Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-01-09
AN ELECTRICIANS VISIONS.
Hc Reads tho Future and Sees Many Re
mnrknble ,himgs.

"rhe wonders wrought through electro
city," said wcll-known electric engineer
a few DAYS ago, ARE though great enough
to be called astounding, merely 10 be com
pared to the opening Of the first pages Of q
book, and Il book which unfolds such start
ling facts that they test the credriity OF
the reader" Continuing the electrician
said: cit is still within the memory Of
many living. when the world opened its
eyes and mouths IN profound Amusement,
when Professor Morse demonstrated the
fact that words and messages could he
telcgraphcd from one place to another
with lightning like rapidity. 1t Is but
few years since burglar alarms were
introduced to thwart the actions of cri-
minals bent on house plunderng.
at remained. however, for Edison a
telegraph operator. 10 bring the matter
Ito practical shape, 81 that the unknown,
subtle and mysterious power might be
measured in volts and ampcres. Tho pos
sibllitics. yea. tho probabilities of the
future in the line of electric advancement
arc 30 great that to contemplate them Is
enough TO mako ones head whirl with
astonishncnt and awe Active brains are
at work the best inventive skill Is engaged
III planning TO meet necessity. have
looked into the matter ond with the pas;
as a criterion | can ieadily sec some uf
the improvements that the future will
unfold"
When asked what he expected to sec he
replied; IL would rather keep the matter
to myself, for ! know my IDEAS will he
laughed at and held up TO ridculc. yet as
you insist | will tell YOU what think will
come TO pass. In the near future when
electricity has full sweep our railroads
will all have TO he elevated 50 that there
will he no crossing them by persons or
vehicles. Then ono may start from Phia-
delphia after breakfast and be shot over
to New York In time 10 do a full mornings
work. come back for his dinner. return to
New York. and IN the evening whisper
through the all connecting telephone and
tell his wife not to expect him homo for
an hour later than his usual time, as he
has to meet 4 friend In Washington AMI
accompany him to Chicago before return
ing home. Why. sir you will he able to
step on n train here IN the morning. fy
across 10 San Francisco spend several
hours viewing the wonders of the Iose-
mite Valley, take lunch IN Duluth on
your return and get back home in time to
make Il deposit IN your bank before il
closes Go. yes. indeed, 1t will soon he CO.
indeed. In matters pertaining to house
hold affairs the same advancement will be
seen. one will he able not only while Sit
. ting III his library or lying Oh his bed to
touch button, ana turn on Il light, CT
regulate the temperature Of the house. bGt
car also indicate to tho butcher, milkinan
grocer or baker what IL needed for the
days supply of food He can also, 10y sim
ply touching Il button. have his morning
newspapers sent through tubes. and from
the village tavern have his morning eye
opener sent direct without the trouble OF
his going after H. There will be no need
of heavy clothing when these thugs come.
ovcrcoats ana heavy wraps will be rolc-
gated to the past, for they will he sup
'antcd by thin garments of finely woven
wire and asbestos. which. bcini, charged
with electricity, will retain glowing
warmth in the coolest weather for IS
hours. So thoroughly will everything he
charged with the subtitle fluid that men.
women and children will be compelled to
wear rubber solcd shoes to prevent their
being fatally shocked while walking the
streets. "-phila1clphia Times.