Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-01
IS THE EARTH FLAT?
A Man Who Ezpends Money and
Ink to Prove That It Is,
THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
A Periodical Published to Provo the
Earth PIane-AII Modern Science
Declared a Hunlbug-The North Pole
a. the Hub Of tho Universe.
Written for The EVENING SrAR.

q HE EARTH; scripturally nationally, and
.lfSS practically described. geographical,
- r. philosophical, and educational review
e nautical guide, and general students
eS>s-y manual"
Such Is the all-embracing title of a singular
publication that made its first appearance in
London on the 4th of September, 1886. 1t was
an eight-page quarto, two columns to the page,
and was printed for the proprietor al 'Ye
Caxton Pryntynge Werkes', 8, 4 and S. Swan
buildings, Moorgate street, and published by
Messrs. Perry Co.. Paternoster Row. E. G."
The word "fortnightly" was printed in the
upper left-hand corner OF the first page, and
for time at least it was issued regularly, for
thirteen numbers were sent out in this form
before its publication was discontinued The
general makeup of these numbers is fair and the
typography clean. From a casual examination
one would never suspect what a ponderous
mass of strangely nc W knowledge is concealed
therein. But closer scrutiny reveals free
use Of exclamation points and italics, Fremont
tory flashes and tremors indicative of giant
forces and pent-up powers impatient Of too
long restraint. The original matter is full OF
strong. explosive sentences which have a
Observation-Disclosures effect that reminds
one OF the pyrotechnic display lately seen here
terspersed throughout the pages quota
tons from well-known writers. These quota
tons usually contain some self-evident general
truth and appear to fortify by high authority
and to surround with an atmosphere Of plausi-
blllty the statements of the editor.
The price of each number of this engine of
civilization was penny. There were agencies
TOR Its sale in tour cities in America. The
originator. proprietor and editor of this re-
markabe periodical intended Herewith to
.,1,, 4 L
the sciences. How well he has succeeded
every one knows. His name and address
John Hampden, Croydon, Surrey, England.
HOW HE LOST HIS MONEY.
In March, 1870, Mr.. Hampton agreed TO for
felt $500 to any one who would scientifically
demonstrate the curvature of the sarths sur
face. This truth once established. he con-
coded. would prove the truth of the Newtonian
theory that the earth Is a globe. MIR. Alfred
Russell Wallace accepted this offer and pro-
ceeded to carry out his part of the contract.
A place known as the Bedford canal or level.
situated IN a marshy district on the eastern
coast OF England. was chosen as the theator of
operation: Referees or judges acceptable to
both parties were selected. During the greater
part of a week observations, measurements
and calculations were made by scien-
tlic gentlemen Of high standing by means
Of the latest and most perfect instru-
ments and by the most approved
methods. Inc result was that the judges de-
cided against MIR. Hampden and in favor of
Mr. Wallace, and concluded the matter by pay
ing over to the latter the stake of $500 Mr.
Hampden denounced the whole affair rs a
fraud, and then resorted to vituperation, de-
nunclatlon and strong lnveCtive. Finally Mr..
Wallace brought suit for libel against Mr..
Hampden and won his case. These tw o defeats
left ranking wounds, for III one of the num-
bers of The Earth its editor writes: is the
swlndlug transaction at the Bedford canal in
1870 yet oblterated from the memories of Mr.
Wallace and his associates? Do they insanely
imagine we have either forgotten or forgiven
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