Evening Star Newspaper, February 26, 1898, Page 16

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1898—24 PAGES, CHAPTER IV.—Continued. already bigh in the heavens when Aziel from the decp and tireamless hich followed on the ex- stion of the previous eitements y. After his servants had waited upoa n and robee him, bringing him milk and frult to eat, he dismissed them and sat himself down by the casement of his cham- Yer to think awhile. Below him lay the city of flat-roofed kouses, inclosed witain a double wall, without the ring of which were thousands of straw huts, shaped like heehiv wherein dwelt the natives of the country. slaves or servants of the conquer- ing Phcenician race. To his right, and not more than a hundred peces from the gov- erner’s house, in which he was, rose the round and mighty battlements of the tem- ple, where the followers of El and Baalitis vorshipped and tke gold refiners carried on their business. At intervals on its flat- tcpped walls stcod towers of observation, alternating with peinted monoliths of gran- ite and soapstone cclumns supporting val- tu rudely carved, emblems of Baaitis. Between these towers armed soldiers w ed continually, watching the city below and the plain beyond, fcr though the mis- sion of the Phoenicians here was one of gain, it evident that they d it nece: On the hillside towered another ; a citadel decmed to be impregn: peaceful or id even should the temple fall into the hands of an enemy, while cn the cipitous slope, stretching right and left as the eye couid micny smaller deteched fortr The ath him fer a was being held in an open squere in the city. Here, sheltered from sun by gra booths, the t Phoenician merchants nions in his Icng y in treaty hoping, not in to recoup themselves amply for the ngers which they had survived. booths were spread their from Cos, bronze weapons linens and mushns from . iaols, carven bowls, knives, copper rods, pott in all 3 ard charms made of glazed faience syptian stone. of famous loth of Tyre, surgical instruments, and objects of toilet. scents, pots and other ungents for the use of s. in little alabaster and earthenw ed salt, and a thou cles of commerce produced or the workshops of Phoenicia. 1 for raw gold by ostrich Is of approved be or in some instanc ns Whom es did not nlive and dead, were being for th by na- niles of ardens, grown in the f various sorts of grain, bundles of irrigated lands without calabashes full of curdled milk, 2k native bee thatehing. Her for mule of boughs, to be disposed of by parties of savage hurtsmen, who had shot them with arrows or trapped vce) n alls. Every eastern tribe and na- med to be represented In the motley nece stalked r ex: i with huge | spears, who gazed with bewilderment on wonders of the mart of the white man. here moved long-bearded Arab merchants or Phoenicians in their pointed aps. or bareheaded, white-robed Eg’ 3p tians er half-bred mercenaries clad in mail. ‘There was no end to their variety, while from them came a very babel of different ongues as they cried their wares, bar- ned and quarreled. Aziel gazed at this novel sight with in- til, as he was beginning to weary crowd parted to right and left, lane across the market narrow gate of the temple. dvanced a procession of tl, clad in red robes, with » their heads, beneath which down their shoulders. e gilded rods and around x golden chains, to which emblems of the god they They walked two and two to 1 nber of fifty, chanting a melancholy » hand of each priest resting upon ow's shoulder, and as t passed, ption of certain Jews, all the Ss uncovered, while some of the even ious of them fell upon their After the priests pr sion, that of the priestesses of Baaitis. These women, of whom there were a great number, were clad in white, and wore uze-like veil that fell nd was held in place golden filiet surmounted by the sym- scent moon. Instead of the however, each of them held in t hand a grow » sheathe sel of ig stalk of maize, cob of which hung the its bloom, while to her , both corn and dove being em- f that fertility which, under various was the real worship of these peo- © sight of these white-veiled wom- about whose crescent-decked heads the es fluttered wildly, striving to be free, biems ry strange and beautiful as they d, also singing a low and melan- h Qziel searched their faces is es while they passed slowly n, and presently his heart bound- ere among them, clasping the bore to her breast, as though to tened flutte ly iced that as ace walls she glance of his chamber, but without | for he was seated in the shad- | & line of priestesses, of worshippers, had nd narrow 1 leaned | | principal votaries of | ness of whose wor- Was a sc and a byword even in ancient world, walked the woman to | whom he felt so strangely drawn and with whom, if th were any truth fn the vis- i f ae i the mysterious warn- ings of his own soul, his fate was inte i. A suiden revulsion filled his he ight of it. She was wise. and med beautiful and innocent. but «char was right; this girl was the min- an abominable ¢ kne he was abominations, om the a prince evil powers of the 1 and hi , desire to have to do with such an one, he, a of anything child of the chosen people, a worshiper of the true and only God? Yesterday she had thrown a spell upon him, a spell of black magic, or the spell of her imperial uty, which it mattered not, but today he was the lord of his own mind and would shake himself free of it and her. In the market place below the Levite Issachar had also watched the passing of the priests and priestesses of El and Baai- tis. “Teil me, Metem,” he asked of the Phoe- nician, who stood beside him, his head respectfully uncovered, “what mummery is this?" “It is no mummery, worthy Issachar, but @ ceremony of sacrifice, which is to be of- fered in the temple yonder, for the re- covery from her sickness of the Lady Baaltis, the high priestess.” ‘Where. then, is the offering? I see none, unless it be those doves that are tied to the wrists of the women.” “Nay, Issachar,” answered Metem, smil- ing darkly, “the gods ask nobler blood than that of doves. The offering is with- in, and it is the first-born child of a priest- ess of Baaltis.”” “Oh, God of heaven!” ing up his eyes, said Issachar, lift- ‘how long will you suf- fer that this murderous and accursed race should defile the face of the earth? “Softly, friend,’ broke in Metem. “I have read your Scriptures, and is it not set out in them that your forefather Abra- ham was commanded to offer up his first- born in such a sacrifice?” “Blaspheme not,” answered the Jew. “He was commanded, indeed, that his heart might be proved, but his hand was stayed. The God whom I worship delights not in the blood of children.” Here Issachar broke off, suddenly recog- nizing the Lady Elissa among the white- robed prietesses. Watching her, he noted her glance at the window of Aziel’s chim- ber, and saw, what she could not see, that the prince was seated at it. “The daugh- ter of Satan spreads her net,”” he muttered between his teeth. Then a thought struck him, and he added aloud, “Say, Metem, is it permitted to strangers to witness the rites in yonder temple?” “Surely,” answered the Phoenician, “that is, if they guard their tongues and do nothing to offend.” “Then I desire to see them, Metem, and so doubtless does the Prince Aziel. here- fore, if it is your will, do me the service to enter his chamber in the palace where he is sitting and bid him to a great cere- “L SEE THE SWORD OF of the gods of El and Baaltis. In front of them was a platform surmounted by 2 stone altar, and between them, built in a pit in the ground, burned a great furnace of wood. All the center of the inciosure - was occupied by the priests and priestesses, while without this sacred ring stood the Masses of spectators, among whom Aziel and his followers were given place, though some of the mor2 pious murmured audibly at the admission of these Jews. When they entered, the companies of priests and priestesses were finishing a prayer, the sentences of which they chant- ed alternately with strange effect. In part it was formal and in part an improvised svpplication to the protecting gods to re- stcre health to that women or high priest- ess who was known as Lady Baaltis, The prayer ended, a beautiful girl advanced to @n open space-in front of the altar, and with a sudden movement threw cff her white robe, revealing herself to the spec- tators in a many-colored garment of gauze, through which her fair flesh gleamed. Her black hair was adorned with a cor- onet of scarlet flowers, and hung loose about her. Her feet and arms were naked, and in each band the held a knife of tronze.. Very slowly she began to dance, ker painted lips perted es though to speak, THE TRUE GOD.” | mony that g2es forward In the temple. And, Metem, if he asks what that. cere- mony is, I charge u, say only that a j Gove is to be sacrificed. 1 will wait for you at the gate of the temple, but teil him not that I sent you on this errand. Metem, you love gain. Remember that if you humor me in this and other matters which may arise, doing my bidding faith- fully, I have the sury of Solomon to draw upon.” “No ill paymaster,” replied Metem, cheer- fully. “Certainly I will obey yon’ in all things, holy Issachar, as the king com- manded me yonder in Jerusalem.” “Now,” he reflected to himself as he went upon his message, “I see how the bird flies. The Prince Aziel is in love with the Lady Elissa, or far upon the road to It, as at his age it is right and proper that he should be. The holy Issachar, on the other hand, is minded that his charge shall have naught to do with a priestess of Baaltis, as, his age and calling, ts also right and proper. Then, there is that black savage Ithobal, who wishes to win the girl, and the girl herself, who, after the fashion of her sex, will probably play them all off one against the other. Well, so much the better for me, for I shall be a richer man even than I am before the affair is done with. I have and gold is gold, whoever be and smiling craftily to himsel he passed into the palace CHAPTER VY. The Place of Sacrifice. Suddenly Aziel, looking up from his rev- erie, saw the Phoenician bowing before him, cap in hand. “May the prince live forever,” he said, yet if he suffer melancholy to overcome him thus his life will be a sad one.” “I was but thinking, Metem,” answered Aziel, with a start. “Of the Lady Elissa, prince? Ah, } guessed it. She is beautiful, is she not, and learned also, though myself, in a woman I prefer the beauty without the learning It is a pity now that she should chance to be a priestess of our worship, for that wil. not please the holy Issachar, who, I fear prince, you find a stern guide for the feet of youth.” “Your business, Aziel. “I crave your pardon, prince,” answered the Phoenician, spreading out his hands in deprecation. “I have struck a good bar- gain for my wares this morning and drank wine to seal {t: therefore let me be for- given if I have spoken too freely in your presence. prince. This is my business: Yon- der in the temple they celebrate a service which it is lawful for strangers to wit- ness, and I thought that, having heard merchant,” broke in something of our mysteries in the grove last night, you might wish to behold If that be so I am come to guide you.” Aziel's first impulse was to refuse to go. Indeed, the words of dismissal were on his lips, when another purpose entered his mind. For this once he would look upon these