"Lands not in active production are forested or put to rich grazing use. Our permanent large pumping, drenching, and sprinkling system, with our large sprinkler planes, are used to irrigate our deserts, and other lands suffering from drought and rain scarcity. It is also used in putting out forest fires started either by sun rays or combustion.
"We draw the waters from our great number of immense reserve storage reservoirs, which are directly diverted to them from the run-offs of heavy river water flows. Saving us from overflowing rivers, flood control, levee construction, inundation damage, and disasters, at the same time increasing generating power of our dams. We have an efficient drainage system for our tropical crops in rain-soaked lands, excess waters of which also flow into these reservoirs. Sun rays are available to treat our vegetation, when necessary.
"We limit and regulate agricultural production all over Mars. We have always an overabundance, because we have also completely reclaimed, irrigated, and fertilized our arid areas, distant from our surface water and reservoir supply, by mapping and using their underground water resources; we have converted them into rich productive farm lands. We have also mastered our jungle lands and made them all very productive.
"You are reluctant to ask me a few more questions you feel I may be sensitive about answering. You are puzzled about a fourth generation. Since our generation is thirty Earth years, I would have to be about 150 years old to have a fourth generation grandchild. I am now 175 years old, and Xora is now twenty-six Earth years old, which makes her my fourth generation grandchild. Xora has been appointed as your guide; she will take you tomorrow to her home, where you will meet her family and friends. You will be free to mingle among and closely observe us. You will find out for yourself that we have high standards and happy life.
"'Regnant populi.' The people rule, with a political regime really 'of the people, by the people, and for the people,' through their short term elected representatives; a truly democratic form of government, as defined by your Webster's Dictionary, 'Democracy: Government by the people collectively by elected representatives; political, or social equality,' united for common interests, rights and privileges, in political, economic, and social equality. We have strong doctrines of individual freedom, 'Lalus populi suprema est lex,' the welfare of the people is the supreme law.
"Our government officials are elected for two or five years, depending upon location and departments. They are not allowed to succeed themselves. Dictatorship is non-existent nor would it be tolerated. We have no ruling class. We are ruled by the people. We have no secrecy in our government, nor in our political parties, no party cliques and party discipline. Important decisions are voted for, or against, by all our citizens.
"You are curious and want to know if all Martians live in the same splendor and style as I do. No, they do not. We have ten grades and ten Sun-Rank degrees. Between every grade and every degree there are ten points to be earned. Every one of us must earn all ten points for promotion into the next degree.
"Promotion into the honorable Sun-Ranks is obtained only if we have achieved something outstanding, such as an improvement or invention, a scientific discovery, a disease prevention and cure. These higher advancements are voted upon and approved by our supreme house of council, and are given to us after judgment has been passed by impartial judges of all races from different parts of our planet.
"The type of living quarters of members in the Sun-Rank degrees depends on the degree. The members not only are honored for their attainment, but the higher ranking members are given, for their lifetime or for as long as they desire, mansions in both summer and winter resorts. They have large yachts and planes assigned to them and enjoy comforts and luxuries. They all have their duties to perform during their hours of employment. There is no ostentation in their way of life; for their entertainment, they attend the same theatres and halls as the lowest grade degree members. Stalls, boxes, and the best orchestra seats are always first reserved for the aged, and the next for rank members. Some of them prefer to occupy seats in the balcony with their lower degree families and friends.
"Many of our highest rank members prefer to remain in their old homes where they began as citizens. Many others go back to them if they are still available. Rank members are not envied. Respect and desire to emulate them spur all of us on.