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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
Muddled Medals.
A JUMBLE FROM START TO FINISH
FOREIGN
MAKERS CRITICISE THE DATES.
I
T was to be expected from the time elaps-
ing- between the close of the World's
Fair and the delivery of the medals that
when delivered they would be perfect from
every standpoint.
But are they?
We question in all the history of world's
fairs, ancient and modern, if there has
been exhibited such an open display of
indifference as has been apparent to all con-
cerned in the design, finish and delivery of
these medals. We recollect the first design
submitted by that eminent sculptor Augus"
tus St. Gaudens was objected to by many on
account of the brevity of wearing apparel
adorning the figures of the little bronze
cherubs. After considerable discussion and
much prudish criticism winter clothing was
added to the naked forms of the youngsters
who seemed to be disporting themselves in
childish glee utterly unconscious of the
terrible wrath they were provoking from
the non-admirers of the nude in art. After
their graceful limbs were swathed in cum-
brous folds which effectually screened the
objectionable nudity, the little fellows
looked tired and wan; they looked more
like miniature patrons of a Turkish bath
than objects of art. The heavy woolens
did not become them. They were children
of a warmer clime, hence heavy clothing
was distasteful to them, and their spirits
drooped under its weight.
Finally the design was abandoned and
the cunning little fellows were consigned
to oblivion, likewise to the chilling vaults
of the Capitol, where it is to be hoped their
extra clothing was needed.
Another design:
The front of the medal had passed crit-
icism and Columbus bearing upon his
bronze features a look of ineffable pain
and misery as he stood on the prow of his
rowboat, while the two brigands behind
him, armed with stillettos, looked as if they
were about to prod him unless he moved
off the boat, was accepted as being quite
the thing.
Our own. idea is that the mighty Christo-
pher looks disgusted as they havs pictured
him in bronze.
He looks as if he was
heartily sick of his job and wished him-
self back in Genoa, and that he had never
proposed such a thing to Isabella as to
pawn the engagement ring- given her by
Ferdinand to send him on such a jour-
ney. However, let that go and turn to the
reverse side of the medal, a couple of re-
markable looking angels, with fleshy bodies,
are perched over the lettering. They seem
and look about as uncomfortable as if they
were resting on a picket fence. One has
something- in her hand which greatly re-
sembles a fine tooth comb. She is evidently
deaf, because her companion is talking to
her through an ear trumpet and her heavy
features look weary as if it was an all-fired
hard task to make her hear. The position
of both is evidently uncomfortable, because
they are trying to edge under the globe
which balances easily on the narrow line.
They wear a look that causes one to think
they would be mighty pleased if some one
would take them down and invite them out
for some cream.
sirous of taking a hand in the proceedings.
Columbus, who has obtained a holiday,
has borrowed a Norseman's boat—or maybe
has taken it without leave—is out canoeing
with the Norseman's wife, a Jap, a coon, a
Greek and a girl in exceedingly d£collet£
costume.
Columbus is not satisfied, and
he has the girls paddle down to where
Columbia sits He knows that an American
girl is hard to get, the discoverer of worlds
knows this, and has brought along a wreath.
His actions now reflect upon Spanish gal-
lantry. Instead of climbing upon the prow
of the canoe, he himself stands at the tiller
while he tells the girl in de'collete' costume
to clamber up and hand that wreath to
Columbia and just say to her that he, Chris-
topher, wishes to have her join them in a trip
down the Bay. Plainly the girl objects;
she, as well as Christopher, has noticed that
it is not an easy task to do, besides she
thinks that Christopher should do his own
So much for art.
But, great Scott ! the committee who
had this matter under advisement surely
knew that Columbus did not discover this
continent in 1892. They must have mis-
taken his descendant, the Duke de Veragua
for the one and only Christopher.
Do not the Roman numerals MDCCCXCII
mean 1892? and to be taken literally that
the discovery of America occurred in 1892?
Foreign papers have already taken this
arrangement seriously. They have forgot-
ten that the fair was held in 1893 but they
have not forgotten that it was to commem-
orate the four hundredth anniversary of
Columbus' landing.
Christopher, slightly
Suppose the committee claim that 1892 inviting in person.
enraged,
raises
the
globe
which he always
means the four hundredth anniversary,
carries
and
threatens
to
throw
it at her unless
while 1893 means the year the fair was
she
obeys.
This
brings
her
to
terms, besides
really held.
Christopher
has
added
that
he'll put her
But is it not execrable taste to place them
ashore
if
she
doesn't
climb.
She
climbs, and
in such a way that many have the idea that
we
see
her
in
the
picture
poising
gracefully
a blunder was committed?
upon
her
great
toe
as
she
offers
Columbia
The fair was held in 1893 and why place
the figures 1892 just preceding that date? the laurel crown. Laurel crown, did we
The date of Columbus' landing- was already say? Maybe it was in viewing this diploma
Bryan caught his "crown of thorns " idea.
upon the face of the medal.
If the medal in design reflect iipon Anyway Christopher should have known
better than to have that girl poised in such
American art what about the diploma?
At the first blush it looks well, but let us an uncomfortable position.
Even Loie Fuller couldn't do that.
examine it critically. The upper part, rep-
Meanwhile the diploma is heralded as a
resenting an arch through which we get
a view of the "White City," is well con- masterpiece of American art.
Masterpiece of Tommyrot!
ceived and executed, the tracing, the relief
We have seen in diplomas issued by
figures in the upper corner are excellent.
Columbia as she rests upon the buffalo is county fairs artistic taste of an infinitely
a figure of graceful outlines; she is watch- superior quality to these much vaunted
ing a trio of boys who surely are not World's Fair diplomas and medals.
blessed with a plethora of clothing; how-
ever, we suppose it is summer time. The
MYRON A. DECKER, of Decker & Sons, is
little ones represent three races : Cauca- rusticating in Maine. He will not return
sian, Indian and Negro. They seem to be before September.
playing marbles, but a closer inspection
HENRY SPIES, president of the Spies Pi-
causes one to think that the white boy is
ano Co., has been visiting the trade in the
learning a lesson in history, and it doesn't
New England States this week. Consid-
suit him a bit, either.
He has his little
ering the dull period, the Spies concern
hammer—not hatchet—and he proposes to
demolish that book unless Columbia shows report a business which is decidedly above
compassion on him; perhaps the part to the average, hence satisfactory.
which he objects the strongest is where
THK exports of musical instruments from
Columbus discovered America in 1892. the port of New York for the week ending
The Indian boy has proposed to play bow July 22d, amounted in value to$6,055.
and arrow. Columbia strives to extinguish
GEO. A. HEINTZMAN, of Heintzman &
the incipient mutiny and raises her hand Co., Toronto, Can., is the'guest of Adam
in protest. There are others who are de- Nickel, at the seashore.