Imperial Valley Press

Famous Sculptress Goes on Rampage, Busting Up Busts
Recognition, Not Relief Aim of Woman Facing Ouster From Studio

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14. (UP)—Mrs. Adelaide Johnson stood amidst her shattered statuary today and defiantly told a congressman that never, never would she submit to "relief without recognition."

By relief she referred to offers of donations that would permit her to keep her studio home, from which she is to be evicted Saturday, and to keep body and soul together in old age.

By recognition she referred to her demand that the public acknowledge her art by paying the posted price for busts of famous Americans, including two fine Susan B. Anthonys. She's had enough of fame and thinks it is not too sordid to refuse to make her studio stock a cut-rate bargain store.

Embittered by her plight, Mrs. Johnson has chipped the ears from the Anthony busts, gouged out the lips of several others and defaced most of the collection. She has announced that she will leave nothing but marble dust and chips when she leaves Saturday.

Rep. Sol Bloom, D., N. Y., authority on early American history and art fancier, heard about Mrs. Johnson's plight and went to see her today. He had with him a telegram from an unnamed woman who offered to pay the $1,000 tax arrearage on the sculptress' home which is just two blocks from the capitol where one of Mrs. Johnson's Susan B. Anthony full sized portrait statues is in the rotunda hall of fame.

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Famous Sculptress Goes on Rampage, Busting Up Busts

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"I will have nothing from relief," Mrs. Johnson interrupted, as Bloom read it. "I demand recognition for my work."

Bloom did his best to assure Mrs. Johnson that the offer implied not only help but recognition of her work but she would have none of the donation. Finally, she consented to being photographed with Bloom, beside a marble bust of Susan B. Anthony. That was a concession, for up to that time Mrs. Johnson had argued that pictures "at this time would be a crucifixion."

As the congressman started to leave Mrs. Johnson calmly remarked that the man who had helped her disfigure the statues yesterday had, at her instruction, reported for work today.

"Good Lord, where is he now" Bloom demanded, turning pale.

"I. sent him away," Mrs. Johnson replied, quietly.

"Well, thank God for that," Bloom remarked as he took his leave.