The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-01-10
NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, JANUARY II. 1858.

and none more competent could have undertaken
the sct-but the means were refused.
The apathy Of our government with RESPECT to
this particaaI bfANeh Of scientific INQUIRY is dis
cfA.abe 70 our character a. al enlightened nation
What other government, where the people are only
semi civilized thus neglects the early history of their
country Look at Mexico, which we are disposed
TO regard as little better than semi civilized and
what has she not done to the vesges of her
former greatness2 Her ruined cities have been ex-
plored her tr0cai excavated; her idols exhumed
her ca sacros carefully drawn and dividea--n short,
all vestges of her ancient glory and greatness col
lected and preserved in her truly national mu-
scum. How is it with our own govern
ment Has there been single dollar directly
expended for any of these purposes from the organi
cation Of the republic to the present hour? With
the finest fields for exploration in the whole world,
not single direct effort has been made by the 60
vernment of the United States. Throughout the
great Valley Of the Mississippi, with it's thousands
and tens Of thousands Of ancient tumul, of crcum-
valuations fortified positions, &C., &C.. ALL in mea-
sure, undescrbed, and the true character, history,
construction contents &c. almost literally unknown
no systematic step has been taken to unravel their
mysterious history. The few works which we have
upon the subject the result of incidental inquiry
not of well directed scientific research. The work
of explaining and detailing these interesting abort
gna remains is too much for individual enterprise,
and, apart from the Smithsonian Institution, no So
ciety has felt able to undertake it, even on small
SCALE The old American Antiquarian Society of Wor-
cester, Mass, has published couple Of volumes on
Western Antiquities, and, We are glad to hear is
about to continue the SERIES from the fund recently
collected by voluntary contribution for that purpose
II has been reserved for the government TO make
these explorations-a work which properly belongs
TO it; but as ret no movement towards the attain
ment OF this great and important end has been made
Another and more extensive field of operation is
the country OF the ancient Aztecs-he region of the
ella and Colorado, and thence, farther sonth far
down into tropical America. The government of
in OILY Oaf oh
OF scientific inquiry, should not be aggard in that
which pertains to the early history of this continent
We are happy to say that the initiative is about to
be taken in the matter of extensive and systematic
researches in the South. Several Of our literary and
scientific societies have determined to aid gentle
man deeply interested in American archaeology in
certain researches which he proposes in the South.
The enterprise, although entirely private will be
countenanced and supported, as already stated, by
several OF our leading societies and institutions The
incidental aid OF the government has been solicited
as protection to the enterprise, for would be I'M
safe, amid the troubled scenes which now distract
the State of Yucatan, to attempt such an expedition
without the protection of the United States flag
This protection it is presumed will be unhesitatingy
gwen, as certain proper and legitimate duties could
be performed for the use of the government which
would justify the Department in throwing the shield
OF the government, in the form of q commission over
the head Of the expedition We rejoiced to hear
that this application has been made. II will go far
towards redeeming US from the unenviable reputa
ton attached to us by certain European savans as
remss in matters of archaeological science. What
to be the character of these researches has not vet
been fully developed but learn that they contem-
plate thorough and extensive researches in region
long regarded, in both hemispheres as the most in
teresting and valuable field now open for explora-
ton. The result of the expedition. under the guild
ance OF the gentleman who heads it, cannot fail to
be the most valuable contribution TO American
archaeology that has been made within recent years
or, indeed, we may say within the present century
The only regret is that the government cannot ex-
TEND ~ as generous support as 1T deserves. That,
however which II IL willing to give, will be step
IN the right direction. There can be no doubt that
such expeditions are just much entitled TO govern
mental aid as any Of the scientific expeditions fit
Expedition, the Chitan Astronomical Expedition &c
We have long believed that by proper application TO
Congress liberal appropriation can be secured for
archaeological research on this continent. We have
inst noticed in some Of the morning papers that the
Niger Expedition, which only failed at the last SEES
sion by an nformality, will certainly be pressed to
passage at the present session. IL Prof Gammet
can find funds for such an enterprise may it not in
the plenitude OF its power and the fullness OF is
wisdom, find means to ascertain something of the
nations who on this western continent have risen,
fourished and disappeared beyond the remotest
memory OF man or the records of history, with all
their greatness, their glory and their pride? The
subject is too fruitful for further remark at present.
as my limits have now TO be brief. In con-
sluding allow me e remind our honora-
l.- .-e.-....Jrs now assemv,.,. " washington
that nearly half a century ago the Spanish gown
ment expended one hundred thousand dollars in q
single expedition TO explore American antiquities!
The French government, too, has been active and
preparations, we understand have been in progress
TO aid in researches in Central America. Win the
government of the United States be lagyard in ex-
tending even individual aid TO private enterprise
having in view such an objectl We certainly trust
not. The great Humboldt remarked many years
ago " II were to be wished that some government
would publish at its expense the remains of the
ancient American civilization; for il is only by the
comparison Of such monuments that we can succeed
in discovering the meaning Of these allegories which
boldt Is right in saying that government alone can
explore and describe those vast and mys-
terious architectural remains which rise up all over
tropical America, the wonder and admiration of the
world. We trust better day is about TO dawn on
the progress Of American archaeology. Let the
work be commenced, If upon small scale.