EXHIBITION OF 1871—SUPERINTENDENTS’ REPORTS. 99 
lessen the danger of explosion caused by low water. We deem it eminent¬ 
ly entitled to a diploma. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. 
D. S. BARENESS, 
A. J. LANGWORTHY, 
GEO. J. ROGERS. 
REPORT OF THE FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT. 
BY J. 0. EATON, SUPERINTENDENT. 
The success of the Fine Arts Department in 1870 was so 
marked, in view of all the unfavorable conditions, that new 
hopes were entertained for it.in 1871—especially in view of an 
increase in the number and value of premiums, and the very 
considerable enlargement of the hall and the introduction of 
sky-lights into its roof. Unhappily, however, these hopes 
were doomed to disappointment, so that it now devolves upon 
the superintendent to report his department a practical failure. 
But few artists from any portion of state had specimens of 
their skill on exhibition, and the citizens of Milwaukee who 
contributed so handsomely of their choice works the year be¬ 
fore, appeared to have exhausted their enthusiasm in the 
praiseworthy efforts then put forth and this time, with a few 
exception, did literally nothing. In fact, however, the society 
is entitled to a share of the discredit; for the lack of co-opera¬ 
tion on the part of those citizens who made the largest and 
most valuable contributions in 1870 was due in a large measure, 
if not wholly, to the tardiness of the society in deciding to make 
such improvements in the exhibition hall as were demanded 
by them, and as were necessary to the protection and proper 
display of their various works. Action came so late, indeed, 
that the lovers of art in Milwaukee, dispairing of any suitable 
preparation, had already made arrangements lor an independ¬ 
ent exhibition in the city, gotten up in the interest of a worthy 
charity enterprise. 
When, therefore, the hall had, at last been enlarged and 
otherwise improved, the superintendent found so large a pro- 
