The advantages of altering the axis of rotation were being forgotten; and the disadvantages were being enlarged upon. It was impossible that a catastrophe could be avoided, for any change must necessarily be occasioned by a violent shock. What the catastrophe would be no one could say. Was this amelioration of climate desirable? Who would gain by it except the Eskimos, Laps, and Samoyeds, who had nothing to lose?
The Major and his allies were indefatigable in their prophecies of evil.
“It is evident,” said Karkof “that the projectors will do all they can to protect the United States from the consequences of the shock.”
“But can they?” asked Harald. “When you shake a tree all the branches shake.”
“And,” said the Dutchman, “when you are hit in the stomach does not your whole body shake?”
“That is what that famous clause meant!” said Todrin. “Here are the geographical and meteorological modifications!”
“Yes,” said Baldenak. “But suppose the change of axis throws the seas out of their existing basins?”
“And if the ocean level is lowered at different points,” said Jansen, “some people may find themselves so high up in the world that communication with them will be impossible!”
“If they go up too high they will not be able to breathe!” said Harald.
“Would you like to see Baltimore as high as Mont Blanc?” asked Donellan.