992 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION H. 
literature and of English painting, architecture had ceased to be 
an art, and had become archeological. 
What I wish to show is, that all art moves in cycles ; that the 
architectural cycle is first, and sculpture and music are the last in 
the scale; that these cycles have occurred in precisely the same 
order in the life of every nation, and it is reasonable, therefore, to 
assume that they will occur in the same way here; and, further, that 
it is only during the continuance of its own particular cycle that 
any of the arts can be said to be really vital, and capable of its 
loftiest expression. Let me cite the latest instance in support of 
this argument. It can scarcely be said that the United States 
has a national literature ; and, though there are many clever 
American painters and sculptors, it certainly has no national 
school of painting or sculpture. But that a national architecture 
is gradually but surely being evolved there, must be evident to 
everyone who has given the matter a moment’s attention. Does 
not the phrase “an American house” convey a distinct and very 
definite idea to the mind of every architect 4 
The United States is now in its architectural age ; and if there 
is anything in my contention with regard to the periodicity of art, 
then we in Australia will shortly be entering upon a similar cycle. 
A distinct national character in architecture is a natural growth. 
We cannot create or control it, but it will be gradually evolved. 
Tt will be probably nothing very novel, but whatever it is, it will 
reflect the temper of the age as no other art can. We cannot hasten 
its coming, but we can at least do something in making straight the 
way. If my theory be a correct one—if history in this instance 
is to repeat itself{—then the birthplace of the new architecture 
must be looked for in Africa or Australia. America may yet do 
much, but we must not forget that architecture progresses rapidly 
to maturity ; and that after a comparatively brief period of full- 
blooded existence it becomes corrupt, and sinks into an apparently 
premature decay. And the American cycle, as we have seen, 
precedes ours ; so that we will profit by their experience, as we 
profit by the experience of every other nation. We are the 
legatees of time in this respect, and, if we make the best use of 
our opportunities, the world may, in its old age, look to Australia 
for the ultimate expression of whatever is great and noble in 
architecture. 
Art in Australia still awaits its evangelist, but, in the mean- 
while let us do what we can to set our house in order, so that 
when he comes he may feel that at least he is not an unexpected 
cuest.* 
* We might, for instance, strive to prevent the purchase of any more alleged Largains 
in the shape of statuary. We have already more than our share of bronze and marble 
imbecilities in our public parks and gardens ; and it would be a distinct gain to Australian 
art generally if all of them, with perhaps two or three exceptions, were consigned to the 
lime-kiln or the melting-pot. 
