1856-04-21 Trustee Committee on Statuary: Minority Report, 1831.039.003-003

that it was know to him. --- Mr. Curtis says in that opinion "It is worth noting here, that Judge Story in 1843 in a written report upon the subject of contemplated improvements at the Cemetery, alludes particularly to the use of the proposed Chapel for the purpose of a shelter for busts and Statues, but is guarded in his language and refers only to such "marble busts and statues and other sepulchral monuments which may from time to time be placed there by liberal benefactors and friends in memory of the dead" --- and Mr. Curtis adds, " It is probable that is had not then occurred to his mind that the Trustees would ever take this thing upon themselves. " --- It is therefore very plain, that Judge Story, the first President of the Corporation, was ignorant of the fact that these statues formed a part of the original design. --- The Committee are^^{undersigned is} of _opinion

that if the amount to be paid for these statues should be placed at interest and the income derived from it be spent upon the grounds, -- in keeping there in more perfect order than has hitherto been the case, that it would be far more for the reputation of the place, and the pleasure and comfort of the visitors and proprietors, than would be the exhibition of the statuary, however beautiful.---

One among the many reasons why this statuary should not be procured, is ,that the state of the finances of the Corporation. By the last annual report of the Treasurer it appears that the property belonging to the Corporation amounted to the sum of $29,900 estimating the stocks in which it was invested at par -- while nearly all of ^^them are greatly depreciated. --- It also appears by the Treasurer's report, that the expenditures exceeded the income, (which included the sales of lots during the year), $252.51 --We shall therefore find when all the lots are sold, if we proceed in this manner, that we have the "embellishments" on

hand, but no funds and no means to meet the current expenses of the Corporation. ---

Another reason why the statuary should not be placed in the Chapel is, that in the opinion of may persons who profess ^^{or are supposed} to be judges in such matters, the light will not be good and the beauties of the statues will not be seen to advantage, nor justice be done to the artists who shall construct them ---

But it is not necessary here to detail all the objections to the plan.---

The Committee ^^undersigned believes that an arrangement can be entered into with the artists who have been engaged to make the statues, to relinquish the contracts by making them a liberal compensation for the work already done --- but if that cannot be accomplished, -- that some disposition can be made of the statues when completed by which a large part of the expenditure may be returned to the Corporation, and if

only one half of the amount should be saved, that sum at compound interest, in twelve years would give the original sum expended --- whereas if the statues should be placed in the chapel, it is very evident that during the twelve years they would not increase in value. ---

In view therefore of the importance of of the subject, the diversity of opinion, and the large amount of money to be expended, the Committee ^^undersigned recommends that a special meeting of the proprietors be called for the purpose of laying the matter before them and taking their opinion upon it.—

All of which is respectfully submitter

Chas G. Narro

In conclusion the undersigned would recommend the passage of of the following votes, to wit

Voted, That it is important to place the Statues of Gov^r Winthrop, James Otis, and John Adams in the Chapel or Grounds of Mount Auburn

Voted, That a Committee be appointed with full powers to carry the suggestions contained in this report regarding the Statues into effect in such manner as they may deem [important?]

All of which is respectfully submitted --- Cha^s G. Narro