Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/347

 1868.] Progress of Architecture in the United States. 2*7 it gives a fair, unbiased idea of the in- tended structure, cannot be discovered, until the masonry itself stands up, to testify. If a painting is the subject to be treated of, our journalists have the whole matter well in hand. They are hypercritical on its drawing, its color- ing, its chiar oscuro, its effects and its defects. They can tell which of the ancient masters it is, by the peculiarity of the touch. But, why should not architecture, the greatest of the Fine Arts, be at least as liberally recognized ? No, let the public have sound instruc- tion, so that they can, at a glance, discern between pretentious quackery and genuine effort. This is the only sure way to aid the progress of archi- tecture. Educate the eye ; and you at once establish taste, governed by judg- ment, and supervised by discretion and truth. Let only competent practical men sit on building committees ; and let their decisions be bound by an oath, as that of any other jury. This latter require- ment will be found more reasonable to all, when we consider that on their de- cision rests the raising and perpetuating of a monument to our credit, or our shame. Of all things, let it be distinctly under- stood, that political bias shall have no hand in the appointment of an architect, or the choice of a design, for any public building whatever. Merit should be the only test of qualification ; and should always insure its possessor against the intrigues of those whose political status is their sole recommendation. Public works, such as national buildings, should not be confined to the brains of a Bureau at Washington, no matter how appar- ently economical such an office may be, in the eyes of the government. Indi- vidual talent throughout the land should have an opportunity of exercising out- side skill on such works; and we all know, that free growth of any thing is superior to the same, when confined. So it is with brain ; the free, untrammeled genius loves to display itself; while that which is under special control, and subjected to certain rules of office, is troubled with a sickly sameness, and a want of that energetic fire so necessary to its true development. Every possible means by which the progress of architecture may be aided and abetted, should be resorted to for the sake of its .own intrinsic worth, as well as the national spirit it builds up before mankind. The delicate taste, and natural love, for all that is refined and beautiful in art, would lead the women of our coun- try to study and delight in architecture. Why should they be debarred that privilege ? There is no reason why they who seek philosophy as a study, should slight this. It is an art, so con- sonant with the most elevated feelings of their nature, that they must love it and cherish it above all others ; for, it is founded on truth, and makes grace and unity palpable to the world, as a model from which to study what life might be, were we but intent to make it so. Why are our clergy not students and eminent promoters of architecture ? The Great Architect of the mighty Uni- verse, who canopied this world of ours with that cerulean dome which palsies human skill, and leaves the rapt imagi- nation in eternal bewilderment, has shown His interest in architecture, and condescended to dictate in its workings. He to whom the fullest extent of human skill is dedicated in the glorious temples erected to His glory — shall his ministers be ignorant of the favored art? It remains for themselves to say. This will suggest, that many a noble theme, most applicable to man's career and object, might be chosen from the details of architecture, and be brought to bear with impressive force on the minds of both preacher and parishioner, whilst their eyes rested on the solid example before them. The clear-sighted Shake-