The Washington herald., 1907-07-09

Philadelphia, Pa. July s-Although
astronomers all over the world gave the
planet Mars special attention during the
past twenty-four hours, when it was closer
to the earth's orbit than It viii be for
many years in the future. Prof. Charles
l. Doolittle. Of the University of Penn
syivania, is still unwilling 70 acknowledge
the claims OF fellow-scientists that it is
possible 10 discern real symptoms Of
life on the planet Incidentally. he de-
clared that the talk about gigantic men
having been seen is utter nonsense.
In discussing the theories that Mars Is
constantly drawing closer TO the earth
and the Martians more easily discernible
by astronomers. Prof. DooIittie said:
IF Mars should travel toward the earth
at the rate Of one mile a year it would
take exactly 100000 years to reach here.
Though the orbits OF Mars and the earth
were closer on Saturday than they will be-
for many years TO come, that is a very
natural occurrence. All the planets at
stated intervals grow closer 10 US. bur
that Is all It amounts to-"
Mars Not Most Important.
When asked what evidences Of life
there were on Mars. Prof Doolittle said:
Speaking from the researches Of other
scientists. should say that some unusual
things have been seen on the planet Mars.
For instance. the canals they speak Of
may be dlscernible through a powerful
telescope, and, under good atmospheric
conditions. but under ordinary circum-
stances 1t is hardly fair 70 astronomers 10
say that signs Of real life are clear and
distinct You know there are atmospher-
ic eruptions TO be taken into considera-
ton. as well as climatic changes.
The ordinary astronomer is too busily
engaged in research work TO devote his un-
divided attention to Mars. Stars. the sun.
and many other important factors IN the
realm Of science are still too far from
being thoroughly understood to give them
all up for a planet 100000 miles away.
Personally. I think there are far mora
important points TO be cleared up along
other lines than to make a speciality OF
Mars"
Thinks Theories Foolish.
Discussing the remarkable discoveries
Of Prof. Percival Lowell. OF Flagstaff.
Ariz, Prof. DoolittIe continued:
Prof. Lowell, believe. has made some
notable discoveries since he took up the
study OF Mars exclusively. but I can
hardly say that I am IN accord with all
he claims. AS for those men ten and
twelve feet high whom it has been said he
saw on Mars, l think II is ridiculous. I
am acquainted with Prof. Lowell, but
wouldn't hesitate to tell him frankly that
I think some Of the theories attributed 20
him are foolish.
"Of course, you understand these max
be runors and not Lowell theories. and
in that case 1t is unjust to cSticise the
scientist"
Much Room for Doubt.
Referring 10 the possibility OF seeing the
famous canals and Martians from the uni
versity observatory on the West Chester
Pike, Prof. Doolittle said:
If you cared 10 study the heavens con-
unuously for about twenty-five or thirty
nights and did nothing but watch Mars
under favorable atmospheric conditions
you might see something on Mars, but it
is out OF ali reason 10 attempt TO de-
scribe just exactly what YOU see It has
been claimed that Mars is trying to com
municate with as, but the claims as yet
have not been borne out by the proofs.
The clouds, atmospheric changes. and
eruptions and the reliability OF the teIe-
scope have considerable to do with the
study of the planets"