Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-19
ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS.
An Attempt Being Made to Catalogue
All Such ian America.

AT the last meeting of the American Oriental
society the following committee was appointed
TO obtain Information respecting manuscripts
that exist in America, written in the Oriental
languages or connected with their study: Isaac
II. Hall, Metropolitan museum of art, Central
park, New York city; Richard J. H. Gottheil.
Columbia college; George F. Moore, Andover
theological seminary; Edward W. Hopkins
Bryn Mawr college; Cyrus Adler. United States
national museum. The manuscripts which are
the subject of inquiry include all the ancient
and modern languages and dialects Of ASIA
with those of Egypt and Ethiopia, whatever be
the subject-matter of the manuscripts, what
ever be the character of the writing. whatever
be the material upon which it is written. what
ever be Its state of preservation, or whatever
be its length or size.
The points of inquiry includes The language
OF the manuscripts, if known; the style of writ
ing or the alphabet employed, and the material
upon which written, or, if roll. its dimensions
and the number and dimensions of its col
unlns-of fragments. papTus, &c. the mere
dimensionss the history o. the manuscript. as
far as known. and how it came into it's present
hands If the manuscript is in public library.
both its present catalogue marks and informa-
ton respecting any former labels. library
marks, or notes of ownership. The latter. of
course, are desired il the manuscript Is lin pri-
vate hands; also, the date of the manuscript
if known.
1t is intended to prepare a comprehensive
catalogue of these manuscripts. and the COM
mlttee has invited the cooperation of all ex-
perts. librarians, and all who are in position
TO aid IN any way in securing the information.
Canada's Right to Make Treaties.
A RESOLUTION FAvoRING IT VOTED DOWN IN THE
DOMINION PARLIAMENT.
A resolution iptroducad in no Do,,;,;or
parliament by Sir Richard Cartwright that
Canada should have the right to negotiate
her own treaties was defeated last night Mr.
Cartwright spoke for one and half hours in
support. He took the view that a great neces-
sity existed why the Dominion should be able
to make her own treaties. If the Canadian
agents, responsible to parliament. had visited
Washington various international questions
would have been settled long ago. Canadian
interests cannot be trusted IN English ambas-
sailors hands. This is a fundamental principle
Canada had been driven into dangerous posi-
ton in the spring of 1887 with the American
nation, indignant and exasperated at the treat
ment accorded American fishermen by the Do
min ion authorities
George Z. Foster. minister of finance. re-
Piled. He said that in 1882 the liberals favored
free trade: and. when the elections of 1887 took
place they appealed to the country. on the plea
that the operation of the national policy of
protection should not be disturbed. Later on
they adopted commercial union" in their
platform, only to drop it later on in favor of
- unrestricted reciprocity" The political
mecca of liberals seems to be the United States
Proceeding. Mr.. Foster contended that Canada
has all the latitude she requires in the negotia-
ton OF treaties. England never takes steps in
matters affecting the Dominion without seek
ing the advice of the Dominion government
He gave facts and figures to show the material
progress of Canada and said Canada possessed
great moral force with the English army and
navy at her back.
Hon. II. L. Davies spoke on the same lines
pursued by Sir Richard Cartwright The de-
bate then came TO an abrupt termination when
none Of the conservatives replied. The whole
affair was little ruse arranged by Sir John
He caused several of his ministers to take
copies and notes, and eight liberals had ar
ranged to speak on the resolution also but the
liberals were unprepared. When division was
called at 10:45 the resolution was defeated
The vote was: Yeas, 66; nays, "a.