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/52

 ply, by electricity from the common central station, or by heating-gas manufactured at a distance from the city, and pumped through long miles of pipes to where it is needed.

The streets are lighted with a soft, well-diffused illumination, bright enough to enable reading from ordinary print, at any point. The electric wires which carry currents to supply the lamps, are invisible. Each house contributes its quota to the illumination, by electric glow-lamps over its doors and windows, so that the effect, upon a moonless night, is fairy-like.

The sea-board cities have salt water "laid on" for bathing purposes, street-washing and use at fires; although the methods of fire extinguishment have greatly changed for the better. Few fires are possible, and those are generally put out by chemical vapors, automatically discharged from pipes placed in every room and passage.

The results of paternal oversight as carried out by republican institutions, are most gratifying; the annual death-rate being reduced to about 7 per thousand in sections favored by Nature, and never exceeding 10, in the most crowded districts and those least blessed in climate.