New-York tribune., 1873-07-23
.PHILoLOGISTS IN COUNCIL.
FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION.

pIDEs AND TACITUS-PECULiARIlEs OF INDIAN
SaES SCH
IysoM Az o. soAsIoNAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
FAsroN. Penn., July 2s.-'The Fifth Annual
Convention Of the american Pathological Association
bevan here to-day in ths handsome new chapel OF La
fayette College This instituuln is situated on hill
north OF the town. and after the visitor has traversct
che graded walk that leads back and forth up the
nn he finds the view from the summit unusually beau
tiful McKeen Hall, OF the College buildings, has
been gwen up the Of members Of the Convention
and about 40 lodged there occupying the rooms OF
the students absent their vacation. The
other members OF the Association find quarters
with the hOspitable residents OF Easton. The
Association called to order by the President, the
Rev. Dr. Kendrick Of the University of Roches
Ter. at O'Clock this afternoon. The Executive Commit
tee had previously had a short session. Judge H. D.
Maxwell, the Chairman Of the local committee, then de
uvered address OF greeting to the members OF the
Association. He spoke Of EIson, the largest borough
OF Pennsylvania, its situation and advantages ana ex
pressed a warm welcome on behalf OF the cluzehs OF
Easton TO the members OF the Association.
President Kendrick said in reply that 1t was with fee
ing OF pleasure that the invitation TO hold the annual
eession OF the Convention at Easton hau
been accepted, all the members OF the Dooy
had heard OF the great and beautiful scenery
OF the State OF Pennsylvania. On his way 10
Easop IN the morning he had been much pleased with
the attractions Of the landscape but when he saw the
town Of Easton, and the college which had
already made its mark on the literature
of the country, he thought the terminus was
worthy Of the route Eason the residence Of one
OF the most active members Of the Association and all
were glad Omee the 22d Of July at the home OF Prof
March. The members Of the Convention were grateful
for the warm welcome they had received from the people
OF EastOn.
The Secretary then read the minutes of last years
meeting. Joseph Anderson, Conn., and Prof. j. Hart
we're appointed additional secretaries. The following
were elected members OF the Association: V. H. Nor
VILE, Williamsburg, n. Y. James NJ. Garnett. Principal
OF St. Johns College, Annapolis, Md. Joseph H. Turner
BOtetOurt Springs, Va Prof. A. Gri5wold, Savannah
&C.; Prof Reed, Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn.
Isaac Bridgman Syracuse, y y, Daniel s. Brinton, NJ
D.. Philadelphia; Prof NincenzO Bolta, University Of
New York; n. schafer Philadelphia; b. F. stene
EastOn. Pa; Homer H. Furness, Philadelphia; Prof
Robert b, Youngman Lafayette College, Eastoni Prof
n. L. d'Ooge; Prof. L. Ferrier, Elston; Prof j. NJ
shute, Columbia College, y. y.
The report Of the Treasurer showed balance Of SlS5
IN his hands. resolution OF thanks passed for the
contribution OF the citizens OF Providence, r. L. the
place OF holding last years session, and
50 copies Of the published tTansac-
ons OF the Association directed 10 be sent TO the
Chairman OF the Local Committee Of last year at that
place Prof. Charles H. Bingham and Prof W. W. Bene-
dict appointed to audit the report of the treasurer
Prof. Louis r. Packard OF Yale College then read
paper points in the life OF Thucyddes." He
said that tie life Of Thucyddes little known, but
this letter. rested the best authoHy-hs own. IN
general statements Thucydides is more full than either
Herodotus or Xenophon but in bis remarks concerning
his life lie is not fun either Of the latter his
torans in the works OF Ihucyddes and Of those Of the
century following we should expect some reference TO
Thucyddes, but is found. II Is strange that so
prominent man should be mentioned by neither
poet philosopher nor orator. The silence Of Thucyddes
{,r 4Ilo Of
explained by reference TO the motive of his work For
the silence Of others in regard to him, various reasons
may be suggested. We find no mention OF his works
until We down to the time OF Donysius Of
Uocarnassus in the last century before the Christian
particulars OF the life Of Thucyddes are then
obtained. 1t is probable that his long exile was not
wholly voluntary Two views entertained in regard
20 II. From circumstances mentioned by Thucy ddes
and HrOdotus the events of the Life Of Thucydides were
traced.
Prof W. F. Allen of the University OF Wisconsin read
a paper On Some Passages in the Germania Of Taci
tus" Most editions Of the Germania are defective.
The habits and institutions described were diff
ferent from anything at Rome, and recourse
must be had TO other sources than the common
Roman literature for their UNDERSTANDING The Obscuri-
ties their rise in brevy OF expression rather than
IN lack OF clearness Of perception. The author entered
into minute examination OF two difficult passages, and
at its close discussion the subject treated of was
engaged in by Prof. March Of Lafayette College
Prof Fisher Of Rutgers and Prof Allen. Vocabulary
OF the Language Of the Indians Of san Bias and Gale
dOnia Bay. Isthmus Of Darien," by Edward p Lull,
A. NJ, Commander United States Navy, and mem
her OF tho Darien Exploring Expedition, was
presented by T. Hammond Trumbull, LII D. Of Hart
ford, Conn. Mr.. Trumbul is celebrated for his re-
searches the languages Of the aboriginal tribes and
IS almost the only In the country who can now
read ElliOts Indian Bible. The vocabulary com
prised 4ss words and short phrases In addition Mr.
Trumbu made interesting remarks on the languages OF
several Indian tribes. The numeral Xxx is the word for
one man. c for five men. Discussing the mutabity OF
the American languages the operator said that be was
persuaded that greater change had taken
place iu the English and French languages
during Ike period OF time 1t seemed that there was
greater consaucy in words passed from mouth to mouth
than IN written language. An interesting discussion
followed Mr. Trumbull's remarks 1t thought that
81 the facts stated true 1t overthrew the theory
that literature necessary permanence OF language
After announcements made by Dr. Cottel, Presi-
dent OF Lafayette College, the Association then ad-
journed to meet at O'Clock. At the evening session,
President Kendrck delyeredithe annual address, and
paper prepared by Morton w. Easton, Ph d. OF Hart
ford, Conn, read Dy Dr. Trumbull