Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-06
IMPORTANT EXPLORATIONS
What Has Been Found in the Ruins of
Niffer, Near Babylon.
Scientific Discoveries Revealing the
Oldest Semitic Texts Known-Ex-
tent of the Excavations.

United States Minister Terrell at Con-
stantinople has made report to the State
Department giving the results of the sclen-
tific explorations Of the ruins of Niffer, near
ancient Babylon, which were begun and
which are being continued under the direc-
ton of American scientists. The expenses
have been betrayed by the "Babylonian
exploration fund" which was formed by
gentlemen in Philadelphia in 1883. The
work of excavating began lin 1887, and
except at occasional intervals has been
actively continued. DR.. Peters and Prof
Hilpricht of the University of Pennsylvania
supervised the work in the beginning
II Is now being conducted under the d.
Tecuon or DR.. Peters, a citizen OF the
United States. The extent of the work has
been such that from $50 to go Arabs are
continuously employed In the number of
tablets, brick. inscribed vases and In the
EaIue OF cun1form texts found, Minister
IerreH says that this American enterprise
rivals. IL 1t does not excel. the explorations
or Layard at N.neyeh and RassanI's ex-
cavations at Aba Habba
Transmitting the Inscriptions.
DIR. HilDricht, the distinguished Assyrian
scholar of the University of PENNSYLVANIA.
Is remaining at the Museum of CONSTANT
.nople, at the request of the Turkish gov
eminent. to translate inscriptions and ar
range the tablets Inscribed bowls and
vases. used from LOCO to 4 600 wears hefora
the birth of Christ. Many tons of tablets
vases. inscribed brick. sarcophagi and the
ike nave already arrived III that museum
Prof Itilprcht is assisted In their exami-
naticn, translation and arrangement by
Handy Bey. the learned Mohammedan in
cnarge OF the museum. The sultan In req
ognition Of the services of the American
PROFESSOR, has promised that the University
OF pennsylvania shall receive one of all
duplicate antiques.
Mr.. Terrell says that this enterprise has
rsyeaied 2n antiquity of the human race
nearIy Ieh centuries older than science had
knowledge Of before. The religion gov
eminent, habits CT life and to a great eS-
tent. Is cIstcc.5 Of men who lived 4 600
years before Christ" says Mr. Terrell are
revcaisd oy re inscriptions which are now
being translated here (Cons;antinoplej and
arranged b. Professor Hi!pricht. I'he vyor-
ship % enc god Deb. who was vested with
ecnsual and rcvoltinS attributes. is more
CLEARLY known, and the extent and ARA nge-
fnent OF his immense temple are now re-
vealSd.
twenty Thousand Tablets Discovered
Thus far 81. coo Inscribed tablets OF CLAW
and of stoEe have been discovered On
these are inscribed promises to pay debts,
deeds. contracts and record of all import
ant public ard private events. 1 saw one
on which was inscribed promise to pay
borrowed r.oney, with interest in s;1ckcls.
N INC reign CT Csl:Ishyses. About 100 He
Prev. Ma:dic. Arabic AMI Syrian Inscribed
powlS have been Dig up. These are more
Khan ali the museums OF the world pos
eesS"! before They have aisn found nun
ereds ot BaSyicEisc seal cylinders, many
gold s:i silver ornaments WORN thousands
Of years ago b. :ae Inhabitants o. tie Ie-
gion between the TigT!s and E,uphrates.
About 100 vases CO alabaEter, marble and
pther stone have been G!scc-erct with
votivo offerings OF lapis-lazui. magneSite
Ind agato and NAM hundred yahas tpys
weapons. Instruments and household i'm
elements IN .ror. bronze ard clay wero
dsscOvere6 vkich Illustrates tire conditions
surrounding o;:T race 600 3. c.
Tie Tcmr.e eff BEL.
9Th. temple 81 Bal / ar Informed. IS
row being dug around and Laid bare and
when finished win - :hs frs. temple of
Bel ever systematically sdcavat.d. With
over 200 Arsba rs colossal walls. Contain
mg 40 rooms. have Keen lad bare. Its
laughter house, affairs. tablets. archives Il