Chapter 12 Urbi et Orbi The astronomical, mechanical, and topographical difficulties resolved, finally came the question of finance. The sum re-quired was far too great for any individual, or even any single State, to provide the requisite millions. President Barbicane undertook, despite of the matter being a purely American affair, to render it one of universal interest, and to request the financial co-operation of all peoples. It was, he maintained, the right and duty of the whole earth to inter-fere in the affairs of its satellite. The subscription opened at Baltimore extended properly to the whole world— Urbi et orbi.