Page:The Galaxy, Volume 5.djvu/162

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152
A CORNER STONE.

way. But the fact that the architects themselves are moving in the matter of the public education, that they are combining their efforts to persuade the public to look at the subject of architecture from a higher point than it has been accustomed to—these things are matters for sincere congratulation; and not the least encouraging element in the prospect is, that these movements are the drawing together of influences hitherto separate, and working, if not in opposition, yet apart and solitary, but now brought together out of a common conviction. The professional tour of observation which Mr. W. Ware is now making through England—sent out, we believe, by the American Institute of Architects—promises to have happy results. Everywhere he has been received with generous cordiality, and all opportunity freely given him to know what has been accomplished and what is being done, in the revival of architecture in England. He has himself, whenever it has seemed to be desirable, addressed the architects at their various social and professional meetings, and by his good sense, modesty, and tact, has done much to excite an interest in the work of our own men. Nor has the result of his visit, thus far, been confined to good wishes and sympathy; an interchange of ideas and productions has also been begun. The Royal Institute of Architects has sent out to the American Institute, through Mr. Ware, copies of all its papers, reports of proceedings, monographs, etc., and added to these a large collection of architectural photographs, drawings, and tracings of the works of its members, among whom are to be found every architect of note and ability in the United Kingdom. The American Institute has not been slow to respond to these expressions of good will. It is preparing to make the best return in its power, by sending to England a collection of photographs and drawings representing the progress of the profession in America. This will not be done in any narrow or exclusive spirit, nor will any attempt be made to give a more favorable impression of our condition than would be just, by sending only the best that has been accomplished here. Invitations have been sent to all the architects who are in any way entitled to the name, to send either drawings, or photographs and tracings of drawings, of their best work, to the Secretary of the Institute, in New York, for transmission to England. The response to this invitation has, thus far, been general, and there is every prospect that a large portfolio will be collected. One great advantage of this proceeding will be, that our architects will, for the first time, submit their work to competent judgment, and get a verdict on it worth considering. And it is much to be desired that the intercourse thus happily begun between American architects and those of England, should be extended to the French, among whom a movement is taking place, similar to that going on in England, but