THE PALESTINE EXCAVATIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3227, 25 May 1911, Page 2

THE PALESTINE EXCAVATIONS.

GREAT HISTORICAL INTEREST. A well-known authority stated recently that for some years a Palestine exploration syndicate and l several German explorers had been excavating in various parts of Jerusalem for the Royal ark and other hidden treasure which it was supposed remained in the subterranean passages since the historical overthrow of Jerusalem at the time of the .Babylonian captivity. Interesting passages from Scripture were discovered from time to time in the aqueducts, where King Hezekiah had brought a supply of water to the city from the Pool of Siloam, and it was thought that many valuables might be found within them. The secret chambers of the Mosque or Omar were built over the site .where Solomon’ ‘e temple once stood, and in carving out his exploration work Captain Parker _ might have interfered in some way with the great mosque. The Crown and Sceptre of Solomon would, of course, be of immense value. The legend in regard to the ark of the Hebrew temple was that it had been hidden by tire prophet Jeremiah. When the Young Turkey revloution took place in 1908 it occurred to some enterprising Englishmen that the very special feeling evoked by the event in favor of England might be turned to acount in connection with the continuation of the excavations which were begun in the Holy City in the sixties of last century. Enough had been done to show that the outlook was very hopeful, iand it was impossible to say what interesting finds might be made. The syndicate was composed of Earl Fitzwilliaan, Captain the Hon. B. M. Parker, late of the Grenadier Guards, and other-well-known men in London society. Earl Fitzwilliam had long been an enthusiastic treasure seeker. A firman, or authorisation, to excavate and. explore at Jersusalem and the neighborhood was obtained from- the Turkish Government, and Captain Parker headed the exploring party. The new excavators' started with the great advantage of having the pioneering work done for them by scientific specialists, and they had only to continue on the same lines, provided funds were available. : /As a : . matter of fact these enthusiasts were treasure hunters rather than archaeologists. Captain Parekr and his friends have had the friendly assistance of the Turkish officials, and every possible aid to success.

It is unlikely that the treasures spoken of were in the mosque of Omar; for if they had been there the Crusaders would have plundered them when they stormed the city in 1099; and again, when the Saracens, under Saladin, retook the city, the treasures would not. have been spared. If treasures have been found they must have been deep underground in the old " tunnels excavated through* the solid rock, and they may be regarded as genuine. In that case their interest is simply incalculable.