A SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF ROMAN STUDIES.
rTo THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR:1 SIE,—Acting upon suggestions received from various sources, the Council of the Hellenic Society have decided to take some action the result of which would be to do for Roman or Latin studies the work which by its constitution the Hellenic Society has done and is doing for Greek studies in relation to all periods of the existence of Greek nationality. It appears to the Council, after giving prolonged consideration to these suggestions, that this end would be best served by the forma- tion of a new Society for the Promotion of Roman or Latin Studies. The scope of such a Society would be ancient Roman civilisation in all lands of the Roman Empire, together with its survivals in Italy and Western Europe down to the end of the Middle Ages. With such a Society the Hellenic Society would wish to work in complete harmony, and with constant collaboration. In some cases the work of the two Societies would overlap, but as the two bodies would work together, no difficulty need be caused, and it is confidently felt that some mutual arrangement will be possible between the two bodies, so as to avoid any duplication of effort either in the sphere of research or in the collection of working materials, such as books, photographs, or lantern slides. At this tentative stage of the movement its promoters wish to make it clear that the new Society is not intended in any way whatever to encroach on the ground already occupied by Societies which, both in London and the provinces, have long been doing admirable work, especially in the sphere of Roman Britain. It is indeed hoped that the new Society may be of some assistance to such existing Societies, as it would co-operate with them by the publication of annual Reports co-ordinating their work with that of similar institutions abroad. It is suggested that, as in the case of the Hellenic Society, the annual subscription should be fixed at one guinea (an entrance-fee being instituted after the first two years) ; in return for this, members would receive a Journal of Roman or Latin studies (corresponding in general features to the Journal of Hellenic Studies) and facilities for borrowing books and lantern slides. The Hellenic Council feel that they cannot themselves move further in the matter unless there is good hope that the new Society can be placed from the first on a secure financial basis. For this they compute that five hundred supporters would be necessary in the first instance. If a sufficient number of favourable answers are received, the Hellenic Council will invite those interested to a public meeting in London, when a Committee may be appointed and a scheme of organisation outlined. We therefore request that all persons in sympathy with the project will communicate with Mr. J. If, Baker•Penoyre, the secretary of the Hellenic Society, at 22 Albemarle Street, W.—We are, Sir, &c.,
PERCY GARDNER, President.
GEORGE A. MACMILLAN, Hon. Sec.
On behalf of the Council of the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies.
22 Albemarle Street, W.
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