Putnam patriot., 1911-09-08
PUTNAM, CONN. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8 1911

the gate Is passing procession of peo- pie, who 30 to meet the conquering Alexander with the hope of propitiat- ing him. Of this procession, the last Co leave the gate Is group of wise men and astrologers, who with their astronomical instruments go to meet the conqueror and to predict for him prosperous future. These wise men are preceded by wild animals in leashes and group of Arabian horses, all of which are designed as gifts to the con queror. These gifts are in turn pre- ceded by musicians, and the city treas urer erects an altar Of incense, while maidens strew garlands in the way. Mazaeus, the conquered Babylonian general, goes forward to meet his con queror, with his five children, suppli- eating for mercy. The procession of Baby lenians who have come out of the city is led by the Genius of Peace bear ing an olive branch. They now meet the conqueror Alexander and his CO., horts. Alexander himself leads the van in his chariot, driven by the Genius of Victory. He is followed by his armor bearers, and they in turn by an extensive eavaleade. Following this comes an elephant loaded with booty, beside which walks a captive Persian chief guarded by Greek war rior. X final horseman concludes the procession, while at the extremity of the frieze Is seen Thorwaldsen, the artist, beneath palm tree, witnessing the procession which he is to depict.
 Alexander had just defeated the army of Darius, the Great King of Per sia, at Arbela. Anticipating that Al eXander would march on Babylon, the great prize of the campaign, Darius fled through the mountains ot Arme- mia to Media. The conjeetures Of Da- rius were right. Alexander who had heard of the mighty walls of Babylon decided not to follow the fugitive king but to take immediate possession Of the city, before any one could organize for it's defense.
 Babylon, within it's outer fortitica- tions, was about seven times as exten. sive as Paris now Is, being not far from fourteen miles square. Of this enor- nous territory, only a third was cover ed with buildings like city. The rest was open country, where farms, titled to the highest limit of productiveness, were capable of feeding the population almost indefinitely. The Euphrates cut the city into two parts; on one side was the royal quarter, with It's hang ing gardens and palaces, on the other the working world. The walls of the city were three hundred feet high and seventy feet wide, and were surmount- ed by towers. One hundred gates of brass offered access to the country be- yond. Perhaps ancient Babylon in its glory was never approached by any other city.
 Alexander had heard that Mazaeus, a brave Persian whom he had met be- fore on the battle field, had possession of the city. Nearing its walls he marched slowly and in battle array. But instead of being saluted with closed gates and ramparts manned, he saw to his surprise and delight the DOT tals open and the population with wreaths and presents, led by the elders and Persian officials, emerge to do him honor and bid him welcome. Mazaeus, now but a servant, surrendered to Al. exander the conqueror and new mas- ter, who, without blow, entered the great city.
 The Reception
 The Putnam High School Associa- ton held reception at the new build ing Tuesday evening. It brought to- gether many teachers and pupils of former years, who had not met in a long time, and this feature was espec- ially enjoyable. There were l26 pres ent, a number coming from various places out of town. T. H. DeCoudres of East Hartford, Miss Borhauer of Lynn, ,and Miss DeMeritt of Needham, former teachers were present, also sew eral who were pupils when the High school first opened.
 The north entrance of the building was used. Silas NJ. Wheelock, presi- dent of the association, assisted by the other officers, received. After all had arrived there was tour of inspection conducted by President Wheelock and Principal Spratt. They pointed out the various features of the building and equipment, and all spoke in the highest terms of what they saw.
 Dancing followed in the gymnasium, Morse's orchestra, seated in the spec tators' balcony, furnishing music. Re- treatments were servedI by Caterer Payne. Dancing lasted until eleven o'clock