£1.75
Topsy Turvy
The Arctic Region Auction
The Arctic region, bounded by the 84th degree, was put up for sale at public auction. Many countries claimed rights to this region, but America’s bid won. A Mrs. Scorbitt had put up the money and, along with Mr. Barricane and Mr. Nichol, intended to mine the area for coal.
The Plan to Move the Earth's Axis
They raised money by public subscription and at a meeting declared they would move the Earth's axis so the North Pole would melt. All the Earth's seasons would change into one. Many were against this, thinking it would end in the Earth's destruction.
The Construction of the Cannon
Mr. Maston was responsible for the mathematical calculations. Mr. Barricane and Mr. Nichol left for an undisclosed venue to build a huge cannon, which was to fire at the Earth and achieve this move in the axis.
Public Outcry and Consequences
With the public outcry regarding the changes that could take place—countries becoming seas, oceans becoming dry land—the estimated death toll was significant. Mr. Maston was arrested by the Americans, who tried to force him to reveal the location of the cannon.
