THE MARS QUESTION

A United States astronomer, who must also be a perfect humorist, had, it seems, conceived the singular project of sending a gigantic shell in the direction of the planet Mars. Even for Mars, this was a questionable attention. I think that when the time comes to send an embassy to Venus, it will be a pretty woman who will be transformed into an angel by giving her a pair of wings. It is said that the shell in question was to be fitted out for the transport of passengers... But our American astronomer had to, perhaps for lack of passengers, abandon this fine project. It is a pity.

Others, more down to earth, if one can say so when it comes to serious scientists who study the stars, intended to use extremely powerful projectors placed on several points of the earth. But, assuming that the Martians have seen our signals, they will have to wait for the next rapprochement of the two planets, which will not occur until around 1940, to respond. And then, all this assumes that Mars is absolutely similar to the Earth. Now, we are reduced, up to now, to pure hypotheses. Nothing proves that the conditions of existence are the same, that the evolution of the primitive cell was made according to that of our planet, and that the beings, if there are any?, are similar to those of our human family. The Martian is perhaps a superior animal, a fabulous bird or monster of the Apocalypse; perhaps also some fantastic citizen of whom we cannot form an idea, but surpassing us by a hundred cubits.

In 1913, a Swiss astronomer, Mr. Le Coultre, published a whole series of observations made in Geneva in 1909. On this subject, there was much discussion of the double question of the canals and signals of Mars; a question still pending. On the existence of the canals, the Swiss astronomer, who observed two types, was very reserved, unlike Schiaparelli, who, having discovered the said canals, believed in them hard as iron. The American astronomer Lowell, whose work is authoritative, believes in them no less. since he described them. Unfortunately, when we compare views of Mars, whether from different dates or from the same dates, they do not resemble each other at all. Hence the belief held by other scientists, Messrs. André and Bigourdan, for example, that the canals are only optical illusions.
"One fine night," wrote Mr. Le Coultre in 1913, "the part of the planet suddenly lit up with a whitish light comparable to that of an electric arc which lasted a few seconds and was renewed several times." Reflections of sunlight, scientists explain.

All in all, we know nothing. That is why we must try to find out. Is it really necessary? Assuming that Mars is inhabited, is it really useful to draw the attention of its inhabitants to us? Isn't it imprudent? We already have so much trouble with the members of our earthly family, so much difficulty getting along with our neighbors. If we have to have more problems with the Martians, we will never end...
And then, there are enough people who are in the moon; why the hell would you want to make us know Mars!

RENE LE GENTIL.