Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-11-29

Mr.. George Straight of Olean, N. Y,
has recently published pamphlet in
which he makes a departure from the
pathway generally followed in studying
the source and mode of solar energy.
His contention is that magnetic attrac-
ton and electricity are the vital forces
in conjunction with gravitation that
form the motive power and energy of
the universe In support of this he
says:
Whether we substitute theory or
not. it requires but a moment to prove
the faIlacy of the one now being taught.
In the first place, when matter was
created out of nothing ii was stamped
with certain living principles Of motion,
to the effect that if put in motion by
physical force it was subject to the
laws of gravitation and to atmospheric
resistance. and it matters not whether
that physical force was eXerted by the
hand of Deity or the hand of man the
motion would be subject to the same
laws of gravitation in either case and
would constantly decrease in speed
from the start, whereas in reality the
speed of the earth and sun has been
unvarying through all the ages and has
not deviated the fraction of a second
either in their revolution on their axis
or around the sun.
The earth and planets are powerful
magnets. and. without giving the rea-
SONS and philosophy why at this time, /
will assert that the magnetic force OF
the sun is equal to and exceeds the
magnetic force of all the planets COM
bined in his constellation, and it is the
action of his force of magnetic attrac-
ton and repulsion that causes the revo-
lutions of the earth, planets and all the
heavenly bodies.
Could we strike from creation that
mysterious force called electricity,
light would go out and death and
darkness would ensue. IL You remove
that subtle force of magnetic attrac-
ton, the world would cease to move;
silence and rest would take the place
of our now moving, active and pro-
| greSsive life both in earth and in the
| heavens, or il we Sunder that mystic
| cord of gravitation space would be III
adequate to hold the unrestrained
atoms of creation whether at rest or in
motion. In short, electricity is that
mysterious something generated by
and coming to us from the sun as ether
waves thinner than air, filling all the
space, and when manipulated by and
for the use of man it is as mighty as
tornado and as farreaching as the
bending heavens.
When philosophers and astronomers
are making estimates of the probable
duration of the sun, they should bear
N mind that tba aunnfiOr involved for.
their solution requires an entirely diff
ferent statement than would be re-
quired were they to determine the du-
ration of the works of man. The sun
is the mandatory and great store
house of Gods electric energy, and all
the earth and worlds in its constella-
ton are warmed and lighted by its eff
fulgent rays, and all nature. whether
animate or inanimate, all animal and
vegetable kingdoms, feed and feast
from this great storehouse that fur
nishes life, growth and energy to all
| his works. II these astronomers who
are teaching the theory that the sun
is constantly consuming itself to fur
nish light and heat to warm and illu-
inmate the world could only be per-
mitted to visit the great power house
| where that grand old electric motor
and dynamo is doing its work, they
would notice that time stained Their
mometer hanging on the wall where it
was placed in the morning of creation
and where it has hung through all
ages without fractions deviation in
the amount of light and heat given on
the first and each and every day since
its creation. If they could read and
understand the language of the draw
ings and specifications kept by the Su-
preme Architect and Builder of the sun,
earths and worlds, which might be
| still hanging on those old walls, they
would find in size and perfection, in
heat and radiant glow the sun stand
ing in the same notch with the old
thermometer where both have stood
since placed there by the Great De-