From the Spring 1944 issue.
Remembering our Winter discussion, I return to those great difficulties which disturb Mr. Ames, or any other man interested in art’s good name. Let us call them the moral difficulties, or the political and public difficulties, which art always encounters when it begins to manifest its curious luxuriance. The time scarcely comes when there is enough of dedicated public service to fight the evil in the world, and improve the lot of the citizens; when is there a time for art? How can we ever do less than ask to see the artist’s service stripes, and certificate of honorable discharge from duty? In war time, the indulgence which the public extends to the artist, if he would have his person deferred in the draft, is that he may enlist his art. But at any time: what is the public service which art renders, that it should hope for reputation and favor?
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