Star Tribune from Minneapolis, Minnesota • Page 68

1 mm 1 rni Mars Irip to antastic or a nan if A Mystic Interplanetary Bridge Will Enable Man to Make the "Hop," Says This Young Magnate POINTS orBRILLIANCy -jzE. SON ST" I i 1 apy i i "TKe youthfu! theorst think that Commander Byrd, on hit Antarctic expedition, could continue on in an airplane by a 'Southwest passage' from the South Pole towards Mars." 'HE most novel planetary theory ad vanced since the days of the ancient astronomers has just been mass extending from the poles of one planet to the next in line. Parenthetically, he throws in the suggestion that a VISION OF UNIVERSE Francis A. Giannini's Own Pictorial Conception of the Solar System, Which, He Says, Inclades the Remarkable "Interplanetary Bridge" (Not Specifically Indicated on His Diagram.) SPECULATIVE CloseJUp of Mr. Giannini, Who Spends Much Time Traveling from Coast te Coast to Interest Explorers and Aviators in His "Bridge-to-Mara" Expedition Scheme.

put forward without a blush or a wince by a young and imaginative Italo-American. Francis A. Giannini, of New York, believes and says that man can and will reach Mars and not by any of the old-fashioned Jules Verne expedients, either. Instead, he forecasts, the lucky roan who first negotiates the "hop" will do bo by means of aa existent bridge stretching from our globe to the nearest of our large neighbors in the firmament. This will provide a stimulating thought for venturesome spirits who, having "seen everything" on the earth, pant for a little faraway relaxation.

More timorous mortals, before setting out for a Martian holiday, however, will want to know the details of Mr. Giannini's scheme. And Mr. Giannini is perfectly willing to tell them. He holds that every planet in the solar system is connected with its neighbors by an endless bridge which reaches, in turn, to the sun.

What is the composition of the bridge ice, earth, water? To these direct questions, Mr. Giannini has an answer pat The bridge, he rejoins, may be of ice or earth or water, but whatever the substance, it is a solid similar, but larger, bridge links the various solar systems thrughout the universe. Mr. Giannini's theory about the connected polarity of the planets is regarded by several people as a new contribution to scientific vision, if not to rigid scientific thought. What, if the Giannini supposition is true, happens to persons who make polar journeys? The youthful theorist has some interesting things to say about this.

He thinks, for example, that Commander Byrd and the other members of his Antarctic expedition could continue on in an airplane by an as-yet unknown "Southwest passage" from the South Pole towards Mars. That is, if they wanted to and could definitely locate the passage. Had he not met with disaster, General Nobile, too, could have continued his icy Northern voyage beyond the earth's limits. Chancing on a passage similar to the Byrd one. the Italian would have eventually reached Venus.

And any day now, Mr. Giannini asserts, someone is likely find either the northern or southern bridge, after which it will hp bit matter of natipnce and ingenuitv despite the undoubted and intense Martian cold weather and the lightness of the gravity there inhabitation lis possible. Schiaparelli, who studied the planet in 1877, mapped a network of dark lines (the canals) crossing the continental regions from sea to sea and crossing one another, some at right angles, others obliquely. All were found to terminate in seas or canals. The Milanese scientist also found that at certain points the canals became double at certain seasons.

Knowledge that the amount of Martian water is small led Professor Lowell to the conclusion that the dwellers on the "fiery, red planet" had constructed the canals to conserve the supply. Seasonal changes in the dark regions, once called seas, in the southern hemisphere, are thought to be due to vegetation. All these discoveries tended to arouse the keenest human interest in Mars and its supposed inhabitants, and the natural sequel to this has been the burning ambition to reach the planet Scores of schemes have been incubated, trifled with, and abandoned, but the mere fact that near us it is, at its closest only miles away but because of the character of its surface markings and the probability that men, or creatures like men, may live there. General interest in Mars was whetted by the telescopic researches of Sir William Herschel, which, when published, resulted in subsequent investigations proving that the planet possessed weather con ditions not entirely dissimilar from the earth's. Later the canal-like waterways observable through the telescope were thought to give evidence that Mars was inhabited; but at first this theory was subjected to severe challenge.

Until the middle of the Nineteenth Century, very little wa known about Mars' surface, except that the white patches around the Polar regions were identified as snows, since the latter increased in Winter and decreased in Summer. Irregular, permanent dark patches were eventually looked upon as seas, while the brighter portions of the planet's urface were labeled "land." Reasons were adduced for supposing never heard of the Giannini bridge, or if they heard of it, would think it was a novel by Thornton Wilder. But even the skeptics, unconvinced of Giannini's project, are not unimpressed by Giannini himself. For here is no flame-eyed fanatic, no foaming irresponsible, but a quiet, well-bred, faultlessly dressed gentleman, polished in speech and of an ingratiating manner. That portion of his time that is not occupied with business he spends traveling back and forth across the United States in order to interview scientists," explorers and aviators in the hope of enlisting their interest in his theory.