abominations and see the part that Elissa played in them, and thus be cured forever of the longings that had seized him. “What is the ceremony he asked. “A sacrifice for the recovery of the Lady Baaltis, who is sick, princ “And what is the sacr: “A dove, as I am told, ent answer. “I will come with you, Metem.” “So be it, prince. Your retinue awaits you at the gate.” At the main entrance to the palace Aziel found his guard and other servants gath- ered there to escort him. With them was Issachar, whom he greeted, asking him if = knew the errand upon which they were nit. “I do, prince. It is to witness the abom- ination of a sacrifice of these heathens.” “Will you, then, acompany me there, Issachar? “Where my lord goes I go,” answered the Levite, gravely. “Moreover, prince, if you have your reasons for wishing to see this devil worship I may have mine.” Then they set out, Metam guiding them. At the north gate of the temple, which was not more than a yard in width, the Phoe- nician spoke to the guards on duty, who drew back to let them pass. In single file, fcr the passeges were too narrow to allow of any other means of progression, they threaded the tortucus ard mazy paths of the great building, between huge walls bullt of granite blocks laid without mortar, till at leagth they reached a large open space where the ceremony had already be- gun. Almost in the center of this . which was paved with blocks of granite, stood two conical- towers, the larger of which measured thirty feet and the smaller about half that height. These towers, also built of blocks of stone, were, as Metem in- formed them, sacred to and emblematical it. ice?" asked Aziel. was the indiffer- and her eyes, brightened with pigments, turned up to heaven. By degrees her mov mcnts grew more rapid, till at length, as i8he whirled around, her long black hair streamed out straight upon the air, and the crown of flowers looked like a scarlet rinz. Suddenly the brenze knife in her right hand flashed, and a spot of red appeared over her left breast; then the knife in the jeft hand flashed, and another spot ap- peared over the right brea: and at each stroke the multitude cried “Ah!” as witi one voice, and then were silent. Now the maddened dancer, ceasing her whirlings, leaped high into the air, clashing the knives above her head and crying, “Hear me, hear me, Baaltis!’ Again she leaped, and this time the answer that came frcm her lips was spoken in another voice, which said, “I am here. What seek you?” A third time she leaped, replying in her own voice, “Health for thy servant who {3 sick.” Then came the answer in the second I hear you, but I see no sacrifice.” sacrifice wouldst thou, O queen? ay.”” “What then, queen?’ e only. The first-born child of a As this command, which they supposed to be divine and from above, issued from the jips of the gashed and bleeding oracle, the multitude shouted aloud, while the girl herself, utterly exhausted, fell to the esrth senseless. Now a priest of El who was named the Skadid, none other, indeed, than the hus- band of her who lay sick, sprang upon the platform and cried: “The goddess has spoken by the mouth of her oracle. She who is the mother of all “May the Prince Live Forever.” demands ene lif» out of the many she has given, that the Lady Baaltis, who is her priestess upon earth, may be recovered of her sickhess, Say, who will lay down a life for the honor of the goddess and that her regent in this land may be saved alive?” Now—for all this scene had been care- fully preparea—a woman stepped forward, wearing the rob2 of a priestess who bore in her arms a drugged and sleeping child. “I, father,” she cried, in a shrill, hard voice, though her lips trembled as she spoke. “Let the goddess take this child, th> first fruit of my body, that our mo- ther Baaltis may be cured of her sickness and that I, her daughter, may be blessed by the goddess, and, through me, all we who worship her.” And she held out the Uttle victim toward him. The shadid str:tched out his arms to take it, but he never did take ft, for at that mo- ment appeared upon the platform the tall white-bearded figure of Issachar, clad in his priestly robes. “Hold!” he cried in a voice of thunder and with flashing eyes, “‘and touch not th3 innocent child. Spawn of Satan, would ye do murder to appease the devils whom ye worship. Well shall they repay ye. mine eyes are open and I s3e," he went on, shaking his thin arms above his head ir a prophetic frenzy. “I see the sword of the true God, and it flames above this city of idolators and abominations. I see this place of sacrific>, and I tell you that be- fore the moon is young again it shall run red with the blood of idol worshipers and of you, women of the groves. The heathen is at your gates, ye followers of end my God sends them as he sends the lo- custa or the north wind to devour you like grass, to Sweep you away like the dust of the desert. Cry then upon El and Baaltis, and let El and ‘is save you if they can. Doom is upon you} Azrael, angel of death, writes his name wpon your foreheads, every one of you, giving your city to the owis, your bodies to the jackals, and your souls to Satan—” = Thus far the pritwts“and the spectators bad listened to Issachar’s denunciations in bewildered amazement not unmixed with fear. But now with a roar of wrath they awoke, and suddenly he was dragged from the platform by a score of hands and struck senseless VF y blows, Indeed, he would then and‘ttert have been torn to pieces had not a guard of soldiers, know- ing that he was Sakoh's guest and in the train of the Pri: Aziel, snatched him from the maddened fnulgitude and borne him swiftly to a place of safety without the in- closure. While the tumult was at its height a