dale Owen was also involved in the debates about the annexation of Texas and an Oregon boundary dispute in 1844.
What was Robert Dale Owen's stance in the debates about the annexation of Texas and an Oregon boundary dispute in 1844?
Who else was involved in the debates about the annexation of Texas and an Oregon boundary dispute in 1844 besides Robert Dale Owen?
Are there any other interesting aspects about the Robert Dale Owen article besides his involvement in the debates about the annexation of Texas and an Oregon boundary dispute in 1844?
Robert Dale Owen, his brother David Dale Owen, and architect Robert Mills, were involved in developing preliminary plans for the Smithsonian Building.
What was Robert Dale Owen, David Dale Owen, and Robert Mills' vision for the Smithsonian building?
Robert Dale Owen, David Dale Owen, and Robert Mills' early plans influenced James Renwick, Jr.'s choice of the Romanesque Revival architectural style and his three-story design for the building.
Was James Renwick, Jr.'s design implemented for the Smithsonian building or no?
James Renwick, Jr.'s three-story design for the Smithsonian building was selected, although not without controversy.
Why was there controversy in selecting the design for the Smithsonian building relative to Robert Dale Owen?
Some criticized Robert Dale Owen for his bias toward James Renwick, Jr. and his preference for Norman-style architecture over other popular styles.

Question: What was his response to the controversy?
Self-contained rewrite: What was Robert Dale Owen's response to the controversy in selecting the design for the Smithsonian building?