The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-02-20

power, far more potent than that
which is gained by harnessing the
wind, though at no more cost of oper-
alton, means the extension of irriga-
tion To the wider belts of upland,
where water is deeper. This means in
turn more intense cultivation, smaller
farms, denser population. Therefore
the influences which are sure TO fol-
low the Introduction of solar power
upon the Plains must be great and
far-reaching This remark applies not
merely TO Kansas and Nebraska. but
to the two Dakotas and to the i'm
pcrial domain of Texas. Potentially
one Of the most fertile, yet actually
one of the most barren tracts on the
continent is that known as the Staked
Plains of Western Texas. 1t is bar
rem because its two most valuable re-
sources have not been utilized These
are the sun which shines above then
and the snect of water which lies be-
meath.
TO REDEEM WASTE PLACES.
What is true of the widc-stretch-
ing plains, is practically true OF ali
the arid regions of the world. Cheap
motive power is the Indispensable con-
ditiOn of the existence of civilization.
And power demands either falling
water or abundant fuel. Relatively to
the needs Of Il dense population, there
is little of either water power or fuel
but upon every four square feet of the
surface of these regions there falls a
degree of solar heat, according to the
best scientific information, to produce
one horse power if it can only be util-
iZed The Solar Motor solves the
problem Of it's utilization Its far
reacing influence may be left to the
ina ginaton of the reader until future
events shall have written the great
story in their own indelible characters
upon the face of the earth.
1t may be well to remark upon one
economic result that is plainly fore
shadowed This Is the fact that the
use of solar powers in the industrial
life of arid regions must make for the
independence of individuals and COM
munities. 1t is conceivably possible
| for some one to make a monopoly of
| flowing streams and natural water
powers. But the sunshine may no
| more L. "cornered" than the SUI face
! of the earth itself. This great source
| of power belongs to all alike. For
tunately. the cost of the mechanical
Lldnts required for It's utilization is
Within the reach of average people.
| Tie cost of large plants is not beyond
| the means of small cooperative COM
panirs ~ is sun-pOWer seems likely
| t. prove an influence of enormous mo-
m"nt in sharing the future civilization.
Professor 5. +. Langley, Of the
| Smithsonian Institution, placed the
| following prediction on record as long
! as fourteen years ago;
Future ages may see the seat of
empire transferred to regions of the
earth now barren and deSoated and
under intense solar heat--countries
| which from that very cause. Will not
improbably become the seat of me-
| chanical and thence political power.
| Whoever finds the way to make indus
| tially useful the vast sun-power now
wasted on the deserts of North Af-
| rica or the shores of the Read sea,
will effect a greater change in men =
| affairs than any cOnqueror in history
! has done; for he will once more people
| those vast places with the life that
swarmed there in the best days of
! Carthage and of old Egypt, but under
| another civilization, where man shall
no longer worship the sun as god,
| but shall have learned to make it his
servant" William T.. Smythc.