THE FREER GALLERY OF ART 
to unite modern work with masterpieces of certain periods 
of high civilization harmonious in spiritual and physical 
suggestion, having the power to broaden esthetic culture 
and the grace to elevate the human mind. 
“These collections I desire to retain during my life for 
the enjoyment of students, my friends and myself, and 
for the further purpose of making additions and improve¬ 
ments from time to time. Believing that good models 
only should be used in artistic instruction, I wish to con¬ 
tinue my censorship, aided by the best expert advice, and 
remove every undesirable article, and add in the future 
whatever I can obtain of like harmonious standard 
quality.” 
Mr. Freer’s remarkable offer was placed before the 
next annual meeting of the Smithsonian Regents iri 
January, 1905, and was most carefully considered. The 
only consideration which occasioned the slightest hesita¬ 
tion was the fact that the space allotted to the National 
Gallery was then entirely inadequate and already over¬ 
crowded, and there was some doubt as to what arrange¬ 
ments could be made for the objects after Mr. Freer’s 
death and before the completion of the building which he 
offered to provide. A committee of the Regents brought 
the matter to the attention of President Roosevelt and 
asked his advice regarding Mr. Freer’s offer. With Mt\ 
Roosevelt there was no hesitation. With his characteristic 
vigor and enthusiasm, he brought his fist down on the 
arm of his chair and said, “Gentlemen, accept this collec¬ 
tion whether you can care for it or not!” 
The Regents, acting on this bold advice, accepted the 
collection on the proffered terms. The final wording of 
Mr. F reer’s offer, addressed to President Roosevelt, was 
in part as follows: 
“To the President: 
“Permit me to repeat my offer to bequeath my art col¬ 
lections to the Smithsonian Institution or to the United 
States Government, and also the sum of $500,000 in 
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