Omaha daily bee., 1890-01-05
how OUR HISTORIANS LOOK.
Notable Men Famous in tho Field OF
History.
,TuDENrs OF PAST POLITICS.
George Bancroft the Foremost schoIh'
Of the American School-Pen -
Pictures OF other Ccic-
brities.
Our ChrouiClcrs.

NhShlNUIuN, 1dus -ISpttih SoiiSa
pondenco of THE Bee. The meeting OF
the American Historical association in
Washington this week was the occasion for
the assembling Of quito n number OF we'll
known historians in addition to a small null
titudGot lesser luminarlcs in that branch OF
study. A majority of tho members present
were connected IN some capacity with one of
our Institutions of higher education anu had
made use of their Christmas vacation tn
spend a few days at the national capital in re.
newing acquaintance with their fellow-wcrk.
ers and in listening to papers setting forth
the latest results of historical research. The
association, priding itself upon its title
american" devoted the greater part OF its
programme to topics treating of the various
phases Of our own history. Separate seq
SONS were taken up with papers dealing
exclusively with .'Southern history" New
England and the west" and National his
tory
In each of these departments reports were
made by specialists.
In connection with this meeting an excel
lent opportunity was presented TO study the
personal appearance and characteristics of
several of our greatest historians.
The president of the American Historical
association is Mr.. Charles Kendall Adams,
who holds the same position with reference
to Cornell university. He is "A well built
man. a little above the average height. Ho
has a rather large, elongated head, n promi-
nent nose surmounted by q pair of gold
spectacles. HIS hair is black but just upon
the point of turning gray. A full beard of
the same color gives an increased appear
ance of length to his face, while his upper
lip is kept smooth. Clad in a well fitting
Prince Albert coat, he left no vacant space
in the presidents chair. Nevertheless his
appearance in that position was considerably
married by an exceedingly ungraceful
posture, which was effected by sliding
down into n half-reclining position
and supporting his head upon
his hands. Perhaps President Adams
best known work in his manual of Historical
Literature" But he is destined to shine as
a parliamentarian IN almost the same degree
as In the field OF history. When calling for
discussion upon one of the papers an OBJ
strusive auditor arose to make a few re-
marks, President Adams politely informed
him that debate was limited to members of
the association only, but tho insistent orator
attempted to proceed. Then, with admirable
tact, the chairman called upon a particular
member for his opinion on tie subject and
thus, as the phrase goes, ''sat down. upon
the recalcitrant guest.
Another historic figure in the field of his
tory is Andrew ID. White, the predecessor of
President Adams in the chair of Cornell.
HIS particular speciality is the French revo.
luton, to which he has devoted a lifelong
dtechtiOu, uttu'uSu liz IA dlSO CubcTcu buC.
political arena in several high capacities.
President White is of medium height aud
moderate builu, already slightly past the
prime of life. His brown beard is cut square.
His iron gray hair, carefully parted in the
middle, spreads a few locks over his high
forehead and gives evidence OF having been
black not many years ago. His slightly
aquiline nose serves as a support to a pair Of
gold-rimmed glasses. He seems not
clothes. A double-breasted black sack
coat, unbuttoned, and probably a
size too large, hung loosely around him.
His voice is low and husky, making it ex-
tremely difficult for the hearer to catch every
word. r-fF
Justin Wlnsor, the librarian of Harvard, is
u fine looking old gentleman. His reputa-
ton as u historian, though made before, has
been heightened of late by the publication of
his Narrative and Critical History OF
America" His tallness is rounded off by q
rortly figure, tightly covered by a frock coat.
His rounded head is well protected by his
curly gray hair and closely cropped beard Of
the same color. His dark ayes peer through
the lenses of his gold glasses. His mouth is
made more prominent by the small, round
nose, which has a slight inclination to point
upward. HIS delivery, set off by a deer,
clear voice, is pleasant and distinct.
The only representative of the female sex
who could CLAIM a comparison with the other
members was Martha ]. Lamb, the editor of
the magazine of American History" While
VI AL .uUciieCIuai uiieu, ucT personal appear
ance is by no means attractive. She is al.
ready beyond the middle age. Having no
part upon the programme, she in a lady-like
manner kept herself in reserve.
Last but not least of the famous historians
who favored this occasion with their pres.
ence, was, in the words Of President Adams,
the Nestor Of American history" George
Bancroft. He attended but one session, and
Immediately upon his entrance he was es-
corted tv the seat of honor. He does not APP
pear to have aged perceptlbly in the last few
years. He has the same sharp features, the
same long gray beard. the same snow-white
hair carefully combeu. His dress does not
differ much from that of other people. His
loose, broad cloth suit is made more for
comfort than for looks. To be sure his
frock coat is not cut the latest style. but
then IL was fashionable once. He still clings
to boots, the more ancient form of footwear.
a low collar and black shoe-string uecktie
completes his external toilet. When In the
open air he is protected by a heavy overcoaL
and a high black cap with a green lined
visor. MIR. Bancroft is remarkably we'll pre-.
served for one who was born on the very
threshold of this country. It was in 1923
that he first entered the field OF history by
Transmitting one of Heercp's works. It Is
just sixty years since the first volume of his
great history OF the United States appeared.
Yet he walks with erect head and upright
body. In replying TO an address Of welcome,
his voice sounded clear, loud and distinct,
although in O rather high key. He takes an
interest in the works of the younger mem
beers of the association, and attended the
meeting to encourage them by his prese nee.
Ana perhaps we may believe that his at
tendance was actuated partly bya secret
pride In own the people that he Is yot in
the possession OF all his faculties and still
the foremost historian Of the new world.
VICTOR ROsEwATER