Page:Fifty years hence, or, What may be in 1943 - a prophecy supposed to be based on scientific deductions by an improved graphical method (IA fiftyyearshenceo00grim).pdf/51

 the same moment both Houses in the Capitol at Washington, while preparing in the intervals of his private business and local political matters, to make a campaign speech in the Mississippi Valley, without leaving the shores of the Pacific.

All new houses are monolithic and must be built from plans approved by the General Council of Architects. The law requires, under heavy penalties, that every building shall have a liberal and specified window-area, and be properly warmed and ventilated.

The new system of diffused daylight is by most preferred to electricity. The panels with which the walls and ceilings are covered, have a power of absorbing sunlight all day and giving it out at night, thus making the rooms pleasantly bright by night. All beds are enclosed in beautiful cabinets (connected with the general system of ventilation), so that one steps from a bright chamber into his comfortable sleeping-compartment, and there, lulled by sweet music, if he so wish it, sleeps the sleep of the happy dweller of 1943.

The compartments are warmed, as the occupants prefer, by warm air from the general sup-