No. 486.
Mr. von
Alvensleben to Mr. Bayard.
Washington, January 30, 1888. (Received February 1.)
Mr. Secretary of State: The central committee of the International and Jubilee Art Exhibition, which is to be held this year at Munich, and to which the note of Baron von Zedtwite, of the 23d ultimo, had reference, has petitioned the Royal Bavarian Government to cause a request to be made diplomatically, of the United States Government, for an appropriation in behalf of the paiticipatioa of American artists.
Such an appropriation would especially facilitate the formation of an American collective group, whereby the most conclusive evidence could be furnished of the progress and distinctive character which are securing to America an honorable place in the artistic world.
The relations existing between Munich and the United States in the field of art, which are constantly still further developed by the large attendance of young Americans at the Munich Academy of Arts, and by the extensive exportation of paintings might be adduced in support of the greatest possible encouragement on the part of the Government to the participation of American artists in the exhibition. Finally, moreover, the interests of American artists themselves might seem to be directly concerned, since the world-wide fame enjoyed by the International Art Exhibitions of Munich, and the concourse of foreigners of all nations that may be expected on this occasion, will afford them an opportunity to dispose of their productions to advantage, and to acquire celebrity in Europe.
In view of these important advantages, the outlay of public money involved will be the less felt, inasmuch as a small amount will be sufficient for the attainment of the object in view.
The aforesaid central committee has also requested that gratuitous return transportation may be obtained both by other means of conveyance and via the railways of the United States of America, for articles placed on exhibition which may not be sold, and which it may be desired to send home, and the Royal Bavarian Government would be particularly gratified if such gratuitous transportation, which has already been granted by the state railways of Bavaria, and which will probably be granted by the other German railways and by those of other large continental [Page 673] countries, could also be secured on the railways of the United States of America.
I have the honor, in compliance with the desire of the Royal Bavarian Government, to commend the foregoing petition of the committee of the Munich Exhibition to your kind consideration, and I avail, etc.,