Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-05-18

Take Down Lightning Rods.
Neenah, Wis, May 1S.-Fearful the
rods might attract dangerous sub
stances that might accompany the
comet today, many farmers In this
vicinity are removing lightning rods
from their homes and barns and taking
settlement of this city families will
remain in their homes in prayer.
Chicago Gets Eye Full
| Chicago, May 1s.-A splendid view
of the tail Of the comet was enjoyed
here early this morning 1t was ex
] ceedingly bright, much brighter than
the milky way.
Willis l.. Mo0re's Views.
! Washington, May 1S.-When the
earth passes through the tail of Hal
leys comet tomorrow night its attrac-
ton may retain part of the tail and
hold 1t indefinitely. This is one Of she
interesting phenomena commented on
by Willis l. Moore, chief of the
weather bureau, who has been giving
the comet close study.
1T Is not at all unlikely that part
Of the tail will be retained and that
there may be noticeable for some time
a change in the color of the sky as a
result" Mr.. Moore said. I'VE have
directed our observers throughout the
country to report any change of color
in the sky, especially around the sun
and moon. when the earth passes
! through the comets tail.
I'VE don't anticipate anything SEN
| sational or extraordinary, but there
may be electrical disturbances and we
may feel electromagnetic effects. The
particles composing the comets tail
may be either gaseous or dust highly
electrified. We may feel the electric
effects and for some time thereafter.
AT present we do not know whether
| 1t is the propulsion of light or electri-
cal propulsion which drives the comets
| tail from the sun. If it is electrical
propulsion electric magnetic effects
may be in evidence
IF the comets tail is composed of
particles of dust the effect will proba-
bly, be chiefly optical"
Lake Operators Warned.
Detroit, May 1S.-The United States
photographic Office has warned wire
less telegraph operators and vessel
masters along the lakes that wireless
instruments and compasses may be
affected by atmospheric conditions
caused by Halley's comet Both oper-
ators and captains are requested to
keep careful logs between the 18th and
goth, recording static effects and mag
netic variations. The sighting of me-
fnnrifae II ch he
reported in detail
To View from a Balloon.
st. Louis, May 1S.-To see whatever
it may be possible to see of the
passage of Halley's comet across the
suns disk and of attendant phenom-
ena, Professor G. o. James of Wash
ington university will make a balloon
ascension in the ST. Louis I. l. l., with
Captain John Berry as pilot, from the
Aero clubs grounds at Chouteau an6
Newstead avenue this evening. It is
the plan TO remain up until nearly IL
p. m, when the comet will have com
pleted it's passage from east to west,
and to make a descent before mid
night.
Texas Negroes Terrified.
Galveston, May 1S.-Thousands of
negroes, fearful that the end of the
world will come when the comet
strikes the earth, are quitting their
labors in Texas and gathering in
churches and camp meetings. Many
are fiocking from the country to the
small towns and devoting their time
to prayer and lamentations. At some
of the meetings many of them refuse
to eat until after the 18th has passed
Crops and business in many sections
are actually suffering. Throughout
the lumber camps in asst Texas. where
several thousand negroes are employ
ed, about 10 timber cutting camps have
closed. It is variously estimated that
from 10000 to 10000 negroes in the
southwest are assembled in churches
preparing themselves for the "last
day"
Fear End of the World.
Lexington, KY, May 1S.-In abject
fear of the coming of the comet, many
of the ignorant people OF the central
and eastern portions of Kentucky are
making preparations for the end OF
the world. and many of the farmers in
these sections have even refused to
put out any crops, because they think
that the end of the world is at hand
In Lexington the negroes last night
held all night services, praying and
singing to prepare themselves to re-
ceive the celestial visitor and meet
their doom. Many persons in the
same locality are digging cellars as
places of refuge. In Louisville. it is
said, hundreds have refused to pay
their Industrial insurance.