Phoenician,-who had arrrived in the temple breathless with haste, might have been seen *to pluck Metem by the sleeve. = “What is it?” Metem asked, for the man was his servant. “This, the Lady Baaltis is dead. I watch- ed _as you bade me, and, as she had prom- ised to do, her woman waved the napkin from the casement of the tower where she lies.”" thts?” “Do any know of “None.” “Then say no word of it,” and Metem hur- ried off in search of Aziel. Presently he found him in company with his guards seeking for Issachar. “Have no fear, prince,” he said, “he is safe enough, for the soldiers have borne the fool away. Pardon me that I should speak ‘thus of a holy man, but he has put all our lives in danger.” “I do not pardon you,” answered Aziel. hetly,, “end I honor Issachar for his act und words. Let us begore from this ac- cursed place whither you ertrapped me.” Before Metem could answer a voice cried, “Close the doors of this sanctuary, so that nere can pass in or go out, and let* the sacrifice be offered.” “Listen, prince,” said Metem. ‘You must stay here until the ceremony is done.” “Then I tell you, Phoentctan,” answered Aziel, “that rather than suffer that inno- cent child to be butchered before my eyes T will cut my way to it with my guards and rescue It alive.” “To leave yourself dead in place of it,” answered Metem, sarcastically. “But sec, a woman desires to speak with you,” and he pointed to a girl in the robe of a priest- ess, whose face was hidden with a vell, and who, in the tumult and confusion, had worked her way to Aziel. “Prince,” whispered the veiled form, “I am Elissa. For your life’s sake keep still and silent, or you will be slain, for your words have been overheard. “Away with you, woman,” answered Aziel. “What have I to do with a girl of the groves and a murderess of children?” She winced at his bitter words, but an- vered quietly hen on your own head be your blood, prince, which I have risked much to keep unshed. But before you die learn that I kmew nothing of this foul sacrifice, and that gladly would I give my own life to save that of yonder child.” fave it and I will believe you,” answer- ed the prince, turning from her. Elissa slipped away, for she saw that the priestesses were reforming their ranks, and that she must not tarry. When she hal gene a few yards a hand caught her by the sleeve, and the voice of Metem, who had overheard all this talk, whispered in her ear: “Lady, what will you give me if I-show yeu a way to save the life of the child, and with it that Of the prince, and at the same time to make him think well of you again?” “All my jewels and ornaments of and they are many,” she answered e: ‘Good: it is a bargain. Now listen. Lady Baaltis is dead; a’few minutes she died, and none ‘here’ know it save m3 self, nor can they learn it, for the gates are shut. Do you be, therefore, inspired —- of the gods—and say so, ‘for then the sacri- fice must cease, seeing that she for whom old, rly. The it was to be offered is @ead. Do you un- derstand?” “I understand,” she answered, “and though the blasphemy bring on me the vengeance of Baaltis, yet I will dare it. Fear not, your pay Shall be good,” and she pressed forward to her place, keeping the veil wrapped about her head till she reached ft unobserved, for in the general confusion none had noticed her move- rents. i So soon as the poise of shouting and angry voices had died away, and the spec- tators were driven back outside the sacred circle, the priest upon the platform cried: “Now that the Jew blasphemer is gone, let the sacrifice be offered, as is decreed “Yea, let the sacrifice be offered,” an- swered the multitude, and once more the woman with the sleeping child stepped forward. But before the priest could take it another figure approached him, that of the Lady Elissa, with arms outstretched and eyes upturned. “Hold, O priest,” she said dess inspires me and I hav from the goddess.” “Draw near, daughter, and speak it in the ears of men.” So Elissa climbed upon the platform, and standing upon it, still with outstretched hands and upturned face, she said in a clear voice: ‘The goddess refuses the sacrifice, for she has taken to herself her for whom it was to have been offered—the Lady Baal- tis is dead.” At this tidings a groan went up from the people, partly of grief for the loss of a spiritual dignity who was popular and partly of disappointment because now the sacrifice could not be offered, for the Pho nicians loved these horrible and public spectacles, which weré not, however, of common occurrence among them. “It is a lie,” cried a voice, “but now the Lady Baaltis was living.” “Let the gates be opened and send to see whether or no I lie,” said Elissa, quietly. Then for awhile there was silence while a priest went upon the errand. At length he was seen returning. Pushing his way through the crowd, he climbed upon the platform and said: “The daughter of Sakon speaks truth; but now is the Lady Baaltis dead. Elissa sighed in relief, for had her tid- ings been false she could scarcely have hoped to escape the fury of the crowd. “Aye,” she cried, “she is dead, as 1 told you, and because of your sin is she dead, who would have offered human sacrifice in public against the custom of the city. and without the command of the goddess. Then in sullen silence the priests and priestesses reformed their procession and departed from the sanctuary, whence they were followed by the spectators, the most cf them in no good mood, for they had been balked of the promised spectacle. (To be continued.) IN THE CHURCHES Efforts will be made tomorrow in most of the Epworth Leagues and Sunday schools of the Methodist Episcopal Church, not only in this city, but throughout the United States, to raise about $150,000 for the purpose of paying off the debt of the missionary soclety of €he denomination. It is estimated that if the Sunday schools would contribute an average of only 2 cents per member the sum realized would more than pay $50,000 of the debt. Rev. Dr. E. A. Schell of New Work, general secretary of the Epworth League,: has written a let- ter to the Epworth Leaguers here, in which he say: “ ‘Look up, lift up,;pay up,’ that is the mot- to of the Epworth League and the supreme missionary duty of the hour. Let us pay $100,000 of the debt ourselves. We are the trusted heirs of the great Methodist estate. Let us pay off the missionary debt, and then there will, be no troublesome claims against the estate when we come into the possession of our inheritance. Besides, we shall thus clear the way to raise $1,500,000 for missions this year and next, and for all the years to come.” The Christian Endeavor Society of Luther Place Memorial Church wiil have its monthe ly social Wednesday evening at the resi- dence of Mr. and Mrs. George F. Graham, 1330 Q street. ‘The Endeavorers of the Keller Memorial Lutheran Church, treet northeast, gave a “Klondike social” a few evenings “or the god- a message ago. The first part of the program was de-- voted to music and recitations. Miss Elsie Parkinson, accompanied by Miss Parkin- son, rendered a vocal solo; Miss Raymond, accompanied by her sister, a violin solo, and the Messrs. Jones played several man- dolin duets. Recitations were rendered by Miss Black, Mrs. Grue, Mrs. Naylor and Miss Yingling. The second part of the evening was given to the sale at auction of Klondike mining stock and in mining by the purchasers, after which ice cream and cake were served. committee in charge was composed of Dr. Swain, chair- man; Mrs. D. W. Keck, Mrs. L. A. Kal- bach, Miss Lillie Bowdler, Miss Annie Bowdler, Miss Norman and Mr. Rob- ert H. Bowdler, The annual choir festival of the Pro- Cathedral of St. Mark’s, corner of A and 34 street southeast, was given Tuesday even- ing last in the presence of a large audience. The program comprised “choral evensong,” which was rendered in the church, at which the special features were magnifi- cat by Toop; anthem, “Unfold, Ye Portals,” from “The Redemption,” ‘by Charles Gounod, and offertory anthem, by An address was delivered by Rev. Cnarles H. Hayes, after which medals and prizes for faithful and conscientious work during the past year, as well as for marked improvement in singing, were distributed. Every boy in the choir received a book, and medals were given to the followin Gold medal, presented by Mr. Ira Jc hannes, to William Barker, for the great- est improvement in singing; gold medal for distinguished excellence, presented by the rector, to Charles Herring, and a sil- ver watch, also the gift of the rector, for distinguished excellence, to Joseph Stilson; silver medal to the following, respectivel each for faithful attendance since the 0! ganization of the choir, Philip Williams, Qcar Herring, Lewis Stilson and Frank It was the universal opinion that much Progress has been made under the pres- ent choirmaster and organist, Mr. De Of- feo Brown, who has been especially suc- cessful in developing the tone and quality of the voices. Mr. Brown is making a special effort for other musical services at the Pro-Cathedral which have been ar- ranged for, one of which will occur ‘Tues- day, March 29, on which occasion’ the choir will sing the cantata by Sir John Stainer, entitled “The Crucifixion. The annual election of the officers of the Children of Mary of Immaculate Concep- tion parish, resulted in the choice of Miss McKenny, president; Miss A. Fitzpat- rick, vice president; Miss M. Mullaly, sec- retary; Miss L. Carpenter, treasurer, and Miss E. Willis, sacristan. The coun- sellors for the Misses M. W! 5 Guinness, M. Ryan and M. Killigan. ‘The fair for the benefit of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart, of which Rey. McGee is to be ‘pastor, which closed a few days ago at Carroll Hall, was as great a success as its most enthusiastic manag- ers hoped for. It is understood that after the lot upon which it is intended to build the church is fully patd for, an appeal will be made to the members’ of the Sacred Heart ‘throughout the entire country to assist in erecting such an edifice here as will be a credit to the ehurch generally. The Society of the Sacred Heart has, it is estimated, not less than 2,000,000 mem- er: The Bible class, alternate Frid: by mene taught every ev. Dr. D. M. Stearn: at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, oe tinues to increase in membership, and at each meeting the great majority of the Protestant churches in the District are represented by some of their Sunday school teache: In speaking of his work a few days ago, Dr. Stearns said he had at this time a total number of Bible students of 4,000. Of course these are not all in Wash- ington, and included in the number are ciasses in New York, Easton, Philadel- phia, Lancaster, Columbia, Plainfield, Jer- City, ew Brunswick, mington, Del. of his first Bible c Baltimore and nce the organization 3 S nine rs ago, Dr. Stearns has raised through this work $100,- 000 for the aid of missionaries. During the past the Bible classes alone contributed $4,060 to the general cause, the sum of $8,800 was sent abroad through the Woman’ a Union Missionary Society, and over 34,400 through the China Inland mis- jon, _A mission will be conducted at St. Stephen's Church, commencing the fourth Sunday in Lent and continuing for two eek: It will be conducted by Rev. athers Dolan and Currier. Rev. C. O. Rosensteel, pastor of St. John’s parish, Forest Glen, who has been sick for long time, has gone to Norfolk for a ks. where