Astronomer Suspects High Type of Civilization on Mars
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York), Feb 9, 1929
The inhabitants of the planet Mars are far more advanced in civilization than we are and “probably have achieved a universal democracy,” in the opinion of Dr. George R. Lockwood spoke last night at the central branch Y.M.C.A. 55 Hanson pl. (Brooklyn, NY)
“There is no reason why there is not intelligent life on different planets of the universe” Dr Lockwood said. “If there was a force to create life on this planet why should it not have worked to create life on others?”
As to Mars, Dr. Lockwood said there was reason to believe that it was inhabited by a people more advanced in civilization than we are because of the “diminutive moisture” of the atmosphere of Mars.
“They probably have achieved a universal democracy, because only by standing together could they have surmounted the conditions of their climate,” he said. “They have no ocean not lakes o0r rivers. Just two polar caps and the atmosphere through which it travels from north to south and back again.
“By the nature of the case,” Dr. Lockwood said, “they must have an irrigating system on such a colossal scale as to reveal an intelligence far in advance of ours. They have in all probability gone along the path we are treading upon. The battles they have fought and won are ahead of us.
“They have achieved a universal democracy. We are talking about it. We fought for it and then went into a universal nationalism as foolish as childish. Eventually we shall reach the goal they have achieved. Some day there will dwell upon this earth a people big and brave enough to make a universal democracy and with it an abiding peace.
“Perhaps we too shall be forced to is as were the Martians. Nature is a patient teacher and can afford to wait a thousand years to gain her ends. But gain them she will, for with irresistible determination she moves toward her goal.”