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

compiled and panoramas of the five conti-
nents placed on view in each city.
The admirable mental equilibrium of the
Martians proved a great blessing to those
remarkable people. Xacr sat calmly on
the throne undisturbed by private brawls
or revolutions. As the Martians were de-
prived of many of those passions and de-
sires that swayed earth jewellers they
were far less unruly. Disorderliness was
unknown to them and ambition-that has
wrecked so many bright hopes-was abb
sent. In fact the Martians were crea-
lures of intellect instead of emotion, a
condition which readily explains the COM
plete and universal peace which reigned
over the twelve cities.
In the two hundreth year of Xacr' 8
reign that monarch was persuaded by his
loyal subjects to accept a queen, In order
that the dynasty might not fail. Being
deprived of many earthly passions there
was no love-making among the Martians,
and vet the marriage relations were kept
inviolate and virtue was paramount Men
and women were united only after the
thoughts, purposes and characters of each
were found to be in harmony.
The announcement that Xacr would
take a wife caused much satisfaction
among the Martians and great prepara-
tons were made for the nuptial event
of the Martians was one of moment. Each
of the twelve cities sent twelve of its
fairest daughters to Huilpi These wo-
men were perfect in face and figure and
each was 100 years old, the age at which
Martians reached the zenith of youthful
vigor. For a Marian year the patriarchs
observed them, noting every character
istic and every shade of temperament.
After a report was made to Xacr the
Ill IF U11r. ~ y
his queen. The unsuccessful candidates
were then returned to their homes in the
various cities, for polygamous marriage
was unknown.
Immediately preparations were made
for the nuptials, which should eclipse any
ceremonies of the kind yet witnessed on
Mars Each of the twelve cities contrib
uted to the splendor and magnificence
which was to characterize the great event.
The Martians had no musical talent, but
they constructed instruments which pro-
duced harmony of wonderful volume and
sweetness. These instruments were sent
to Huipi until the entire city was filled
with them. In public squares and along
the streets many were stationed. The
crystal dome of Hui1pi afforded ample
protection, even had there been rainfall
of which there was none. The food labo-
ratories were run continuously producing
phosphorescent buildings shone resplend-
ant at night, so that there was no need
of further illumination. In fact the Mar
tians had no other light save that of the
sun in day time.
Batteries. of chemical guns were sta
toned all about Huilpi so that when
Eva took her seat by the side of Xacr
thunderous salute would announce the
glad tidings to space. Days before the
appointed time the Martians began to
move on foot toward Huilpi. The exodus
was continued until all the cities were
deserted and a vast throng of 100000 souls
was encamped about the walls of the
capital Within the population of 100000
people were in a turmoil. There was a
ceaseless tramp of men bearing viands to
the banqueting hall of the palace, and
skilled artisans, who were really the most
learned scientists. expended their knowl-
edge in rendering the interior dazzlingly
beautiful.
In population of 100000 people there
was little room for gradations and there
were no ranks of society. All men and
women were equal, except in SO far as