The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-07
HISTORY OF THE MARTIANS

When xare ascended the throne no clouds of war darkened the bright future of the Martians. Secure in their crystal domed cities and busily engaged in scien- tific pursuits, they little dreamed of the stupendous disturbances which were des- tined shortly to upset the even tenor of their lives and plunge them into one of the fiercest struggles ever witnessed in space
 already perfected their aerial vessels, for these were to be of great advantage to them in their battles.
 Rare, like all his predecessors on the Martian throne, was a philosopher, and his first work after assuming authority was to set on foot plans to further in- crease the national food laboratories and provide new apparati for all the scientists in the land The first 100 years of his reign were marked by a wonderful im- provement in the Martian perspecto- scopes. by which they examined distant bodies in space Although previous to this time these instruments had been of great power and strength of focus capa- ble of cutting million miles in half and bringing distant planets within close view, the astronomer. Astar. perfected a series of glasses that were almost double the power of anything of the kind pre- viously devised, and by means of which botht he earth and the moon were brought startlingly close to the eyes of Martian observers.
 Supposing that no other beings existed f,7e he the fast freezing earth. further than to make careful study of it's topography, motions and external conditions, making of the planet one of the most perfect maps 1t would be possible to draw at such a long distance.
 But the moon interested the Martians greatly. For many ages their astrono- mers had been studying this desolate world eagerly, until now they were per fectly familiar with every mountain and pain upon it's surface. As there were no mountains on Mars the lofty crags of Luna filled them with awe, especially as they could readily judge the immense height of these formations.
 Presently curiosity regarding the moon became so great that it was proposed to make an expedition to the satellite in an aerial vessel. At first the Martians held back in fear at the idea of undertaking such lengthy voyage in space, but the project quickly gained supporters and Tn the four hundredth year of the reign of Xare 1t was definitely decided to make an expedition to the moon for the double purpose of exploring the new world and perchance finding metals that would be of service to the learned Martians. Of finding a race of people there the Mar tians never dreamed.
 Immediately the order went forth for great preparations to be made for the journey. The largest aeroshoot yet con- structed was built in the capital city of Huilpi This vessel was capable of hold ing 100 Martians comfortably, in addition to scientific instruments, large quantities of chemical food. arms, atmospheric tanks and other equipment. The new ship was christened the Altar and was a splendid machine for traversing space. Ii was equipped with powerful chemical guns which were capable of hurling il far past the moon, and was the pride ot the Martians.
 There was great rivalry as to who should go on the eventful journey to another world. In order to settle the diff fculty xare decided to choose fifty scien- lists and fifty soldiers, for the Martians still maintained their warlike exercises and they did not know what hideous an- imal life would be found on the moon, a1- though they were not expecting men like themselves. With great pomp and cer- emony the choice was made in the royal palace at Huilpi where a vast throne from the twelve cities had gathered to watch the interesting proceeding and