The Washington times., 1904-07-03


v now stretches along the west
ern coast of the United States from
Canada TO Mexico were by some magic
agency lifted from it's deep-sunk moor
Jugs and in a night planted along the
imaginary line that separates this coun-
try from the British possessions IN
North American
The very thought is staggering-an
impossibility IN fact. almost an I'M
possibility for even the imagination to
pursue. Great problems in climatology.
ia politics, in trade. and commerce, and
grIm-visaged war complicate the con-
ception and embarrass the thinker who
enaeayors to reduce It TO its analysis.
The whole face of the country would
undergo a change. and plans OF onense
ard defense. now deemed sufficient 10
safeguard the national safety, would
become worthless IN themselves or
superseded by the changed natural con-
ditions.
What would be the relations between
this country and Canada should a bar
rier so stupendous- be reared between
them?
Truth is, to answer these questions
ard the innumerabie others that sug-
gest themselves TO the active inteIn-
gence OF the reader IS not altogether
easy. and in many cases is quite impos-
sible The scientist TO whom the ques-
tons Of climate are propounded. for in
stance. asks to be allowed TO dream
upon them before he issues his mani
festo-and he obviously expects 20
gather what inspiration he can from
the dreams. The commercial statisti-
clan, when he Is confronted with a re-
quest for information as to the probable
effect Of the transplanting OF the
Rockies upon the exports and imports
or the United States and Canada. can
DO little more than gasp for breath. He
thinks. vaguely. that American ingenu-
fly, perseverance. and grit would find
a way 70 surmount the difficulties. but
he doesn't know.
Great Barrier of Snow.
Take these 1900 miles Of mountains
and stretch them along the Canadian
frontier; then tell Us. prophet and seer.
what would happen.
II would be no feeble barrier-this
transpianted mountain range. Mount
Elias rises 70 a height OF 1900 feet
above the level OF the sea. Mount Shasta !
is 1888 feet high. while there are sew
eral other peaks that pierce the clouds
and soar above them to attitudes Of |
from 1900 to 1900 feet The passes
themselves. through which the occa-
slonal railroads would have 10 find their |
way. are from GOO 20 1000 feet above
sea level. In the United States alone
the Rocky Mountains cover an area OF /
$4,000 square miles. with a great area /
In British Columbia not taken into con-
sideration. Perpetual SHOWS cover the
SUBMITS Of the peaks and danger stalks
throughout their glittering expanse.
zone thing Is certain enough said
Wills /. Moore. chief OF the United /
States Weather Bureau. If the Rocky |
110uftdiLS were iEHAJFtN AADHl Altfe Il
they now rest. and the plateau that re-
mains were not more than 1900 feet IN
height. the arid and semi-arid expanses
OF the Far West would be made TO
bloom and blossom as the rose-and
without the aid Of irrigation either.
There would be a plain unsurpassed in
fertility stretching from the Pacific to
The Mississippi
The factors necessary 20 plant life !
are light. heat. soil. and moisture. The
arid regions OF Wyoming. Idaho. Ne
vada. and other States suffer from lack
OF moisture because OF the Rockies,
which interpose their gaunt cliffs be-
tween the arid regions and the Pacific
The sea is a great reservoir Of heat,
and the clouds that rise from its sur
face and are borne across the land
carry moisture and the warm breath Of
the ocean with them.
Squeezed Dry in Climb.
But they never reach the arid landsl
Of the West Struggling up the heights ]
Of the Rockies the moisture is gradually
out Of them and precipitated ]