Roundhouse - Vol 02 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: THE ROUNDHOUSE
Issue: No. 7
Volume: 11
Date: March 1954
Publisher: CUP & SAUCER CLUB, MAQUOKETA, IOWA

This issue of THE ROUNDHOUSE, subtitled '"DAMNANT QUOD NON INTELLIGUNT"', delves into a variety of topics related to predictions, scientific theories, and alleged government knowledge concerning flying saucers and broader existential concerns.

Predictions and Existential Concerns

The issue opens with a discussion of 'gloomy predictions' about the cessation of the world, with some even predicting the year 1954. The author notes that such predictions, regardless of their basis (scientific, religious, or everyday), often lack sound structure and reappear with new publicity. The piece muses that eventually, the law of averages might catch up with these predictors, but there will be no one left to congratulate them.

Interplanetary Visitors and Government Knowledge

Frank Edwards, a Mutual News Commentator, is cited for stating in his broadcasts that he has received letters from prominent scientists confirming the presence of 'visitors from an interplanetary source'. These scientists are reportedly sure of the interplanetary theory, and it is alleged that the Air Force knows what the saucers are but is unwilling to disclose this information.

A prominent Broadway columnist is mentioned for stating on February 16, 1954, that flying saucers are considered of such 'vital importance' that they would be the subject of a special meeting of world military officials during the summer. In response to a question about photographing unidentified aerial objects, a local paper reported that cameras capable of photographing flying saucers had been set up at air bases in 33 states, according to the Air Force.

An anecdote from the 'One for the Books Dept.' describes a dispatcher hearing the noise of a plane's motor 'buzzing' a patrol car via radio, but no plane was observable.

The 'Aphrodite Project' and Scientific Speculation

The magazine revisits an article from a 1949 Street & Smith publication titled 'THE APHRODITE PROJECT'. This fictional account described a government-backed project that launched a missile into the orbit of Venus in June 1946. Astronomers reportedly observed the missile enter Venus's orbit and gained a clear view of the planet's surface, including a mountain estimated to be 25 miles high. When confronted, the editor of the magazine stated it was pure fiction. However, a request for a pamphlet on the project to the Supt. of Documents at the Government Printing Office received a reply stating the subject was 'CLASSIFIED', leading to the rhetorical question, 'WHO'S KIDDING WHO'. The cover of the original STF magazine featured a painting of Venus by Chesley Bonestell, depicting the 25-mile high mountain.

Atomic Power and Global Concerns

A scientist speaking about the new 'Atomic Battery' expressed certainty that atom-powered automobiles and airplanes would be developed, and that children in a hundred years would learn about the peaceful atomic power developments of 1954. This optimistic outlook is tempered by the caveat, 'UNLESS, THROUGH AN ATOMIC WAR, THERE ARE NO CHILDREN.'

News of Eniwetok Airport being closed to all aircraft for approximately 36 hours is mentioned in relation to actual H-bomb tests planned by the Atomic Energy Commission, raising questions about the nature of these tests.

Magnetism, Gravity, and UFO Propulsion

One of the favored theories for the motive power of flying saucers involves the employment of 'universal magnetic lines of force'. The article addresses skepticism from those with knowledge of magnetism, questioning how the Earth's magnetic pole, barely strong enough to influence a compass, could influence a 'huge space ship'. It explains that fields (electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic) exert force and have intensity and direction. The movement or change in one field can set up a corresponding field, making possible devices like the electromagnet and electric motor. The intensity of a field is visualized by 'lines of force' or 'flux lines'.

Physics textbooks by Milikan, Gale, and Coyle are cited, stating that dynamos fundamentally move a conductor through a magnetic field to produce current. The Earth is described as a huge magnet, a dynamo wound with magnetic lines of force. Geodetic maps showing magnetic declination and inclination are mentioned. The Aurora Borealis is suggested as a result of magnetic lines of force crossing at the magnetic pole, potentially explaining 'rainbow colored sightings of saucers'. The article references Einstein's Unified Field Theory and Hvatly's solutions, which agree that magnetism and gravity are the same, and that celestial bodies are sustained by magnetism, hurtling through space at fantastic speeds. It is speculated that advanced space visitors may have discovered how to harness this 'enormous power'.

Meanwhile, Iowa State College scientists are working on highly radio-active materials as part of a nationwide search for cheap atomic power.

The Devil and Flying Saucers

An article from 'DESTINY', the official publication of the British Israel Movement in the United States, presents a theory that due to atomic bomb explosions, tremendous energy has been released into the atmosphere. The Devil and his cohorts are said to have utilized this energy to create flying saucers for use in the battle of Armageddon against the forces of God. This theory posits that since the discs cannot be of earthly or interplanetary origin, they must be of spiritual origin and creations of the Devil. The article speculates that individuals 'kidnapped by flying saucers' might have sold their souls to the Devil.

World Flood Control, Inc. Pamphlet

A four-page pamphlet from 'WORLD FLOOD CONTROL, INC.' (a proposed foundation) titled 'CIVILIZATION'S GLISTENING EXECUTIONER' is discussed. The pamphlet states that the Earth will tip over, causing a worldwide flood, because the South Pole ice cap is growing tremendously larger and heavier each year, accumulating at an estimated rate of 5 1/2 trillion tons. It claims the Earth's poles are wobbling slightly around the permanent axis of spin. The pamphlet suggests a remedy costing $20 million, intended for a survey of Antarctica's snowfall, ice flow-off, and coastline conditions over two years, before 'demolitions' can be arranged to 'do away with this executioner'. The pamphlet aims to promote general welfare by attracting support for curtailing the further growth of the South Pole ice cap. Further information can be obtained from Hugh A. Brown at 141 Park Lane, Douglaston 63, N.Y.

George W. Van Tassel's 'Contacts'

George W. Van Tassel, in his 'PROCEEDINGS', has published a message from one of his 'contacts'. This message advises that due to the system entering the '4th dimension or density', all metal objects should be discarded, ball metal buildings should be grounded, and transportation should be equipped with a ground chain. The reason given is an increase in static electricity and serious illnesses that will befall those who do not comply.

Scientist from Mt. Wilson Observatory

There are reports of a prominent and highly respected scientist from Mt. Wilson Observatory in California having had several contacts with flying saucers and purportedly being aboard one. It is rumored that government intelligence attempted to discredit his story with little success, and that no publications have mentioned anything about him or his contacts.

Reader's Page and Publications

Next month, THE ROUNDHOUSE plans to feature a 'full-fledged readers page' for contributions. John Otto of Chicago is seeking clippings on saucer data and Coral Lorenzen's stories, especially from the Scripps-Howard Syndicate. Francis Brownley of Geneva, N.Y., is requesting back issues of THE ROUNDHOUSE, excluding Vol. 2, #5, and is willing to pay for them.

A publication titled 'THE SAUCER SPEAKS' by William Son and Bailey, expected last month, is experiencing publication difficulties but the publishers hope to have it out soon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery and perceived importance of flying saucers, the potential for government secrecy regarding UFOs, and speculative scientific theories about propulsion and the nature of reality (magnetism, gravity, dimensions). There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that significant information is being withheld. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing them, but clearly indicating an interest in the unexplained and the possibility of advanced non-human intelligence or unknown terrestrial phenomena. The publication also engages with fringe theories, such as those involving the Devil and global cataclysms, alongside more scientifically oriented discussions.