He always stops at the best hotels. Mr. Giannini chatted with members of the Byrd expedition shortly before it set out for the South Pole aboard the Norwegian whaling ship, Larsen. He also talked with Sir George Wilkins on the tatter's latest visit to the Pacific Coast "I told Sir George," Mr. Giannini confided, "that if he would to that point in the extreme South where the compass needle begins to wobble and grow unreliable, he would ultimately reach Mars You see, there is no such thing as a North Pole or South Pole.

These points at which our earthly compasses cease to function are not ends, but starting places. A true compass, attuned to the centre of the universe, instead of to this infinitesimal way station called the earth, would guide interplanetary seekers to their goal." French, German and Russian scientists have been attracted, though not neces sarily convinced, by details of the Giannini plan cabled to their respective coun tries. And in Southern France, a woman is actually rearing her small son to be an interplanetary explorer. The child is being trained to subsist upon rarefied air. and is daily instructed in the use of every system of long-range communication which in future years might aid him ol "shout back" to Mother once he had attained Mars.

This concern over reaching anothet planet has been an obsessing passion of the human race for many years. And there seems to be something fascinating to the human mind about Mars in par ticular This is not only because it is so to quit this earth for other and perhaps more interesting spheres. But there is a sinister note in Mr. Giannini's reckonings; an intimation that sounds like a quotation from an early romance by H. G.

Wells. If, says he, with perfect logic, inhabitants of the earth can find a way to reach Mars, what is to prevent the Martians if any from finding a way to reach the earth? Nothing. Mr. Giannini, in his more sombre moments, paints a murky picture of what may happen when some Martian Lindbergh chances upon the bridge connecting his home with our planet. "It there be living creatures upon Mars, similar or superior in intelligence to ourselves," speculates Mr.

Giannini, "they may in time find their way to the earth. Inhabitants of this planet would then face an invasion which might result in the extermination of human civilization." "Whoever is the first to make the discovery will obviously have the advantage in case of an invasion from the Other Shore," one of Mr. Giannini's most fervent advocates explains. "Barricades could be built; fortresses set up. Guards should be maintained, after the fashion in which Great Britain mans the Strait Gibraltar as a precaution against pos-ible foes." Mr.

Giannini, uncertain of the precise materials making up the interplanetary bridge, looks to aviation to accomplish the feat of reaching Mars. He thinks that two generations may have passed before the attempt is succesful, but that's nn reason for not trying now. The actual expedition, once on its way, would consume twenty years or more before it landed on Martian soil. If further advances in the science of flight are made, the time, estimates Mr. Giannini.

could be shaved in half. Then, too, in his conception of the universe, it would be possible to effect landing, now and then, on the interplanetary bridge. "Is it more preposterous." he ejaculates, "to imagine an airplane flying by easy stages to another and not far distant planet than to conceive of a rocket making the journey in a single, non-stop flight?" a crack calculated to burn up all the modern rocketeers who -BitlkhbyellJiMMii wet I Jimmy is feeling the effects of great indignation be experienced when he caught Patsy, the girl-friend, smoking surreptitiously. Patsy's brother. Bill, thinks Jimmy is more or less of a simp for worrying about sucb things, but, on the other band, he has bis own views about how to handle women.

most of them have sounded wildly fan- that the atmosphere surrounding the planet was much more rarefied than ours, tastic has not deterred other adventurous and less capable of being charged with ilr IS in men from putting forward plans quite as curious-sounding. Last year, Robert Condit, of Condit, Ohio, thrilled Miami, Florida, by announcing that he would soar to Venus in a specially constructed rockt So far as is known, Professor Condit is still earthbound. but that isn't going to deter Mr. Giannini from looking for that elusive bridge which, once found, will be a more exciting sight, a more intrepid adventure, a more heroic opportunity than the bridge Horatlus defended. cloud, unlike the sister planet.

Venus, which is consistently concealed from earthly view Within the last century, astronomical research has developed further definite fascinating facts about the planet Most breath-taking of these was the discovery by Percival Lowell at Flagstaff. Arizona, that the Martian canals were artificially constructed by an intelligent race of inhabitants for irrigation purposes. Scientists now arenerally admit that. "Well, cheer np, this is great stuff Louie has) comes right off the boats." By Clare Murray, New Girl Poet-Artist By MRY T. DOUGHERTY.

the damea know too much. Doesn't do on a cigarette. "Oho!" chuckles Bill, with the mi i URE, go on, I've been telling you em any good, and, you know, might vamn vaiiv Aum tvIa Thia wittl own style. This with smile of a brother accidentally let in on cramp your "S' for an hour to take one. It 11 a fraternity wink from Bill.

a secret "That's different! I didn't give you nerve enough to go and call Pat and find out whether she did "That's all right, Bill, but I think a fellow ought to be on the level with a trirl like Pat. She's a knockout I don't ti a series of extraordinary drawings accompanying verse that it both realistic and romantic, Miss Clare Murray, gifted young Canadian, has caught the attention of critics and public alike From week to week her work will appear on thia Today la printed her latest poetic effusion, together with the illustration that accompanies it. It will be found to be well worth study and make a date with that guy, Craig." Know you and Pat were talking about children. Golly. Old Bird, you must he serious.

