We note with satisfaction that the question of the excava-
tions at Herculaneum is likely to be solved in an amicable way. The international scheme originally proposed by Professor Waldstein failed to secure the approval of the Central Committee of Antiquities and Fine Arts, on the ground that it would have given an excessive power of inter- ference to foreigners. The Committee, however, have now unanimously decided to accept the offer of pecuniary aid on conditions which seem to them to safeguard the national dignity of Italy. The most important of these conditions are that the subscription shall be of a private character, with. out any official intervention of foreign countries ; that the funds shall beadministenad by =International Committee sitting in Rome, of which the King of Italy shall be honorary president, the actual president to be nominated by his Majesty ; that a preponderance shall be secured for the Italian members of the International Executive Committee of Excavations; and that the whole productions from excavation shill be the property of the Italian Government. Subject to these conditions, the COmmittee express the hope that the Government will not delay the definite solution of the question.
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