ANTHROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 

 FIFTH REGULAR MEETING. 



May 5, 1879. 



Progress of Archseologic Research in the United States. 

 By WILLS DE HASS. 



Dr. De Hass' paper was an interesting* historical review of 

 the more important discoveries in the United States. 



The Old Roman Senate : A Study of Deliberative 



Assemblies. 



By J. HOWAKD GORE. 



Prof. Gore sketched the development of the legislative 

 government of Rome, showing that the Senate originated 

 previous to the foundation of Rome, and that Romulus 

 merely transferred the earlier custom. 



The first subject which occupied the attention of the Sen- 

 ate was the addition of members from the allied tribes. 



The political ascendancy was modeled after the family, at 

 first having as a head the King, afterward the Senator, who 

 was the first Censor. Subjects for discussion were introduced 

 by the King, afterward by the Council, next by any magis- 

 trate. 



All measures had to be ratified by the people before they 

 became operative as laws. 



The mode of voting was formerly by passing to different 

 sides of the house ; then by voices, and lastly by ballot. 



In its glory the Senate exercised more power than the 

 British Parliament, and better represented the people than 

 any assembly since organized, unless that of France be ex- 

 cepted. No legislative government ever possessed so strong 

 a balance of power. 



