Fire Walk Ceremony in Tahiti Described by Langley
Smithsonian official Samuel P Langley details an Tahitian fire walk observed during a Pacific voyage. He notes Papa Ita the priest and the hot basalt stone pit heated by a long fire. Eyewitness accounts claim the heat focused on the head while feet felt none, with followers warned not to look back.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smithsonian Institution
Tahiti
Samuel P. Langley
Institution
Andrew Lang
Mr. Langley
Colonel Gudgeon
Hiaratonga
Ralatea
Fiji
T. M. Ren
Mings
Society For Psychical
Fraser
Papa-Ita
Raiatea
Hawaii
Papa Ita
Lang
Devil
Heat Walk on Red Hot Stones Aboard the Ship
The observer describes a staged fire walk with tall stone steps at a coastal site. A vesicular basalt stone was tested by boiling water, revealing high heat near the center while edges stayed cooler. Natives walked barefoot and in shoes amid flames, while Papasta led the ritual with measured steps.
Rampolla's Chance to Succeed Pope Discussed by Prelate
An Indianapolis Journal interview with a high ranking Roman prelate details Cardinal Rampolla as the Vatican's most influential figure after the Pope. The talk notes Rampolla's power, lack of allies, and uncertain path to the papacy, with French and Italian opposition and American support shaping the conclave outlook.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Indianapolis Journal
Rome
Cardinal Rampolla
Leo XIII
Rampolla
St. Peter's
Leo
Holy Father
Propaganda Fide
Vatican
Bismarck
Rampalla
France
Republic
Loubet
Victor Emanuel
Naples
Florence
Turin
Milan
Antonelli
Pio Nono
Rampolia
Angelo di Pietro
di Pietro
Italy
Hans Barth
Grand Duke Michael eyed as potential Czar heir
Russians believe the Czar may die without a male heir and the throne could pass to Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovitch if no son is born to Nicholas. The Czarina has only daughters so far.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nicholas
Michael Alexandrovitch
A Christmas Candle Party Idea for Christmas Morning
A middle aged woman describes a candle party tradition at breakfast on Christmas morning. Each plate has a tall candle in an antique candlestick while a small holly adorned tree with red candles lights the table. Gifts are opened beside the plates, creating a warm old fashioned festive scene.
The Investigations of Lucy
A mother recalls her six year old daughter Lucy, a curious child who presses for answers with grown up questions. Lucy’s bold query unsettles the mother as she resolves to explain how a child’s relentless zeal for knowledge can surprise and challenge a parent.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hell
Lucy
Ques
Ritualists Contend For Newark Coadjutor Bishop Seat
Special to the Indianapolis Journal reports a fierce contest in Newark diocese for a coadjutor to Bishop Starkey. Ritualists claim one third of voting strength and seek to expand influence, while opponents push back. Election set for January with broader mission boards conference in New York January 14 and 15, inviting over forty societies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Indianapolis Journal
New York
Newark
Starkey
Fond du Lac
Milwaukee
Chicago
Springfield
Middle West
Rhode Island
Massachusetts
South
South Atlantic
North Carolina
New Jersey
Foreign Mission Boards
United States
Canada
American Bible Society
Christmas Giving Emphasized by Sunday School Times
The Philadelphia Sunday School Times reinforces a half century view that Christmas should center on children giving gifts rather than receiving. It cites New York teachers warning against cash incentives and notes the harm of present-focused attendance drives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Philadelphia Sunday School Times
Sunday School Times
New York City
Inere
Gambling at Hot Springs Thrives As Winter Races Draw Crowds
In Hot Springs a traveling jewelry salesman reports booming betting at the Arlington and nearby clubs. He notes six poolrooms, wagering on New Orleans races and San Francisco tracks, with women bettors increasingly active and a general sense of abundant money and risk among patrons. Prominent gamblers like Steve L Hommedieu and Pittsburg Phil are expected, while racing remains the dominant pastime and social draw this winter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George T. Simmons
Chicago
Grand Hotel
Hot Springs
Springs
New Orleans
Arlington Hotel
Ingleside
San Francisco
Arkansas Monte Carlo
Arlington
Steve L’hommediecu
Pittsburg
Phil
Charley Ellison
Ed Arnold
Tim’ Sullivan
Kentucky Club
Also Mentioned on This Page
A P. Langley
Pacific
Steel Corporation
Elbert H. Gary
United States Steel Corporation
Charles M. Schwab
Gary
Richardson
Lawless
Papasta
Great Ocean
Ducoran
Washington
Iain
Michael
Czar
Ren