he expects to regain t strength to resume his parochial The Burnt Cork Club of St. Dominic's parish gave an entertainment Tuesday evening last for the benefit of the church. The church bell, which was broken some weeks age, will be recast in Baltimore, and it is expected will be completed in time to be blessed and put in position St. Patrick's day. Rev. Fathers Wissel, Cook and Hanley of the Redemptorists Mission Band will ion in St. Augustine’s Church It will continue for two weeks. » first week will be for women and the second week for men, A branch of the Young Men's Institute, an American Catholic fraternal organiza- tion, which has branches in every part of the United States, will be formed short- ly in this city. The objects of the asso- ciation are the mutual protection, relief and benefit of its members and the moral, intellectual and social improvement of all Catholic young men. The efforts of Bishop Vincent of the M. E. Church to break up the habit of chew- ing gum by the girls of that church are warmly seconded by some of the leading members of the denomination in this cit One of the latter, in speaking to a Star re- porter, said it was distressing to be com- pelled to observe the effects of the habit spread over the features of the chewmg girl who waits cn you in a shop cr pre- sides over the telephone or whirls past you on her bicycle. But to have to gaze upon it in the members of a volunteer choir, the pupils in Surday school or the attendance upon the Epworth League prayer meeting is a too severe attack upon Christian pa- tience.. All mild forms of argument appear to have no effect upon -her who has once jen a victim to this insidious habit. D. ion, contempt, looks and even expre: ons of disgust are alike futile. It is be- lieved, Rowever, that Bishop Vincent, if he keeps up the fight, will be able to do some- thing to correct the evil. Arrangements have been completed for the Epworth League rally at either Metro- politan or Hamline Church the first Mon- day evening in March. Rev. Dr. Josiah Strong of New York will deliver the annual address, and at his request the members of the other young people societies of the city will be invited. It is expected that at least two hundred persons from Baltimore will attend. The nurse department of the Central Union Mission continues to prove its use- fulness. The last report showed that for the week forty-four visits were made. The plan has become more perfected within the last week or so, and arrangements have been made which will enable those in charge to have more nurses at their com- mand, should they be required. The chief support of the department has been in the form of donations, as few patients are able to pay for the services rendered, and in several instances the mission has had to furnish the food for the sick. = A Good Old Indian in Sore Distress. From the Chicago Times-Herald. Chief Simon Pokagon, last of the Potta- wattomies, who is in sore distress and who has appealed to the white people for aid, deserves all that white men, and especial- ly Chicagoans, can give him. His house at Lee, in Allegan county, has burned down, and with it all the papers by which the old cRief hoped to get justice from the govern- ment for his people. Old Simon was always a friend of the white people, and so was his father, Leo- pold Pokagon. Simon is still a friend of the white man, but the white man seems to have forgotten him. Few men now alive remember the day in 1833 when the elder Pokagon signed away his right and the rights of his tribe to vast tracts of land which are immeasurably valuable today. Pokagon agreed to go west of the Missis- sippl, but a part of the tribe residing ir Michigan was permitted to remain owing Yo their religious creed. This part of the tribe was made up chiefly of Pokagon’s band, numbering about 200. These con- tinued to live in Michigan, and it was the surviving members of the band who, with old Simon Pokagon, recently brought suit to recover their proportion of the annu~ ities due them from former treaties. Poka- gon is now seventy-three years old. Se See The Boy's Joke. From the Congregationalist. =. The Sunday school teacher had reached a point in the lesson where she was dwell- ing upon the future reward of those who behaved properly here, when the audacious small boy, who frequents most Sunday schools, spoke up and asked if ‘all good people went to heaven. “Certainly,” re- plied his teacher. “Well, has my grandmother gone to heaven?” persisted the youngster. “Surely she. has, my boy, if she was a woman.” “No, she hasn’t,” declared the fun-loving youngster, “there she is over there! .The teacher turned to other phases of the lesson, é ease WEDDINGS IN PARIS From Beginning to End They Are Stirring Affairs, THE FRENCH IDEA OF MATRIMONY Courtship is a Different Thing From What It is Here. CUSTOMS THAT PREVAIL oe Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. PARIS, February 10, 1898. ARISIANS INVAR- jably stop to gape at Wedding proc2ssions if they had never “seen such things be- tore. Servants run breathless, startling whole apartments in- to interest; and the most hardened celi- bat> of the boulevard feels a tender thrill, @ vague regret. ‘The profound effect made by the mar- riage proc2ssion as it glistens along the Paris streets—an effect of jerking the good people up suddenly to contemplate another world from everyday affairs—is due to the French ideal of marriag>, which, in turn, is inextricably involved with the French ideal of female education. “You will never abolish that immemorial prejudice which wishes that the mother should take her daughter by the hand and lead her, without quitting her for a single step, until the threshold of marriage is crossed.” These