Explorations in Bible lands during the 19th century - H. V. Hilprecht

426 EXPLORATIONS IN BIBLE LANDS
so energetically for the development of archaeological
by private subscriptions, 1
and a reorganization of the Archaeological
Department of the University had taken place under
Provost Harrison. The late Dr. Pepper, who had worked
interests
in his city, became its first president. The property of
the Exploration Fund was transferred to the university, and
the expedition committee henceforth discharged its
duties in
immediate connection with and as one of the most effective
bodies of the new department. The beginning of actual
American excavations in Babvlonia will forever remain connected
inseparably with the name of E. W. Clark, of Philadelphia,
who was faithfully assisted by Mr. W. W. Frazier.
It was at the initiative of the former's brother, Mr. C.
H. Clark, the well-deserving chairman of the Babylonian
Publication Committee, that the fourth expedition was called
into existence. A small but distinguished group of generous
Philadelphia citizens, whose names have become regular
household words in the archaeological circles of the
United States, was ready again to support the scientific
undertaking. In Mav, 1898, the present writer left New
York, in order to secure the necessary firman for the new
expedition. As His Majesty the Sultan continued his gracious
attitude towards the University's representative, and as
the Ottoman government and
the directors of the Imperial
Museum facilitated his work in every way, the important
document was granted so speedilv that a fortnight after his
arrival in Constantinople he was enabled to cable the welcome
news to Philadelphia and to advise the formal appointment
of the new expedition staff, the details of which had
been arranged previouslv. Soon afterwards Dr. Pepper died
suddenlv in California, from heart-failure. His loss was
seriously felt; but Mr. E. W. Clark, as chairman of the
1
The fine large pavilion erected for an exhibit of antiquities obtained chiefly
from the temple of Bel was the magnificent gift of Mr. Daniel Baugh, of
Philadelphia, whose name it very appropriately bears.