Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-06

dinner at "Bygdo," there was large
variety of fish in different forms, among
which national fish pudding with lobster
sauce, was particularly good. While we
ate, the hand of the Second Brigade Corps,
which had done yeoman's work on our
journey, played for our entertainment, and
after dinner, while coffee was being served
outside the tent, chorus OF ladies and gen.
tlemen sang national songs from the balcony
of the hotel, which excited great approval,
and in the spirit of hilarity which reigned
someone began to throw flowers up to the
young ladies who were singing.
COVERED WITH BOUQUETS.
The example was followed so generally
that they were almost overwhelmed with
bouquets, and began to return the fire. while
the younger members OF the congress strug-
gled among themselves for the flowers which
were tossed down. A venerable university
professor led in cheers for Honefos and its
ladies, and the procession marched back 10
the train under the triumphal arches, which
now glowed with incandescent electric
lights
We reached Christiana some time after
midnight. The formal closing of the con-
gress took place on Wednesday in the hall
of the university. There was the usual
press OF business just before ad-
journment and most of the papers
were only read by title; some of
these are of considerable scientific value,
and their publication in the minutes of the
congress will be waited for with interest.
The last affair in Christiana was great
civic banquet in the Free Masons' Hall,
given by the Burgomaster and Common
Council of the place, which had all the pro-
fusion, iormality and general stiffness of
such occasions; at its close a special train
carried the members to Gothenburg, from
which they dispersed to various countries of
the earth. So has ended the Eighth Oriental
Congress, and looking back upon the
crowded two weeks OF its duration, we must
admire the complete success with which its
elaborate programme was carried out.
have had to omit all mention of many
special entertainments which filled up the
spare hours-the various exhibitions, con-
certs and so on, which were provided for +,
our benefit As far as lImitless protusion
of hospitality is concerned, there could be
nothing to wish for. As to the main object
of the congress, namely, the bringing to-
gether OF the real chiefs of Oriental studies,
1t must be admitted that the results were
leaders were actually present
and gave the gathering that tone and dig
nifty which it demanded. The benefit to
younger scholars of meeting these veterans
of scholarly attainment face to face is great,
and the effects and impulses will extend
throughout lifetime.
A LITTLE TOO STRONG.
1t is true that too much emphasis was,
laid upon the spectacular and purely ex-
ternal character of the congress, and that
its real design was somewhat overshadowed
BY those who made use of it for purposes of
display. Yet even this may be looked upon
with allowance when it is considered how
large a part the social success of such a |
plays in bringing about that
friendly personal contact which is one of its
best results. The Oriental Congress has now
been held in nearly all the great capitals of
Europe, and at each meeting has been treat
ed with conspicuous and generous hospital
ity. Americans have been sharers in these
attentions, and have taken creditable part in
the work of the sessions. 1t certainly would
seem appropriate that our rich and generous
nation should bear its turn in carrying on
the work o scholarship which has to do with
the earliest and most important records of
the human race. Surely the country which
has furnished such names as Nor |
rison and Hepburn and Williams |
and Whitney might appropriately be
the gathering place Tor the sOrientalists OF |
the world. The financial support which |
such plan requires could hardly be Sc
cured without the help of the Government, |
but such an expenditure upon a national |
object would be very legitimate one. A |
meeting of the American members OF the |
congress, numbering about Is persons, was |
held in Stock holm on the Sd of September, |
at the Hotel Konung Karl, at which the |
American Minister acted as chairman.
An informal discussion showed the feel |
ing that while as individuals it would be
premature to take the responsibility OF ex-
tending an invitation, it would be desirable |
to present the subject to the American ORR
entail Society at its nexL meeting, and to
bring it to the attention of the National
and committee was named
for the purpose. 1t was in accordance with
the sentiment of this meeting that DIR.
Haupt, in his paper read before the King
in the general session, expressed the hope
that before long the United States of Amer
ica might have the honor of welcoming this
to its hospitality. 1t is to be
hoped that our Government and liberal
minded private citizens will join in bearing
a part in this movement which is due toiour
,reditable position among the enlightened
nations of the earth.
JAMES TAFT HATFIELD.