The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-05-23
THE QUESTION OF RAIN
Wilton. N. D.
May Is, 1894.
Editor Tribune:

Editor Tribune:
have always thought that some
day We could make 1t rain. Our lives
are absolutely dependent on rain for
both our food, except sea foods our
clothing and good part Of our
shelter come from the soil. We and
the grass and the stock are all in
the same class in q way. People
who irrigate may think they are not
dependent on rain but If there was no
rain or snow there would be no rivers
or ground waters for irrigation pur-
poses. You couldn't irrigate with
seawater even II you could get 1t.
I thought of trying to make 1t rain
by taking the static charges Of cleo
tricity off Of the water yapor, but
Mr.. Marvin, chief OF the weather
bureau, says experiments along that
line have been tried and that it seems
it would make less rain. He said
that natures way OF forcing moisture
laden air upward to where 1t is cooler
where it will condense Is the only
practical way. Well for all that still
think it might be possible to make 1t
rain when we learn more.
There is another line along which
We can work which will bring results
but 1t will take number of years to
be very effective and that is we have
made it drier by draining low lands
so II man can change climate to make
1t more dry, to reverse the order will
make 1t wetter again.
Townships, counties and the state
have levied road taxes for years, let
them levy taxes to build dams in
the same way and there will be some
thing done. An act Of the legislature
might be necessary to allow this. Some
OF this tax money could be used for
relief money for the unemployed, Il
might help to save the day, for the
government can always borrow money
to spend on relief works-and part Of
1t foolishly at that. Snow fences set
up by large ponds would save some
water too. The government wants
to take marginal lands out Of produce
ton. let them rather buy up lands
which have been drained or could be
flooded and make lakes. OF course II
We would influence the climate to
make It wetter we would have more
snow too and not so much nice driv-
Ing with cars in the winter time:
that's one thing to think about.
How long is 1t going to be dry this
way? It has been coming on for
several years and 1t seems reasonable
to believe 1t will be several years in
getting back to normal SO It might
be possible that We would have some
time Of 1t before things straighten out
again: there are wise people who have
made fun Of Joseph's precautions fos
lean years may be wiser bye and bye
Now what are the causes for the
conditions we have? Draining OF
low lands. perhaps some atmospheric
conditions we do not understand, (the
rain spots which come each clever
years are due in 1885 and that isn't
supposed to help any, then too thu
broadcasting stations may IN soml
manner make . difference in the rair
Phenomenon for science Is findinl
that . great part Of the structure Of
the atom, unit Of matter, Is electrical
I think will write to the Secretar,
OF Agriculture to ask him to endeavol
to find out II stopping broadcastinl
for . short time in the spring nigh
be Of value. Then, too, I believe tn,
dry weather with these high Wind,
and dust is an act Of God, 9 punish
ment, for the United States in settin,
away too far from Righteousness.
believe We ought to pray for rain.
HUGH REDIN0TON.