are the words of M. Adolph Brisson, a son-in-law of the good old Fran- cisque Sarcey, who is the spiritual papa of half the charming actress of Pi » the veteran critic of the Temps. M. “Brisson Was attacking, in th: consecrated style of his father-in-law, the new ideal of the French girl, the “Loulou” of Gyp, knowing, sephisticated and not a little emancipated. His indignation was apropos of a book of Varigny’s, “Woman in tne United States.” Many Americans, living too long abroad, have, lke M. Brisson and the rest, been stricken with the same sweet fancy. That its practical operation Is not far removed from burning down the house to roast the pig is hidden from them. For every girl Who go2s weeping to her husband there is generally one other girl to weep without a marriage ri and the licitude of French mother: often approaches inhu- munity to a third person, as when she en- courages her son's flirtation with a poor little nursery gover to keep him from the dangers of the streets. Young Girls Protected. Thus young girls of good family are so ccoped up that they are scarcely ever seen in public, and often enough are restricted in dance partners, even at the “white balls” given not too frequently for their benefit, and young girls of less social con- sideration pin? over pure-toned novels written especially for their species, novels so excruciatingly moral that the word ‘love” may not be found from cover to ccver. Naturally, the prayer of each is for a husband. It is honorable to pray for a husband, as has been laid down in many pious expositions and meditations; but the poor girl without a dot, the nursery gov- erress or :he shop girl, is lucky if she does not have to take her romatice without a Frocession of varnished cabs sparkling in the sunshine of th> Champs Elysees and orange flowers and all the men in evening clothes at noonday. For the dream of the French youth in his earlier years is not at all of a wife, but of wealth, position, hon- ors and “la glcire.” The pressure of Frerch marriage customs makes it easy for him to take his early ro- mance without the sanctions of the mar- riage ring; that is for some other time. Snall wond2r M. Brisson, who is happy and successful, exclaims, in his own rap- te It is sweet, warming, consoling! Perish the positive philosophy, perish the colonial politics; but long live the senti- ment. of family and the religion of the hearth!” Perfzct love casteth out fear—for others. In this way !t happens that marriages are stirring events, like the treaties of nations. The first thing is to choose a wife. In this sentence a world of meaning lizs concealed. In America the young man (who is neither a widower, fortune hunter nor crank) does not choose a wife—he dis- covers, some fine day he is in love. Choosing a Wife. The French youth decides to marry first, then looks about for his ideal, or has his parents do it for him. In this process, Wen he does the work himself, he chats with many demoiselles as his range of socic permits. If he is at all eligible, every facility is given him; the girl's mother will even walk away from her tender fledgling, ing her alone in a loud ball room ten full rainutes. , ig Having mad> a choice, it is the young man’s business to ask the girl's hand for- mally, through his own father or nearest male relative. Being accepted by the fam- ily of the young girl first and by the girl herself afterward, the charming period of courtship is comm:2nced. Frequently enough he makes a choice—or has it made for him—of a young lady he has never seen and does not know. Frigid as this might appear, it permits delightful surprises and no end of solid romance. Th2 delightful period of courtship un- winds itself, and the young people have frequently occasions to see each other. They are even allowed to sit in one cor- rer of the salon and converse in tones so low that tne girl’s mother, in another cor- ner, cannot understand haif that they say. Besides these meetings, there are preoccu- pations on all hands. The girl and her mother are engaged on the trousseau; the girl and the young man are busied ‘over the corbeille; the young man alone breaking off his love affairs and providing for th house and carriages. As to the trousseau, the mornings are reserved for it; the afternoon is for the grcom, and it is unbecoming that he should hear the trousseau mentioned. The girl is furnished with linen, if not for her whole life (since linen goes out of fashion like gowns), at least for long years. How the Courtship Proceeds. The French were bookkeepers from the beginning. It is at once their good and bad fortun2 that they cannot move, except in the consecrated ruts. The revolution and the code Napol¢on scarcely changed their marriage customs. It is true that provision exists for marriage against the consent of parents; but both parties must ba of a certain age, long past the first blush of youth, formal demands must be made, and a practical lawsuit begun. The law exists; but in practice the consent of parents, to say nothing of their manage- ment of all details, is an absolute neces- sity. Among those hgppily engaged courtship marches with even step to the signing of the marriage contract, to the civil mar- riage, to the religious function, to the drive ir the Bois, and the marriage dinner. Each step, from the “reception given by Mme. X—, on the occasion of the signing of her daughter’s marriage contract” and the din- ————— —————_—_——S—S= tentions at the dinner which follows the signing of the contract, to which he should. irvariably be invited. The groom, es- pecially, can single him out and laugh at- tentively at all his jokes.” It is understood that this signing of the contract ts not all the marriage, but only the