REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 49 



A number of important topics presented for consideration by the 

 commission were gone over in all necessary detail. It was stated 

 by the secretary that the war portrait collection, after two years' 

 circulation by the American Federation of Arts, had been returned 

 to the gallery and placed on exhibition in association with the 

 World War exhibits. 



The committee appointed by the commission in 1922 to advise with 

 the committee on the purchase of works from the Eanger fund, 

 Messrs. Kedfield, Melchers, and Holmes, made no report, but it was 

 announced that during the year 11 purchases were made from this 

 fund none of which, however, were assigned to the National Gallery. 



Attention was given to the resolution submitted by the regents, 

 February 8, 1923, requesting consideration of the suggestion of cer- 

 tain architects that a museum of architecture be founded in connec- 

 tion with the Institution, xifter discussion, the following resolution 

 was adopted : 



Resolved, That the Commission of the National Gallery of Art recommend 

 to the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution the inclusion of a division of 

 historical architecture in the National Gallery of Art. The division should 

 seek to establish standards in architecture, furniture, and landscape archi- 

 tecture for the benefit of students and others interested in the preservation of 

 the historic buildings of America. 



Extended consideration was given to the important problem of a 

 national gallery building, as to its character as the prospective joint 

 home of national art and national history, and as to the raising of 

 funds for the construction of a building worthy of its purpose and 

 of the American Nation. The various agencies that might be en- 

 listed in the work were reviewed, and the impression prevailed that 

 obtaining funds for the purpose by subscription was not within the 

 range of feasibility. The possible adaptation of the George Wash- 

 ington Memorial Building, now in course of construction, to the 

 purposes of art and history was suggested. 



It was agreed that the first and essential step was the preparation 

 of plans for the proposed structure, and the raising of a fund for the 

 purpose was considered. Discussion led to the announcement by a 

 member of the commission that he would be responsible for one half 

 of the amount required when the other half is raised. Another 

 member indicated that he would gladly help, and a committee of 

 three — Mr. Parmelee, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Walcott — was appointed 

 to take charge of the task of completing the fund. 



The election of officers and members of the commission and mem- 

 bers of the committees followed. The resignation of Mr. Daniel C. 

 French as a member of the commission was announced, and Mr. 

 Gari Melchers was selected to succeed him as chairman of the com- 



