The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-09-02
ETCHINGS FROM
CURRENT TOPICS

h The development of the auto-Mobi1e,
or self-prop=lling carriage, in certain
portions of Europe, especially in France,
indicates a complete revolution in vehi-
Giles, and in the present modes of travel.
In America, the inventors have accom-
plished something in this matter, but in
Europe the invention has assumed a
practical phase. Tests have been re-
Gently made of the horssless cab, in Lem
don, with satisfactory results. while in
France great distances have been trav-
efsed with ease and comfort. One trip
was made recently with an ordinary
wagon attached to the auto-Mobile, and
1913 miles were covered with an average
speed of seven and a half miles per hour.
This speed was reduced on steep ascents
to three and four miles an hour. The
force to operate these novel carriages Is
only generated when needed, and tbs
chief advantage lies in the economy of
force. In Europe, where there ara such
excellent highways, it will be mat
ter of only short time, before the.
horseless cab is generally in use; in
America the question of good roads will
enter largely into the matter. Already
at Newport one or two of these carriages
have been introduced by men of leisure
and wealth. With the present outlook
the auto-Mobile, or horseless cab, prom
Uses to be one of the most remarkable in
ventions of a century, already rich in
successful evidences OF mans inventive
genius.
Archbishop Corrigan sanctions the in
production into this country of the Mar
onite Catholic church, and very soon
there will be erected in New York city
handsome edifce for the use of this
congregation. Th4 Maronte branch of
the Catholic church is little known and
understood among the Christian bodies
of the world. A half million adherents
of this especial faith live on and around
Lebanon Heights, in Spain, a compara-
tive few have emigratsd to America, and
have settled in certain portions of New
York city. The Maronites are descend
1.-THE first centuries received the teachings
iof Christ and amid the prosecutions of
,pagans, remained true, and unfaltsrlng to
their principles. They accepted the au-
|, thority of the pope in 1885, A. D.; previous
to that time they had been an independ-
ent body. They retain many of their an
cient customs; their liturgy is recited in
Syriac instead of Latin, and. they use
~. &c
Priests in the Maronite church are
permitted to retain their wives, after or
dination. There is a patriarch and sew
enteen bishops. Every ten years re-
port is submitted to the pope at Rome.
A large numb=r of very poor monks and
nuns are supported by the Maronites.
Gratifying progress has been made in
collecting funds for this new sect, and
many wealthy Catholics have rendered
substantial financial aid to the Syrians.
At present an old warehouse in New
York is being used by the Maronites for
worship.
A Joint committee from r. e. Lee camp.
Confederate Veterans; Lee camp, Sons of
Veterans, and the Daughters of the Con-
federaty, of Richmond, Va, have inau-
gurated a glorious work, which is the de-
visinlg ways and means for the erection
elf monument at the north, in honor Of
confederate soldiers buried in the various
northern cemeteries. This committee has
prepared a circular which will be sent to
each of the confederate camps iii the
south, asking aid in this good work. Fcur
tllousalnH dollars is the sum needed, and
it is confidentally expected that It viii
soon he Forthcoming. The movement is
heartily Endorsed by all who have been
approached en- the subject. Thirty thous-
arll brave southern soldiers lie buried in
noh hern graveyards, and with he excep-
ton of Camps Chase and Douglass no
stone marks their resting place. Col.
William H. Knauss, of Columbus. o., has
been largely instrumental in bringing this
subject to the attention of the confederate
Camps and Daughters of The Gonfed-
eracy.
The Salvation Army, which always
penetrates where suffering, sin and sor-
| row e1Gst, will soon have an a ctive Eat-
TALON in the Klondyke goldfields.
Gen. Booth Tucker is preparing to send
some of his most successful and trust
worthy soldiers to battle with evil among
the gold diggers. BALL.