Branch To Be Located Here

The program of the meeting of the Ladies' Library Union Wednesday afternoon was opened with several interesting current items, the first of which was given by Mrs. Finney, who referred to the conventions of importance and interest that have been held recently in Washington, and to the important matters brought up in the senate. Mrs. John Burg gave an excellent report of the present condition of the Boers.

A departure from the usual program of meetings was taken when Miss Josie Davidson, to the delight and satisfaction of her auditors, recited "Nora O'Whalen." Miss Davidson's imitation of the Irish brogue is very good and the recitation was well rendered.

Mrs. Ford then gave a good account of education opportunities in the Transvaal. Following the line of education, Mrs. Eggert told what many large and prominent libraries are doing for the poor, especially children, mentioning in particular those of Milwaukee, Hartford, Boston and Pittsburgh. In some, separate rooms are provided for children, who are looked after by some kind attendant. The Pittsburgh library has established several branches and books are left in the homes of the poor. A friendly young visitor takes the books, spends half days with the children and the visits are always looked for a welcomed. The plan is providing to be an excellent one. 

At this point Miss Crocker stated to the ladies that a branch of the National Consumers' league is about to be established in Ann Arbor. She read the constitution of the league and announced that a meeting will be held in Harris hall at 3 o'clock next week Friday and requested all the ladies to be present. Mrs. Kelly, who lectured before the Federation of Womens' club last fall, will lecture here before the women some time in April.

Mrs. Crooker made a few remarks in regard to the life of Mrs. Lucinda Hinsdale Stone, the mother of clubs, that has just come from the press. This biography has been in preparation during the past year under the supervision of Mrs. Belle Perry, assisted by others. It contains much that was written by herself and left among her papers.

The regular paper, in the art series,  of the afternoon, was given by Mrs. George Rebec, who gave a very graphic and good account of the Venetian painters - the two Bellinis, Carpaccio, Giorgione and Lotto. According to Ruskin, the Venetian school of painting is divided into three periods; the first (1400-1480) is elementary, bright and religious; the second (1480-1520) is classic and mythological; the third (1520-1600) is powerful, but corrupted by the taint of death. Mrs. Rebec then gave the representatives of these periods and their style of painting. The two Bellinis, Gentile and Giovanni, were interestingly dwelt upon by the speaker. The most famous painting by Gentile is "the Preaching of St. Mark." Giovanni was far more celebrated than his brother, and his best works are altar pieces. Gentile was fond of legendary subjects. Giovanni is considered one of the best painters of the 15th century and the difference between his first and later painting is so marked that one would naturally think it was the progress of centuries. His paintings adorn the walls of all the best art galleries. At this point Mrs. Rebec gave a fine description of the different methods of painting, fresco being adopted at an early date by Giovanni Bellini. Oil was used as early as the 10th century but the methods of drying were slow and cumbersome. The subjects most treated by Bellini were madonnas and portraits, in the former the Infant is nearly always standing alone. Mrs. Rebec's description of the Madonnas and altar-pieces was very good.

Of Carpaccio's life little is known. He was one of the best illustrators of religious life and legends. Venice, in his time, did not regard him very reverently, but Ruskin was a loyal defender and admirer of him. "One of his best paintings is 'St. Ursula, Asleep" and another is "Two Venetian Dames." Ruskin had unbounded appreciation for Carpaccio's work.

Giorgione, according to Ruskin, attracted and cast a spell upon whomever he came in contact with. He played and sand delightfully. In art live subjects and the beauties of nature appealed to him. He was born in 1477 and always lived in Venice. The features of Giorgione's subjects are more refined than those of Titian. He introduced the hand, resting it often on a marble parapet. "The Sleeping Venus," is one of his best productions. He died in 1510, of the plague, when only 34 years old.

Mrs. Rebec's paper was very carefully prepared and it treated her subject in such a manner that at its close her auditors seemed well acquainted with a few of the most prominent Venetian painters. Several pictures and books were on exhibition.

The meeting yesterday afternoon was a very large one and all appreciated Mrs. Rebec's paper.

Mrs. Paul Freer will give "Life in Manila" next Wednesday afternoon.