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purposes by issuing bonds, the Academy had been obliged to place its property in the hands of trustees, of which Durand was one.

Difficulties arose because of conflicting ideas between the trustees and the Academy. Some urged the risking the expense of a fine building; others argued for prudence, economy, and a plain house. Durand sympathized with the artists, and strove to reconcile the opponents, but he hated turmoil, and, to secure quiet for his studies, he talked of resigning the presidency. And, notwithstanding the earnest wishes of the members, he did so in 1860. Some time before this, a circumstance occurred which furnished an occasion for the resignation he had contemplated. Proposals had been made for a new building on Twenty-third Street. Plans were invited from a few architects, and a time fixed for their presentation for decision by the Council assembled. President Durand was in the chair. The designs of the competing architects were displayed, but only two were judged worthy of serious consideration. Of these one was by an architect then well-known for his practical skill, but was though too plain and commonplace in its effect to the eye. The other was by Eidlitz, in the Paladian style, pleasing and appropriate.

Durand decidedly favored the latter. Most of us agreed with him, and after discussion we voted to accept it. This decision was not absolutely final, the consent of the trustees being necessary. We adjourned, and President Durand went home. No sooner had he left, than the officer in charge of the designs said: "Gentlemen, there is another drawing, but as it came after the time fixed for receiving designs had passed, I have not thought it proper to place it in competition." We exclaimed against so much red tape, and asked to see it. It was brought out. It was a design by Wight, very much like our building as it now stands, but more beautiful and picturesque. We called for a re-organization. The vice-president took the chair; we reconsidered the previous vote, and almost unanimously decided for Wight's design.

Our excitement, and the vexation at the withholding of the best design, betrayed us into this lawless disrespect to our honored president. As one of the culprits, I may say it was outrageous, and Durand was justly indignant. We apologized; the whole body of academicians joined in a petition, but he never took the chair again.

I must say that, though he was resolute in refusing to condone this unmannerly proceeding of ours in his