"We're not talking about children yet," says Jimmy, sheepishly, "but you don't suppose Patsy and I would get mar ned and not have 'em, do you?" care if she is your sister. Believe me, I don't mind telling you they don't vvnaaa ye mean, uraig? you aon i think "Certainly I do. Don't you know that what all the dames do? When one guy gives them the air, they can always find come any better." The mellowing influence of the old-fashioned beginning to hearten Jimmy toward Pat. "well, or course, I'm only a brother, hut I didn't even know you were nlan- another 'specially a kid like Pat" "Sure, they don't." counters Bill, "but At Rightt Clara Murray, Who Has Astonished Critics and Lay Public with Her Writings. says Bill, with an air of brotherly pride I'm for keeping all dames in line.

Say. ing to get married. And say, from the Us I "Well, I think I just will take a drink, if vou let 'em bluff vou at the start you'll wav Pat (rave vou the air lnt mVht and if she tries to put anything over on never get anywhere." you got so full of speechmaking, 1 me, bheve me, I'll tell her a few." "Believe me. Pat's not bluffina- me. wouldn't think so.

And say. while I think Now you re talking. Gee, I'm glad I've got a good notion to go right up to of it, you're twice as blah as I think you came over here to Louie's. He's got the house now without even 'phoning and are if you're going to marry a dame that me oest stun in town. Say, garcon, let her know how 1 bring us a couple of old-fashioned Wise glances exchanged all around, except by Jim.

His trouble Is so apparent to everybody at the nearby tables that they are all lending an ear. He's been hit pretty hard and is almost taking the count "Say, Bill, you don't really think Pat would pull anything like that, do you? Gee, if I thought Oh, I'm just a book, I guess just a sap." "Well, cheer up, this is great stufl Louie has, comes right off the boats." "Sure is." savs Jimmv. tries to get away with that kind of stuff Believe me, when I get tied, it's going to he to a dame that admits right at the tart that I'm the boss" "Yes, that's a good idea, maybe. It was pulling that line that got me where I am. Rill I tell you times nave changed.

But anyway, I'm not going to give up without a struggle. Guess I give her a call and see what happens." Through the glass of the telephone booth Bill can see Jimmy's face broaden into a wide smile as he gets his answer. Patsy is saying, "Oh, Jimpsy, I'm so glad you called. I was scared you were going to stay mad or something. But listen "That's not such a hot idea.

You might not stand so well when you finish that one. Gee, they're stiff, but one thing, I will say, it good stuff never any hangover." "Yen, it's a'right, Bill. Good stuff. Makes me sure I'm going up." "Don't know as I blame you. Might as well get everything settled.

You'd be a sap to let her get away with that kind of stuff now." "I know it, Bill. But, gee, I'm crazy about her, and if I get too high-hat now, maybe she will make a date with that simp, Craig." MY HEART fly Clare Murray-Said to my Heart last night "You bother me far too much. When I want to be leisurely, calm and free You're thinking of love and such. This Love is a treacherous thing-Assuming a gentle air, it intrudes, And before you realize It's captured you unaware. Ah, then what a tyrant this Love becomes I Your days are turned into aeons of waiting! And waiting for what? A sweet lie, a swift moment of love Then nothing remains but the aching." My Heart said nothing and turned away And I saw that it softly was weeping.

That Heart's such a nuisance I want it no more Will you take it? It's yours for-the keeping. Then as if in apology to Pat's brother, "You know, once in a while, it does a "Well, what if she does? Whadd'ye Dear, why didn't you call earlier? I'm Fa! Am a UU. m.aaJ I. i Bui i urinn. care; iou Know snes nuts aDout you, just in tne midst or game of bridge serves gei an snot, ana you ve got to and if she does go stepping with him it Fran got up a foursome, and it looks like win all the money." naye sometning to Drace em up." will be just to get you sore.

I'm going to Yeh, I know how it is, Jim but "Yeh. it's easy for vou to talk. But. Of eours. Rill can't hear what Patau Top, just between ourselves.

say, Old Bill, you just don't know what it's all is sayine. but he can cruess from the wav wasn't that Pat's alibi on the cigarette? I on the level, though. I won't tell about You fall in love some day, and Jimmy slams up the receiver and swag-see how you'd like It to have your girl gers back to order another old-fashioned, make a date with another guy. "There you are just what I told "Say, be yourself. I've got a crush, yoo you can't trust any dame out but I'll be darned if 1 care if she smokes of your sight," says Bill as though to as- cigarettes and that's all your great sure Jimmy that his troubles are but the big fight is about" troubles of all mankind.

"Guess, you're not very serious, Bill. I wonder how Jimmy and Bill are go I'm thinking about how it's going to look ing to feel when Patsy finds out about to our children seeing Patsy puffing away tonight? rat'll never hear it from me." "Bill, I hope you don't You know, man to man, I'd never get away with that cigarette argument, nor about her lying to me if she found out I'd had a drink." "Don't worry about me, Jim. The way I figger it out it's just as well not to let 'Vi "MY HEART" Miss Murray's Latest Drawing. OeirltM 1131, Nn tark amiss Mamsi. ins..