WAR MEMORIALS.
ITo THE EDITOR OF MR EIPICULTORM Sia,—As patriotism showed itself' in a rush to enlist and serve, so now it takes- the form of gratitude and a rush of each little village to be the first to raise up its memorial to the fallen and to give its thankofferings for peace and' victory. Alas! already these thankofferinge are being spoilt by dissension and ill-feeling, which might be avoided if Village Committees were not carried too far in their first enthusiasms—if only they would consider their memorials as national and not merely local affairs, and also would not act independently of the wishes of subscribers. The suggestion already made by the Spectator that design. of buildings should be submitted fur approval to the Academy Committee of Artists ought to be generally followed, and so prevent works being hurriedly put up everywhere to be banned as unsuitable and inartistic by those future generations who we trust will be more educated and artistic than our own.
As a subscriber who has already suffered' by the mistakes of a Village Committee; may I suggest there are three snares or pit:faller" be avoided? (1) Not to accept voluntary work from an architect unless he will submit his designs to the Academy Committee, but rather advertise for designs, and so have several from which to make a choice. (2) The Committee must not decide. on its architect and design while be is present and his design on the table before him. (3) The Committee must, if it hat no knowledge of- art, be willing- to be guided by well- known and experienced experts. Lastly, may I suggest that the housing problem should have first consideration, and express a hope that Government may see fit to forbid erection of war memorials in any district till suitable houses have been pro- vided for all returning soldiers and other workers?—I am, Sir,
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