Tesla and Mars (July 27, 1907)

The paltry little sum of $1,108 came very near precluding Nikola Tesla from talking to the inhabitants of Mars, but fortunately the cash was produced in time and now the electrician may continue his plans for the interesting conversazione. Mr. Tesla — and far be it from us to make game of him — believes if he can get a tower tall enough he can start an electric current going which will make the Martians sit up and take notice. The foundations of the tower are said to be 300 feet deep; the height of the structure is not given. In any event the man upon whose land it was built didn’t seem to take enough interest in Mars to risk any money in the projected talkfest and threatened to sic the sheriff on Tesla unless his money was forthcoming. Fortunately it was, and now Mr. Tesla can go right along with his preparations. At least there is no doubt that he can talk at Mars, but since he could do as much from terra firma it looks as if building the tower were a waste of time and money. Mars is a pretty safe proposition to take liberties with; it won’t talk back. But getting so he doesn’t mind them much except when, as Mr. Botin remarked, they happen to be a “reg’lar startler.”