St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-02-23
Engineering Features Of the Fair.


Iron Age.
1t is altogether probable that the Chi
cago worlds fair will develop number
of unique features not hitherto at
tempted in connection with enterprises
of that character. A discussion is now
in progress relative to the motive power
to be used for the machinery exhibits.
Many objections are urged against
steam, and the advocates of electricity
are numerous and influential. One of
the significant signs of the times Is the
disposition in this case to relegate
steam to the background as motive
power for isolated machinery and to
use it simply as basis for other means
of transmitting power. 1t is regarded
as an excellent thing in its place, but
its place is to be restricted. Engineers
who visited the Paris exposition point
out the fact that the great machinery
hall, which was one of the most interest
ing buildings on the grounds, was
almost unendurably hot. owing to the
steam boilers in its vicinity and the
steam pipes passing through it. while
the atmosphere was disagree
ably laden with the moisture
smells from heated oils. These
been heard but a few years since, be-
cause nothing better than steam as a
motive power was then In common use.
The advocates of electricity come for
ward triumphantly and claim that no
such fault can be found with their
agent for the transmission of power,
while, on the other hand, the worlds
fair will afford an opportunity of Illus
trating the advantages and conveniences
of electricity such as is seldom present
ed. The dynamos could be located at
some central point, convenient for re-
ceiving fuel supplies for the steam SER
vice, but sufficiently out of the way to
annoy nobody visiting the exposition.
But electricity is not to be allowed to
have clear field in this matter while
such an agent as compressed air is
available. Those who advocate COM
pressed air point out serious objections
to the use of electricity. One of the
most important is the fact that a great
deal of machinery to be exhibited can
power directly applied in steam cylin-
ders. If electricity were tie sole power
in use such machinery would not be
shown in motion. Compressed air,
however, would operate anything in
tended to be operated by steam,
and with it in use no ma
chine would be obliged to stand
idle. 1t could be piped from the central
station to any point on the grounds. and
when exhausted from machines and
escaping in the buildings, it would i'm
prove the character of the atmosphere
instead of yitiating it. No heat would
be radiated from the pipes conveying
it, and in that respect it would be as
satisfactory as an electric wire. An air.
COMPRISING plant of very large capacity
would be required. which could prob
ably be utilized after the close of the
exposition by the city of Chicago in
supplying power for general purposes
to quite consid' rable section.
Another matter which is the subject
of discussion in engineering circles is
the means of conveying visitors from
one part of the grounds to another
Electric railroads are no longer nov
city, and tramroads themselves are now
the subject of attack by progresslves.
cne engineer proposes moving plat
form in tive sections. the outer section
being propelled at slow speed. SO that
any person can step on or off it with
ease and safety, while the inner section
passes along more rapidly. but not too
fast for persons TO step on it from
HE outer one with ease. Tie