The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-10-21
HI.

In a final chapter reviewing the context OF this
comprehensive work the editor. Prof. Shaler,
notes that 1t Is In the profession OF the eng!-
neer-including in that term all the occupations
which demand learning In the application OF the
natural forces-that the American people have
made the greatest advance. In the mechanical
department Of this science and art they have
developed a great number Of machines to the
highest point OF efficiency. In certain direc-
lions they have led all other nations In the proc
ess. For example, in locomotives, pumping
engines OF various descriptions. in agricultural
machinery. and machines used in sewing, they
have done withdrawing work. II Is character
istic of the greater part of American inventions
that they have been adapted to the immediate
needs of the people. For long time they per-
tained mainly to those exigencles Of the farm
and household which were due TO the scarcity
and high price OF labor Within the last two
decades, however, American inventors have
begun to explor, remotec fields with tho result
that, in various departments, such as that of
electricity, a large amount of highly original
and fruitful work has been accomplished. In that
division Of engineering which relates rather to
great and dificult constructions than to new
methods In using the resources of nature. the
labors of Americans have been, on the whole,
eminently successful, particularly in the field
of railway building. where effective results
nave pcch httaintu WIN icos cApShulturc VI
muscle and OF time than in any other part OF
the world. In only one department would Prof.
Shsler say that this country has Jagged far be-
hind European States. Our highways have been
from the beginning OF very inferior sort, and
are now a national disgrace. The reason
for this neglect OF wagon roads 10 at
tributed partly to the poverty prevail
Ing In the agricultural districts and to the
lack of good examples of highway construction
-
force should he given 10 such explanations the
blindness of the American people TO the evils
brought about by defective means OF communi-
cation suited TO neighborhood use 10 pronounced
one of the most inexplicable features of our
history. A like retardation may be observed In
the development OF munietpal drainage. for
many of our large towns are still very iniper-
fectly equipped with sewers, and consequently,
have death rate far higher than is justified by
the conditions OF the climate, food supply, and
average physical state OF the population.
It is acknowledged that in one branch OF n.y. |
draulic engineering. that which pertains TO the |
control of rivers and tho development of har- !
bors, our professional men are as yet less sue |
cessful than those OF the Old World. This Is |
ascribed by Prof, Shaler In some measure to the |
fact that our streams needed less attention in |
order to make them useful waterways, and the |
natural shelters along the coast were we'll |
enough adapted 10 the use OF the relatively |
small vessels which served the needs of war !
and commerce until after the middle OF this |
century. Now, on the other hand, there !
is not a single harbOr along the coast |
from the mouth OF the Chesapeake To the Rio |
Grande which is suited TO the larger marine |
craft. So far the Federal Government has |
taken no adequate measures TO remedy this |
serious shOrtcoming. In the river system OF the
Mississippi. the inhabitants have been con-
fronted with very serious evils arising from the
shallow water OF the marine delta. from the
great floods OF the main stream and its tribu-
tarles, and the lack OF nAVigable depth dur
ing times OF continuous drought Great
as has been the value OF this system
of internal waterways. 1t has not proved |
half as useful TO the States which border
on II and TO the country as a whole, as IL should
have proved. After long period Of neglect the
Federal Government, following on the lines OF
the experience gathered by the Danube Com
mission, has improved the entrance 10 the sea.
Il has also begun to convert the upper parts OF
the main tributaries by locks and dams into
canals. and 1t is essAying the great task Of con-
trolling the nOOdwAteTs in the country below
Cairo. Nevertheless. the work which has been
done has been done slowly, and Is. as yet, fer
from accomplished. We have, In . word failed
10 meet the greatest engineering problem OF this
country. II not OF the world. in satisfactory way
In architecture, also. Il 10 conceded oy PrOf
shAler that the United States are still far
behind the Old World countries Rodoubt the
reason for this retArdAtion Is partly 20 be found
in the lack Of organisation which has necss-
SArily Characterised our Heterogeneous folk. In
the colonial period, indeed. while the settle
ments were made up OF people derived from GER
tain highly civilized parts Of the Old World, and
inhsHtOEs Of old traditions, the
methOds Of building wsTe coherent and ]