The Coming American

But, only a few years ago did we not tremble at the airplane? In many minds the invention of gun powder, the cannon, the blunderbuss, were signals for world destruction. These, and many others, on the contrary have become boons to civilization. They have given the world new eras of progress and prosperity and happiness. So with atomic energy! Such geniuses on the subject as Dr. Arthur Compton of Washington University and Dr. Charles A. Thomas of Monsanto Chemical Com- pany, in relating the progress of atomic energy since the end of the war, give eloquent testimony to the future peacetime use of this great discovery. Without doubt, it will usher in a new age, comparable to the many that have marked the progress of the world. It will affect, directly or indirectly, the lives of every one of us, regardless of our future geographical location. [Insert* from below goes here.] The fear of atomic destruction in a future war may easily revolutionize our population distribution. This will affect many of us who expect to make our future homes in the great Southwest. For the past century, the population trend, due to unprecedented industrial development, has been toward large urban centers. This trend may be reversed with the general thinking concentrated on self-preserva- tion. Such a trend will mean future decentralization of industry and consequent development and prosperity for the smaller communities. You have an excellent example in the case of Little Rock. For years it was predominantly an agricultural community. The men of vision saw its industrial possibilities. In the past two years they brought in 37 new manufacturing plants. These, with substantial expansion of 11 existing plants, resulted in more than 3,000 new jobs and new payrolls of nearly $7 million a year. Peace in the World There will be the threat of destruction of civilization by such a weapon as atomic energy. We must be realistic. It is a Sword of Damocles. - 10