“Hydrangias”
Painted by Philip de Boilleau.
The presence of the Boston Symphony organization in Baltimore this fall was thoroughly enjoyed, but it would not have been financially possible had not ten of our wealthy and very liberal citizens formed a guarantee fund and contributed enough money to insure the entire success of the venture. We have not yet seen any public commendation of this very public spirited action, and therefore feel that it would not be amiss to assure these gentlemen (whose names are withheld at their own request) that the professional musicians as a class, and the real music-loving Baltimoreans as well, are deeply appreciative and grateful for the signal liberality they have shown and the example they have set for others to follow. Such things should not be taken as a matter of course, or be passed over in complete silence.
Mr. George N. Mackenzie’s suggestion, made public in the Sun of Dec. 13th, of placing tablets on houses that have sheltered famous persons should commend itself to all those interested in historical work or the improvement of the city. Southern towns are particularly rich in this class of historic objects, as the result of a pronounced reverence for old things and a reluctance to tear down and rebuild. However strongly present methods of progress may demand the destruction of these ancient piles, we cannot altogether condemn the unprogressiveness that leaves them standing. They are a means of important instruction to the public; and their presence in a town cannot but add to its attractiveness and prosperity, if attention is properly directed to their existence. It may safely be said that the solidarity of the English nation is in great part maintained by the constant inspiration afforded by the innumerable monuments, of all kinds, that cover English soil. They are material evidence of past greatness. Is there a more powerful agent than precedent? We step from the past to the present, and in proportion to the firmness of the position of the rear foot we advance. Preserve the monuments at any cost! The houses of great men are as sacred as their graves; and it should be a shame to that city that negligently or wilfully suffers them to be destroyed.
