The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-24
ELECTRIC LIGHTS . SHOULD NOT BE USED In Presentation of Passion Play" At 0berammergau REGARDED AS SACRELlGIOUS Miss Katherine ElI<ins Returns to America and Will Probably Marry
 the Son of an American
 Congressman.
BY LA VoYAGEUsE.

Tduce who are StlcklerS for n1SLOrlcal accuracy there is surprise coupled with disapproval at the announcement that electric light Is to be used at the forth coming presentation of the "Passion Play'' at Oberammergau. The incongruity of in- troducing an invention of the nineteenth century into scenes representing the time of Christ is regarded as little less than sacrilegious, to say nothing of the marring of the artistic and realistic effects which would otherwise exist
 So strong is the feeling on the subject and so deep the resentment that such latter-day adjuncts be utilized. that there Is talk in some directions of appealing to the state authorities to prevent what is regarded by those more conservative minded as sacrilege.
 Of course the authorities can take no steps whatever in the direction suggested. but it is not unlikely that many orthodox ly inclined visitors will absent themselves from the presentation of the play who might otherwise have attended. However, as the play is not to be given until May 16 continuing through June, July and September, 1t may be that the modern innovations suggested may be abandoned
 The performances are to commence at eight o'clock in the morning and continue until six at night, with an intermission of an hour and half in the middle of the day. The character of Christ is to be por- trayed by Anton Lang, potter by trade. The play Is given only at intervals of 10 years. A large attendance of Ameri- cans is expected.
 Miss Katherine Ellxins, daughter of United States Senator Ellxins, who the gossips have been consistently declaring was soon to become the Ducness of the Abruzzis, accompanied by her mother and other members of the EllSins family, has gone back to her own United States, no doubt heartily hoping she will hear no more of Italian noblemen, whether allied to the royal house of Italy or otherwise.
 As I said in a recent letter, Miss Elkins has no intention of marrying the Duke, but has set her heart on the son of former Congressman Hit of Illinois. Where her heart is gone her hand will no doubt follow. in due time, reports to the contrary notwithstanding.
 Miss Ell1ins is charming, whole souled, splendid woman, and an excellent type of the fine American girl. It is not believed that Miss Elkins would object to marrying the mountain climbing sailor with the high-sounding title but she is positively set in her determination not to accept the position of morganatic wife and in this she has the fun approval Of her family.
 As the royal influence is also opposed to Miss Elkins entering the royal family except under the condition named. the deadlock which exists will continue. The announcement of Miss Ell1ins' engage ment to young Hit is evidently expected by Paris society before many months have passed.
 Meanwhile the newly-made Duchess of Braganza, with the possibility of some day ascending the Portuguese throne, is said to be already trying on" crowns and royal robes, looking at herself admir- ingly in pier-gasses meanwhile, and as- suming the pose all well-regu1ated queens are supposed to take when receiving the homage of their loyal subjects.
 Of course this is a source Of mild amusement to Parisans, when the fact Is known that the Duke of Braganza was obliged to borrow SLIGO here to enable him to pay his hotel bill and tourney to Scotland for the marriage ceremony. Suit against him has been brought by pro- fessional money-lender, who solemn1y de- clared in court that the money was loaned to the duke for the purpose named.
 No. doubt the millions of the ,are Silent Jima Smith of New York, wno married the mother of the present duchess, will be drawn upon to liquidate the money lenders claim, who is not Goubting that the sum demanded will be quickly paid to stop further scandal.
 Americans who intend visiting Paris next season will hear with joy the an nouncement of the minister of public works in whose Jurisdiction the post offices belong, that plan Is being con sidered whereby the interminable waits to which those calling at the main postoffice for mail have been subjected in the past, are to be curtailed.
 The peculiar ideas of transaetmg busi- ness in France and more particularly in governmental circles-where the red tape is so thick. long and complicated that the sharpest pair of shears, rnexnaustible pa- tience and the exercise of good temper is necessary to overcome flare especially noticeable when transacting business with postoffce officials. Not only is un- necessary time consumed by them in at tending to trifinG matters, but delays and mistakes are so frequent as to De mad dening.
 Where the requirements or inquiry of stranger at the average French post