New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-11-26
THE MODERN CRUSADE.

The welcome TO Mr.. Stanley illustrates the
readiness of Americans to appreciate results.
The number, however, who appreciate the
grandeur of an enterprise at its inception, and
who are ready to contribute to its advance
ment, is not so great. While public attention
is resting upon the gallant young journalist
who has added new luster to his professional
triumphs by his success as an explorer, it will
be well to consider the beginning of another
enterprise which has recently been set on foot
in this city, and which will confer additional
honor upon our generous citizens.
During the heat of the Presidential canvass
an expedition started from New-Y York, without
any public announcement OF cerem0nious part
ing, commanded by Lieut.. Edgar z. Steever
of the United States Army, having for its des-
tination the Holy Land, and for its object the
discovery of anything and everything that may
be found on the east side Of the Jordan that
can illustrate the Bible. Associated with Lieut..
Steever is Prof John A. Paine, who is charged
with the archaeological and botanical depart
ments, while two other gentlemen will
assist, as experts, in the typographical and
scientific researches. 1t is also expected that
q iirst-class artist will join the expedition early
in January.
One main object of Lieut.. Steeyer will be to
make a perfect map of the trans-Jordanic
territory, and thus complete the work of eI-
ploration begun by Dr. Robinson, Lieut.. Lynch,
and other American discoveries, and to obtain
every inscription to be found on other moab
"ite stones" pictures of every ruin, specimens
of every bird fish, fossil, plant, animal and in
sect, Illustrations of Eastern customs, and to
identify and describe every scriptural locality,
the site Of which is still unknown.
This is a work national in its character, and
yet broad enough to enlist the sympathy and
good will of all men for wherever the Bible
is read. everything that throws light upon its
pages will be sought with eager interest, 1t
is q work, too, in which all cap have q
share for while men like William E. Dodge,
John Taylor Johnston, A. s. Hatch Joseph
Seligman, Marshall O. Roberts and Howard
Potter have given their checks for $500 each,
and William A. Booth and other gentlemen
have made generous contributions, the Pal
estine Exploration SOciety-Of which Prof.
Hitchcock is President and Chancellor Crosby
secretary-calls for $4,000 in their circular,
just issued. to enable ii to sustain the expe-
dition in the field, and to publish the results
which it expects to secure.
The times have changed since Richard, tho
hOn-hearted, led the armed hosts of England
against the turbaned troops of Saladin, in the
great struggle of the Crusades to recover the
Holy sepulchre from the saracens. The
modern Crusaders, under a gallant young
officer of the Sd Cavalry, 90 armed with theo-
dolite, chronometer transit and chain, to.wrest
from tho Ishmaelite whatever of history,
antiquity, and illustration. sacred and profane,
lie buried in Syria, that cemetery Of ancient
kingdoms and the birthplace of the three great
religions Of the. world The explorers have
our best wishes, and we commend the appeal
of tho Exploration Society for cordial support