forma! “settiement.” Sometimes other stipulations are inserted in the contract be- Siaes those which have to do with mere money matters, such as that the groom will never oblige the bride to cross the sa, or, a8 there is one recorded case, that the bride will never be forced to eat cheese, Th civil marriage, before the mayor of the arrondissement (ward), next follows, and is essential according to French taw. Otherwise there is no marriage, no matter if there were ten ceremonies in ten churches, whether in France or in a fore eign country. This civil marriage is sufti- cient, but few families of any pretentions stop with it. The real marriage is the mar- riage in church. The Wedding Procession. In closed carriages or open landaus, in ommnibuses or four-horse breaks, according as the wedding is more or less distin- guished, the whol> party rides out to the Bols. They make the tour of the lakes in the carriages; halt at the Cascade, while the coachmen drink; alight, and visit the artificial Switzerland afoot. The stay the great caf, the Cascade, will vary ac- cerding to the distinction of the parties. The most chic do not stop at all, but only make the drive, into the Bot Stead of being too common for too expensive, ride on gaily to St. Cloud, where half a dozen large restaurants almost live Upon this style of patronage. There afver — dinner all walk through the great perk, Cortain high-class Paris restaurants also make a special feature of these wedding dinners. All ts arranged beforehand; the table has a joyous aspect; it is laid with art and the wedding guests, even if thoy affect the English stiffness and self-re- pression that is more or less the mode, cannot but be Parisian, that {s to say, gay and light-hearted. The wedding guests are loud, the conversation sparkles like the bride’s diamonds long before the cham- pagne is reached, and explodes like fir works after the genial cup has passed It is not only a dinner, but an occasion for eloquence. The poet of the fami'y haw brought his verses; and while he declaims them the groom looks tenderly through the flowers at the brid>, and all the company attend decorously. But when he once is through there comes the time for songs. No one Is spared, but each must sing, even the bride herself, who, Like a girl of spirit, lifts her glass and trills out bt 3 The Bride's men Champagne corks pop like guns in bat- Ue. a pandemonium of happiness unchains self, until—hurrah! the bride gives a little scream and an excited jump. which mexns her garter has been captured, by a child, ber garter of ribbons tied for the sion. The last act is to cut this piec » be worn in the men’s holes, like the decoration of some order. It is only a few mate ds who meet the brid groom that night at the Lyons r: Station to see them off on their way to ocea- up in high the relatives and i Nice, which is the consecrated tour The bell sounds and the guard cries. voiture!” The mother embrac ter: “A ma cherie. Wr morrow!” The father kisses her an pers slyly: “Adieu, filette!” 7 calls out Don't get out while in motion! Write pgraph — tomorre morning! Oh, my poor child!” Weeps us the train moves out The miserable parents, des d, as they y in French, spend a sac evening and d next morning in the deserted bird that has been a prison te the child from all her youth. A new life now commences for her, the girl. Her husband tells her all his past adventures, over which they laugh together; she reads what books she pleases she has her social fling; she has her li erty. It is she, the successfully marri who can best exclaim with M. is sweet, Perish th tive philosophy colonial polit but long live the sentiment of family the religion of the hearth.” TERLING HEILIG, —_— -—_ North Dakota's Lignite Coa From the Bismarck Despatch. The question of fuel in the great tree- less prairies of this state en the most serious one the immigrant has been called on to face. This winter t lem has been soled, and by the engineers and of the State Insane Hospital at James- town, By experiments in the furnaces there methods of burning the native lig- nite coal have been so perfected that in stead of evaporating one pound of water with four pounds of fuel, but two pounds are required. Over 1,000 tons of lignite have been burned at the asylum this win- ter, and at a saving of about $5,000 as contrasted with the hard coal prices Lignite exists in inexhaustible quantity along the Missouri, north of Bismarck and Mandan. At Mandan the farmers who mine it sef it at 80 cents a ton, and it is now delivered in any corner of the sta at about $3. Generally speaking, two tons of lignite will do the work of one ton of eastern coal. In the last two weeks some of the largest deposits in the state have been uncovered near Bismarck. It is estimated that millions of acres of Mg- nite lands lie along the Missouri and Mouse rivers. The exclusive use of lig- nite coal in North Dak and that is now confidently expected, will save the state 00,000 a year in transportation charges or in labor payments heretofore made to the eastern miners. e+ Going There Sometime, From the Kansas City Times. “It is no easy job to get on a street car in Paris. When the car is full, that 4 ecch seat is taken, the guard puts up sign ‘Complet.’ I met a man from St. Louis over there, and when I asked if he had not about exhausted his guide book ha said: ‘Yes, I've been to pretty n¢ place in the old-town except one. ume I have tried to get out to Comp! darned cers were full.’"”” stitution some- times gets inta a ae pax f people are we: and miserable because feed 8 ve tipped off the smooth road. way of health and are ditch. ing along through the mire of disease, Pierce 728 i é iii i i & i ! i il a: i i tf i : if i ii itlit l i if g i i i i i