The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-27
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

T IS TO be regretted that the Ameri-
 can scientists have been unable to ob.
 ! tain permission of the Turkish govern ment to continue their excavations in Babylonia. Although marvels of past ages have been unearthed in sufficient numbers to give us an idea of the remark able civilization of the ancient Chaldeans there yet remain many questions to be | answered. UT of the Chaldes contains sec- rets buried beneath the accumulated soil of centuries that could reveal many inter- esting relics of the early civilization when once the pick of the excavator were em- ployed The success of the excavations on the site of ancient Pompeii are too well known to mention but if men of science had not devoted their time and knowledge to the task one of the most interesting dis closures science has ever made would have been denied us forever. It is strange that the. professors do not devote more of their time to the new world. Of course, the field is much broader in Europe and Asia but there is ample opportunity for research in both North and South Amer lea that should not be neglected. For in- stance there yet remains much to be done in clearing up the early history of the Aztecs, while the curous Indian form ations of our western states have never been satisfactorily explained. The man who first writes an authentic history of the Indian races of Mexico before the Aztecs came down into the valley of Tez- cuco from the north, a mysterious and shadowy people, will make his name hon. ored in all lands
 Dowie has undertaken task which will prove about the hardest he has ever at tempted. This remarkable man has &C., complished wonders in his City of Zion, and has amassed millions of money. but he is not content with his achievements. Now he proposes to lead band of cru saders into the Mormon capital and con- vert those benighted followers of Joseph Smithsto the true faith as promulgated by the Prophet Dowie. It will be Turk against Turk and the world can afford to stand by and enjoy the combat without feeling any fear of becoming involved. In attempting to turn the Mormons from the faith to which they have clung so faithfully the prophet of Zion little dreams of the enormity of his labors. Of all the religious sects now fiourishing in this country there is none more solidly banded against the world than the Nor mons It is a foregone conclusion that neither side will score victory but the battle will be interesting.
 A brief press notice reporting the ill., ness of Mrs. Henry M Flaglcr, wife of the Standard oil millionaire and Florida hotel magnate, recalls to mind a deplor- able domestic tragedy within the exclu- sive circles of the rich. The present Mrs. Flagler is suffering from a nervous dis ease at country home Lear Oriental Point in New York. while the first Mrs. Flagler Is being treated for insanity in a nearby sanitarum. A few years ago the woman who had struggled and toiled side by side with the millionaire in the days of his diversity lost her mind. The hus- band immediately took steps to obtain a divorce, instead of caring for his unfor- tunate wife. and displaying a greatness of soul that is often found in the walks of poverty. The Florida statutes prohibit ed divorce being ranted on the grounds of insanity. This was a small obstacle to hte Flagler millions. law was intro- duced in the legislature, and passed, per- hitting him to set aside his wife. He had no trouble in marrying again, but the heartess act was commented upon from one side of the country to the other. Mir. Flagler may be happy with his wealth and his new wife, but it would not be surprising if the face of demented wom- an sometimes haunted his luxurious dreams.
 Chauncey Depew, the graceful adorner of the after-dinner table has returned from Europe with his wife, his son, Chauncey M., Jr., and a tinge of rheuma- tism It may also be added that he has a new joke, of which J. Pierpont Morgan is the subject. It seems that the volatile French of Aix-les-Bains have named a boulevard in honor of the American finan- cier because of a service which he did for the town. The idea of a Boulevard de