Captive Artists

Professor Nicholas Roerich, Russian painter, archeologist, mystic, delights in huge canvases and brilliant colors. His gnarled and twisted monsters, weird dwarfs, beautiful fairy princesses march in gorgeous pageant across the walls of his exhibits. Four years ago Painter Roerich gathered together some scientifically-minded artist friends, his wife, his son George, (Harvard Orientalist) and set out on an expedition into Asia to get inspiration and information about tribal customs and religions. For three years he kept in touch with the home office, his Roerich Museum, in Manhattan. Then for a year all was silence. Last week, while friends feared the expedition would never be heard from again, came a cable from Sikkim, India:

". . . Roerich American expedition after many hardships has reached Himalayas. . . . Many observations concerning Buddhism.

"Expedition started from Sikkim through Punjab, Kashmir, Ladakh, Karakorem mountains, Khotan, Kashgar, Qara Shar, Urumchi, Irtysh, Altai Mountains, Oryot region of Mongolia, Central Gobi, Kansu, Tsaidam, Tibet. . . . On Tibetan territory have been attacked by armed robbers. . . . Superiority of our firearms prevented bloodshed. In spite of Tibet passports, expedition forcibly stopped by Tibetan authorities on Oct. 6, two days north of Nagchu. . . . With inhuman cruelty expedition has been detained for five months at altitude of 15,000 feet in Summer tents amidst severe cold, about minus 40 degrees Centigrade.

"Expedition suffered from want of fuel and fodder. During stay in Tibet, five men, Mongols, Buriats and Tibetans, died and ninety caravan animals perished. By order of authorities all letters and wires addressed to Lhasa Government and Calcutta British authorities have been seized. Forbidden to speak to passing caravans. Forbidden to buy foodstuffs from population. Money and medicines came to an end. The presence of three women in caravan and medical certificate about heart weakness not taken into consideration. On March 4 expedition started southward. All nine European members of-the expedition safe. Many scientific results after four years' travel.

"NICHOLAS ROERICH."