Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-22

THE DELIGHT OF ARCHAEoLo-
CxsTs-CUsTOMs AND POLITICS.
DR.. CARROLL DISCUSSES THEM
This Student. of Greek Life and Ac-
eompHshed Scholar Tells of a So
journ I'm Helins-Tells or Present
Social and Political Conditions.

Professor Mitchell Carroll NJ. A, Phi.
D., has lately returned on a visit TO his
mother, in this city. after a sojourn Of
nearly a year at Athens, Greece, where
he has pursued the study Of Greek Ian
guage and Greek archaeology. to which
he has devoted his life.
Dr. Carroll is an alumnus OF Richmond
College and the Johns Hopkins University,
and for two years was professor of Greek
In the former institution, succeeding Pro-
fessor II. II. Harris. In June last he
left Richmond In order TO pursue special
studies in Greek literature and Greek art
at the very fountain-head itself.
The accomplished scholar visited Greece
when the clouds of the Turkish war had
not yet lifted, and many conditions ex-
listed which were favorable to comprehen-
sive observation of the people and their
customs. as well as for the quieter study
of the ruins of glorious past.
Feeling sure that talk with. or rather
a talk from, Dr. Carroll on these things
would be of interest TO the Dispatch
readers, scribe of the paper called on
him at No 1l0S Park avenue. The ques-
tons that were asked and the very en-
PERTAINING and instructive answers are
given heres
professor" began the reporter, II un-
derstand that while in Athens you de-
voted especial attention TO the study Of
Greek archaeology. What are the adj
vantages there for the pursuit of such
studies?"
RENOWNED MONUMENTS.
"In the first place." replied he, you
have In Athens many Of the most renown-
ed monuments of antiquity-the Parthe-
non, other ancient temples on the Acrop-
oils and elsewhere. the theatres Of Do
nysus. the old Greek stadium. Then there
are museums rich in sculptures, vases,
terra-cottas. and other works Of art found
in Athens and other parts OF Greece"
.'Furthermore," he went on, there are
numerous archaeological schools under
the auspices OF different nations-French
German. Austrian, English, and AmeTi-
can. One OF the events of the archaeolog-
teal year are the lectures delivered on
the Acropolis by DIR. Dorpfeld, director OF
the German school, who is renowned es-
pecialiy for his Investigations regarding
the Greek theatres. The members OF one
school enjoy the privileges OF all the
others. The directors and professors are
usually archaeologists of international
reputation. The members are, with few
exceptions, mature men, who have already
attained the Doctors degree, and who are
studying archaeology in order to equip
themselves for more efficient work, as
teachers, or with view 10 devoting them
selves TO research work in one of its va
rious fields-topogrephy study OF inscrip-
tons. Greek architecture, sculpture, or
vase-painting.
One important branch of the work is the
excavation OF important archaeological
sites. Thus, the Germans have excavated
Olympia, where they laid bare the race
course OF the Olympic games and the
sacred precinct making known 10 the
world the pediment sculptures Of the Tenn
pie of Zeus and the Hermes Of Praditeles.
The French are just concluding their ex-
cavations at Delphis. during which they
have uncovered the foundations OF the
Temple Of Apollo and the Sacred Way,
once lined with the handsome, richly
adorned treasure-buildings OF the various
cities
AMERICAN SCHOOLS REPUTATION.
''rhe American school has won reputa-
ton by It's excavations at the shrine OF
Hera. at Argos, and are now at work
bringing TO light what remains OF an
cient Corinth. The excavations at Troy
Mycenae some years ago by Henry Schlie-
mann, an American citizen, startled the
civilized world, particularly when he
proclaimed In an enthusiastic telegram 10
The King OF Greece that he had discovered
the veritable body Of Agamemnon. BY
the results OF these excavations we are
continually impressed with the glory and
grandeur OF Greek civilization, and are
shown in how many ways we. OF this
practical age, can learn lessons from an
uquity. On this account. archaeology
is attracting more and more attention
every year. and It's rights 10 a place In
every college curriculum more widely re-
cognixed."
Now. tell me something of the social
life at Athens" requested the news
Eatherer. We'll, usually the winter sea-
son In Athens is very gay. The King and
Queen inaugurate the social festivities by
me Court Ball on New-Year's night, and
tnis is Followed up by a lengthy series OF
pais' dinners. and receptions. given by the
ieacing Greek families and members OF
the diplomatic corps. The Greeks are
much Influenced In their social life by the
french. and adopt French customs and
fashions. But this past winter In Athens
was quiet one. The people had felt the
disasters OF war.
sixty thousand refugees from Thessaiy
ana Crete were In the city. and had 10 be
taken care OF. At New-Year's there was
no court Bah. and In consequence, none
" the festivities that usually follow.
S'ssa Olga and Crown Princess Sophia.