Los Angeles daily herald., 1886-06-05

The letter of correspondent in
Yesterdays HERALD in regard to the
merits of the oxy-hydrogen flame,
serves to call to mind the question Of
the possibility OF the obtaining oil a
cheaper fuel than coal or wood, IN
countries where the first is not OBJ
tainable except by importation, and
the latter il scarce and accessible
only at considerable distances from
the principal seats Of population.
The discovery or invention of such a
fuel is probably the greatest existing
want in all countries 30 situated. Fire
is an element the use Of which is not
only necessary to ensure bodily
warmth, and for domestic purposes,
but to be able to produce il at the
minimum of cost is to make 1t posi-
BILE for thousand manufacturing en-
terprises. conducive to civilization,
10 flourish which could not otherwise
exist. In the industrial economy
of the world the steam engine IL
the most potent factor, and fire
generates the steam which gives its
motion and force. This question OF
the possibility OF Il cheaper fuel IL one
OF great importance TO our section.
Numberless series of experiments
4 A.. a.. anlVa ~ qaNaTnl
OF which have been more or less sue
cessful. Among the means for pro-
ducing cheap fuel for Southern Cali
fornia, AZ far AZ science has yet
reached, the best is undoubtedly that
furnished from our native petroleum.
And this means is being utilized,
more and more, all the time. But
scientific minds are not content with
these mors thoroughly material ways
and means of obtaining the necessary
heat to generate the power which
drives the machinery of the factory
and the shop. The most determined
efforts are constantly being made by
men of science to reach nearer the
bottom, US IL were, of the matter, and
to obtain the necessary fuel, or vehi-
Gle of heat, in manner less material
in its nature, but which, ii they are
successful, will be far more economi-
cal, practical and complete than any
yet brought into general use. The
efforts which are being made look to
the utilization of the ultimate gases
in water, the release and use OF the
latent electrical heat in various
substances, the employment OF
subtle chemical agents to produce
combustion, etc, etc. 1t is not UNI
likely that before long some one of
these scientists will develop practi-
cal idea in this direction that will
have revolutionary effect upon many
kinds OF business. II seems prin-
ciple of nature that when great
want arises in the relations OF man
kind, way is almost always provid-
ed for its satisfaction. When the re-
lations of the Old and the New World
became such that quicker communi-
cation between them was a necessity,
the Atlantic cable supplied that want.
And so with the locomotive engine,
the steamboat, the telegraph, the
telephone, the discovery OF petroleum
and its uses, the invention of the
electric light and numberless other
achievements of modern progress.
II seems now that the time has come
when a cheaper fuel than any now in
use is necessary for all purposes for
which fire is produced. On the anal.
ogous principle of past experience
there is reason to believe, as already
set forth, that that want will before
long be filled. The Importance OF
such step in progress is so great
that its effect would be beyond esti
nation. The man who successfully
brings this about will truly be
benefactor to his race.