Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-11-13
FANTASTIC WEATHER SCHEMES

applying them to his own use, as In
the case Of the heavier than air flying
machine, and wireless teloeraphy and
telephoning. that he feels called upon
to try to change those natural con-
ditions.
This statement applies particularly
to the field Of meteorology. Many
man has become carried away with
the idea that he had a mission to re-
form climatic conditions, Having
noticed that a great rain followed the
terrific detonations Of an artillery bat
tie. some resourceful mind conceived
the idea that rain might be produced
in time of drought by a bombardment
of the heavens in place of the time
honored prayer for rain.
This substitution may have been
facilitated by experience OF the minis
ter. who being importuned by doubling
horihses in case of drought to pray
thus pray whenever his congregation
would agree unanimously upon the
exact date for the expected downpour.
Tho morrow having been suggested.
one section Of the congregation sud-
denly remembered a picnic In the
neighbcrhood. while several farmers
had grain they wished to put in the
barn before rain was wished on them.
Other dates were tried but without
success, and finally the congregation
admitted in despair that no date could
he selected when everybody would be
absolutely ready for rain.
That incident probably occurred, If
at all, centuries ago. for almanac
makers have gone on through the CEN
turtles predicting for years in advance
extreme cold in January and hard
winds in March, with a nonchalance
born Of ages of unchanging weather
conditions in respective portions Of the
year
The latest form OF weather reforming
has taken is the influencing of the
whole climate of the Atlantic coast
SO that we can raise bananas In Cam
ada and such States ms Vermont and
others that happen to border on the
Dominion. According to authentic
dispatches from the Canadian capital,
DR.. Peletier, the agent general Of
the Province of Quebec in London,
and Mr. L. A. Cannon of Quebec, have
been in Ottawa discussing with gov
eminent officials the recently resur-
rected project of damming the Strait
result of the representations made.
concrete proposition will shortly be
placed before the Canadian govern
ment.
DR.. Pelletier and Mr.. Cannon assert
they are making the move at the in
stance of English capitalists who are
prepared to go on with the project as
soon as the consent Of the governments
Immediately concerned is secured. They
are asking for no government assist
ance.
They claim that the water which
flows out of the Gulf of st. Lawrence
now is of about the same as or lighter
gravity than the Arctic current, so
that the Arctic current courses along
the Labrador and Newfoundland coasts,
T.
being so much more saline and heavier
would press the Arctic water away
from these shores.
Just why the Gulf Stream should
work its way inside, instead of out
side, the Arctic current is not ex-
planned. but the promoters claim it
will and that in doing so it will revo-
lutionize the climate of North America.
so modifying ii that bananas may be
grown in Nova Scotia and Prince Ed j.
ward Island, oranges in Newfoundland,
and the river and Gulf of st. Lawrence
remain iceless the year round. 1t is
further stated that the proposed dam
can be constructed for ten million
dollars.
We sincerely trust that DR.. Pelletier
and Mr.. Cannon can cause their fantas-
tic scheme to materialize for more
reasons than one. 1t would be ex-
tremely pleasant as well as profitable
for Vermonters to grow oranges here
instead OF being forced to go to Florida
or distant California to bask under
the boughs of their orange groves
with or without a jug and loaf OF
bread. It would also help us solve
the coal question. Many other bene.
fits might result from the transforma.
ltion Of the climate of this whole east
ern region as a result of the mani.
pulation Of the Gulf stream.
Among other things we would BIZ
assured that deep water way con
Meeting Lake Champlain with the st
Lawrence river would remain oper
and navigable throughout the year
and so would be much more likely OF
realization than It seems to be In thi.
particular age.
However 1t will be time enough t.
worry over what may happen when the
funds have been raised for the proiec
and this great climate changing dan
has begun to make Jack Frost thini