The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-24

After the warlike xacr assembled the
throne as ruler over the twelve cities of
Mars there began a period of prosperity
and progress which augured well for the
future of the Martians.
The Phobians having been effeetually
disposed of Xacr was enabled to turn his
attention to affairs of peace. Huilpi by
the summer sea, was chosen capital of
the realm and a spacious palace was
erected in the city The structure was
built of tolium, a mineral found in the
caves of Mars, which shone with pc
cu1iar phosphorescent CLEAN. As all the
Marian edihces were constructed en-
tirely of tolium their cities presented a
striking picture during the periods of
darkness.
The patriarchs continued to exercise
control over the twelve cities. but they
now acted in the capacity of governors
and paid their allegiance to xacr. The
political institutions of Mars were rather
unique, since crime was unknown and
such officers as the people had were not
called upon to enforce order, but simply
to represent the state.
The reign of xacr was marked by a
number of important exploring expedi-
lions which were sent out over the planet
for the purpose of making discoveries. 1t
was during the lifetime of Xacr that the
Martians first became thoroughly ac-
quainted with the world which they in
habited. Formerly the fierce Phobians
had deferred them, but now they were
free to go where they pleased without
radius of the twelve cities Mars was des-
olate enough. On account of the rigor-
Gus winters the discoveries went out
during summer, when the lowlands were
overhowed and they could use ships On
all sides there was a dreary waste prac-
tically without vegetation, save near the
water and totally devoid of animal life.
Nor were there other human beings to be
met with on all the planet.
Lere, noted discoverer residing in
Huilpi traversed the summer sea for
many seasons and made a careful study
of the curious topography of Mars. AL
though there were lowlands and plateaus,
there were no hills or mountains and no
volcanoes. Not a sound disturbed the in
tense silence. over the barren land there
brooded an inutterable loneliness.
Lere was enabled to sail completely
around the five continents by camping
during winter and launching out again
when the melting ice fields sent down
enough water to again float his ships
during summer. number Of minerals
useful to the Martians were found, but
otherwise the voyages were rather bar
rem of results.
However. toward the end of his explora-
tions, Lere was fortunate enough to
make a discovery which established his
fame. On an island 600 leagues to the
west of that occupied by the Martians he
found what were believed to be undoubted
traces of a race which dwelt on the planet
prior to the Phobians and ante-dating all
Evolutionary history Of the Martians The
relics consisted of several strange YES
sells built of metal unknown to the Mar
tians. These vessels were in ruinous
state and of great antiquity. Whether
they were designed to traverse the land
or water could not be determined
The discoveries of Lere and several of
his contemporaries completed Marian ac-
tivty in this direction, until later date,
when they ventured out into space. The
results of these voyages were carefully