After all introductions were made, the scientists operating the
telescope focused it on planet Mars first and showed us that that
planet is densely inhabited and looks very progressive.
Here a most surprising occurrence was called to our attention for when
he focused Mars on the screen through this big telescope, using a
two-way action which this big fellow has, he also focused us towards
Mars. This means that should we ever succeed in getting there, the
people would know us for they now have a picture of us. This instrument
which appears to be similar to our radar and operates in conjunction
with the telescope also transmits messages and pictures that they
would want to the next planet, especially anything new. And we were
a new situation. Through this same system, we understand, they
transmit information and pictures of the heavenly bodies from their
observatories.
Besides, when any of their ships are in flight from Mars to the Moon,
or vice-versa, they have a picture of the ship's whereabouts. There are
many such ships that land on the Moon from Mars. We have been told on
the average of five to ten a day.
There are also ships from other planets landing here on the Moon
regularly, but thus far we haven't seen any of them.
Next the big telescope was focused on the Earth, and behold, it did
not look like anything on the screen. It is an accepted fact with many
people that we are over-populated in the Earth. The statement has
sometimes been made, this is the reason for wars. Yet comparing the
picture of Mars which we saw on the screen and that of the Earth, Mars
is far more densely populated than we are.
Their buildings, according to the picture, are taller and more majestic
than any we have on Earth.
If there ever were any scientists, all Martonians seem to be
scientists, according to what we can get. And the evidence is
outstanding for this big observatory in which we are observing all this
was their project. It had been transported piece by piece from Mars to
the Moon.
We asked if they ever have any wars or anything like that on Mars?
These men didn't know what the word 'war' was. They didn't understand
the meaning of it for they asked us what it meant.
Dr. Johnston explained it to them.
"No! No!" they answered. "We don't believe in that. We are scientific
people. We are all scientists."
Of course that was kind of a slap in the face to us Earth men, at least
we took it that way. In retaliation Bob asked, "don't you ever get
over-populated? How do you handle that problem?"
"The powers of the Infinite look after that," came the answer right
back. "We don't have to worry about it. All we have to do is to live
with one another for the good of each other."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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