New-York tribune., 1902-01-06


that the excavations in the East have wonder
fully confirmed the records of the Bible. and
Oriental and classic archaeology have furnished
numerous missing links in the chronicle of Sec
ular history, besides adding many absolutely
new pages to 1t. But besides excavations, there
is the study Of ancient monuments and other re-
mains on the surface, not TO speak Of the impor-
tant and fascinating study of photography and
geography, and the reconstruction of many of
the views hitherto held in regard to ancient art.
1t is not too much to say. in a word, that archR-
ology has already revolutionized the history of
ancient times and it is destined more and more.
as its scope increases, to explain to the men Of
to-day the origin and evolution of institutions,
ideas and beliefs some of which even now are
potent in modern civilization. 1t is that fact.
indeed, which gives to archaeology its practical
value. Were it merely concerned with the dis
covery Of abstract and useless facts relating to
the past 1t could make no appeal for support to
practical men. But its finds, whether classic
or Oriental have profound interest for the
present, because there is not a strand in mod
ern civilization that does not either directly or
indirectly, reach back to the buried civilizations
Of the ancient world.
But It is found that the work OF archaeology
has been retarded by the fact of so many indie
ly for support, and thus mutually weakening
the force of their appeal. Men who might be
disposed to contribute hesitate to do so because
they are not sure that the particular project ap-
pealing 10 them is practical, or that its directors
will be able to carry it out. To obviate this
difficulty q movement has been organized large
ly through the zeal of DR.. James B. Mes of
Brooklyn, to raise q large sum of money, the
income OF which should be divided pro rata
among the various archaeological societies, the
American Archaeological Institute being consti-
tuted general administrator This fund
would, in fact be a sort of clearing house of
archaeology. and, instead of displacing any of
the present societies, would add enormously to
their effectiveness by furnishing them perma-
nent income for the prosecution of their work
Among the organizations already in existence
are the schools at Rome, Athens and Jerusalem,
the Egypt Exploration Fund, the Palestine Ex-
ploration Fund, the University of Pennsylvania
Expedition to Nippur the Syrian Expedition
and the Ur Expedition Fund, whose director
Mr.. Banks, is now in Constantinople awaiting
permit to proceed. The task OF raising the very
large sum of money that would be required TO
carry out this great scheme is no small one;
but those who have It in hand do not for mo-
ment doubt its feasibility. Instead of avoiding
lieving that 1t will commend itself to their judg-
ment as eminently wise. With or without such
help archaeological research will go on. 1t has
already vindicated It's Importance and value
But it would be an lncalculable benefit to
the world if its activities securely and
amply financed so that those prosecuting the
work would be relieved OF the question Of ways
and means. Handicapped though many Of the
movements are through lack of funds, their
officers are full of enthusiasm Indeed, archie
ology seems To cast all its votaries spell OF
fascination that never wanes. One OF these
movements the American School for Oriental
Study and Research through its field director,
DR.. Mes. is making special appeal for an en-
dowment of 100000 1t is a postgraduate in
stitute OF twenty-one leading American univer-
stiles and theological seminaries. and Il includes
In its membership some of the most eminent
archRologists in the New World. 1t expects to
bring to light a multitude OF evidences and
illustrations Of ancient history, art and life in
Palestine and Western Asia. It's school estab-
lished at Jerusalem provides duly qualified
scholars without distinction OF creed sex,
with facilities for study and research such as
| can only be obtained on the spot. This great
| field of research will, 1t IS believed, yield re-
| suits of profound interest to the world to-day.