Jasper Republican, Volume 1, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1874 — A Gigantic Project [ARTICLE]

A Gigantic Project

The project of converting a portion of the Sahara Desert into an inland sea continues to find favor, and it is understood that thorough surveys with a view to determine the precise mode of accomplishing this object are underway by the French Government. As to whether the result aimed at is desirable or not is at present a question of considerable discussion. On the one hand, the replacing of a large amount of desert waste by water, and making seaports of interior points in Algeria, and the expected restoration of an ample rain-fall to various parts of Northern Africa, are viewed with tavorable anticipations. On the otherhand, it is maintained that the sea will be simply an immense evaporation basin, which will soon be clogged up with salt; or that a serious interference will take place in the amount of heated air carrie I across the Mediterranean, which at present prevents the extension of the Alpine glaciers. Should this be interrupted, it is feared that increased glaciation will ensue, possibly restoring a large portion of Central Europe to its' condition daring the reindeer-epoch. ■Whatever be the result of this great engineering operation, it is extremely probable that it will be attempted by the French authorities.— Harper’s Magazine.

—A Boston merchant attended a mesmeric entertainment in Beethoven Hall and laughed so immoderately that the operator was annoyed. The merchant was requested to he quiet, but he was unable to stop snickering and consequently was ejected. Being wealthy and obstinate, he will test in the courts the question whether a proprietor of a place of amusement can at will exclude persons who have bought tickets and taken their vests.