The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-26

TN HB year 496 was memorable one
 in the history of the Franks. IL
 x witnessed the battle of Soissons, the conversion of the King and an al liance of the state and church that has been continued until recent days. IT, during the Reign of Terror. the al- liance was discovered, very soon there after there was a restoration of the former relations by concordats and the like.
 In the year designated an army of wild, rough German warriors crossed the Rhine to wage war against Clovis, King of the Franks. The Franks were a barbarous people believing in gods many" and when they heard of the strength of the army coming against them, they prayed to their gods. A servant of the King, one who had been useful in winning for Clovis the fair Clotilde, who had been long a Christian, said, 70, King, call on the God whom the Queen preacheth.'
 Clovis heard and offered this prayer, Christ Jesus, thou whom my Queen calleth the Son of the living God, if thou wilt help me I will proclaim thy name and be baptized" The battle was soon on, and waxed hotter and hotter. Finally the German King was slain; confusion in his army followed and the savage invaders were put to flight Then occurred that famous scene and service in the city of Rheims on Christmas day, 496. On that day was , celebrated the conversion of the Franks to Christianity; for, as the army of Clovis would have followed him to death, so, also. they were willing to follow him to the baptismal font, though one might fear that they un- dertood but vaguely the lofty sacra mental character of the service that was intended to make them Christians. Three thousand soldiers were ba ptfsed besides a multitude of women and children.
 Before the King came from his palace to proceed to the baptistry, the thoroughfare was decorated with silk and gold. The clergy formed long line in picturesque and many colored vestments with elevated crosses and fluttering banners. When Clovis came to the baptistry the bishop took him bv the hand and led him to the font. where as child, the rough warrior king was baptized in the holy name on Christmas day, in the year 496.
 This same city of Rheims is noted for a number of ancient Roman relics, such as arches, gates, mosaics, figures and similar things, but it Is emnently famous as possessing the most perfect Illustration of Medieval architecture in any part of Europe. I refer to the cathedral of Notre Dame. erected upon the site of the building in which Clovis was baptized by St, Remigius. In many places within this great ca thedral the baptism and the coronation of Clovis. and his victory over the Germans at the battle of Soissons, are made the subject of the artists skill.
 "caroIo-Maano."
 This is the simple inscription upon q tomb In the old old cathedral of Ak la-Chapelle. In the tenth century Otho IYI had many repairs made to that part of the building in which this celebrated tomb stands, and to gratify an abnormal curiosity he had it opened. A ghastly scene confronted those who stood before it. The skeleton of Charlemagne clothed upon with regal robes, low mouldiy and mildewed, sat upon marble throne, the crown had fallen from his head and surmounting the tarnished, mocking rags of royalty there was a srinning skull. The poor skeleton was dccently inferred in the cathedral and the throne on which the dead Emperor, sat for nearly loo years was afterward used as 2 corona tion chair and is still kept in the ca- thedral.
 In the spring of Tl charlemasne vis- ited Rome in great splendor. A vast throng of people came out to meet him. Many dignitaries of the state and of l. tAA church. including the pope pressed