The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-26

laws can he not say, God. I do not know him."
 Thus 1t is that by slow steps, but sure. humanity, which pretends to be civ ilized, is returning to barbarisn. It IS a question whether our modern democra- cies will still be habitable In a hundreu years from now. I doubt it.
 Since I am dealing with the topic or criminality I take the opportunity or denying the charge brought by the trench press against the unhealthy curloslty shown by a number of members or nlen French society at the Soleilland trial satisfied myself by actual observation that not a single lady known in society was present at this nauseous trial.
 On the other hand, there were few or the better known theatrical artists, such as Mlle Breval, of the opera; Mile Pierra. of the Comedie Franchise, who appeared and rather made point or being seen. Those whom ili-informed Journalists took for leaders of fashion were only little persons of the half world in quest of notoriety.
 When I asked one of these what in- duced her to go to the law courts on that day. remarking that Soleilland, the murderer of a little girl of F years olo' was nothing but monster devoid or little of interest she replied: "Oh, had such a pretty hat" So l take 1t the young persons in question sinned not out of an unhealthy curiosity but through somewhat cynical love of being admired
 The motor car Is the great murderer or our day Everybody knows that. It Is not that it kills more people on the average every year than railways or horses, but when 1t does kill 1t does so thoroughly, and mt ha1f-heartedly.
 An automobile that capsizes kills, nine out of ten, most of those in 1t, but what gives 1t the prominence in the matter of killing Is that 1t Is not satisfied to take the life of people, but at the same time it kills the plants and trees whenever 1t passes.
 Thus at the present moment the nu- merous visitors to Paris can note the sad fact that in our beautiful avenue of the Champs Elysees the rows of trees on each side are literally burnt up and show unmistakable signs of decay. When the autumn comes, that Is to say, in less than two months, they will be fit for nothing but to be cut down and used for fireHood.
 An inquiry has been opened into the causes of this deplorable mortality. and the best gardeners in France have de- clared with one accord that not only are the fumes of the automobile to blame, but also the tar which Is spread over the road to prevent the clouds of dust raised by automobiles. Thirty thousand cars, according to the police statistics, daily go about the streets of Paris.
 We shall have to decide between al- lowing the number of accidents caused by the thick dust raised by these engines of death to increase in enormous propor tions or consent to be deprived of two hundred miles of the most beautiful ave nues of trees with which Paris is adorn- ed. It Is a sad dilemma.
 August this year will have been the month of fashionable marriages. It starts with that of the Due de Grammont and young Princess Ruspoli. and it concludes with the union of the Marquis de Monte souiou with Mile Massena. These two marriages are among the most impor- tant that have taken place in France for some time.
 The Due de Gammont chose his bride from among the most illustrions names In Italian society. and in marrying he has followed his own choice without any re- sort to outside influences. He will not easily be pardoned in some quarters for his independence.
 As regards the young Marquis de Mon tesquiou. he will close the matrominial season. which has played so great q part in the history of France. to that of the greatest general of modern times after Napoleon-Massena, the cherished child of victory Those two beautiful unions will add eclat to the greatness of the French aristocracy.