CHAPTER XII.
"URBI ET ORBI." The astronomical, mechanical, and topographical difficulties once removed, there remained the question of money.

An enormous sum was necessary for the execution of the project.

No private individual, no single state even, could have disposed of the necessary millions.
President Barbicane had resolved--although the enterprise was American--to make it a business of universal interest, and to ask every nation for its financial co-operation.

It was the bounded right and duty of all the earth to interfere in the business of the satellite.

The subscription opened at Baltimore, for this end extended thence to all the world--_urbi et orbi_.
This subscription was destined to succeed beyond all hope; yet the money was to be given, not lent.