LIFE IN WASHINGTON 247 



Goode, there was a love of elegance which the easier 

 conditions of later years made it possible to gratify in 

 suitable measure. But in museums a sober dignity is 

 the first essential and the professional decorator a wastrel 

 and a pest. Upon the contents of the museum let every 

 aid to beauty and taste in arrangement or setting forth 

 be employed to enhance the public interest in that for 

 which the museum exists, but keep the walls free from 

 frescos and the furniture from the carver. All that they 

 should offer is an unobtrusive background. In his rela- 

 tions with his subordinates Baird was admirable. Orders 

 were given quietly and with consideration. His way 

 with the young student was a mixture of fatherly over- 

 sight, kindly criticism and careful training. They came 

 to him as to a father confessor, and the half humorous 

 philosophy he installed in his advice was not only healing 

 but wise. He was never profane; no one would have 

 ventured on a risky .story in his presence. I have heard 

 that once or twice in thirty-seven years he was known 

 to be angry, but it was regarded as an astounding phe- 

 nomenon by all who knew him. 



