New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-16
NIAGARA POWER ~ NETWORK.

ELECTRICITY FROM THE FALLS SOON TO BE FIX
HrBrTED IN THIS CITY. AND SMALL
DOSE SENT TO ENGLAND.
Ever since it was first proposed harness Niagara
In such a manner that It's energy could be trans
mitted to a distance in the form OF electricity emf
nent scientists like Nikola Tes.a and Lord Kelvin
have considered the possibility o. bringing New
York City within the scope Of the scheme And II Is
now reported that attempt will be made to
realize this Idea on a very small scae. within the
next few weeks. The plan which has been agreed
upon does not aim to provide electricity enough 10
afford a commercial supply for lighting or Tor
power. but merely to offer suggestive ana mover
attraction to those who may visit great exhibit
ton TO be held In this city next month under the
auspices of the National Electric Light Association
Thomas Commerford Martin. Editor OF The E.ec-
trica. Engineer" and Tesla's bographer has been
much interested in the project ard Is credited with
being It's author. He gave Tribune reporter some
facts in regard to the scheme yesterday
1t Is proposed exhibit" said Mr.. Martin. a
beautiful model OF the town the Falls and OF the
turbines ana dynamos which are operated by water
from the river This model which was made by
G. r. Allen. OF Philadelphia. and Is owned by Peter
A. Porter. OF Niagara Falls. Is twelve feet Ions
and three and one-half feet wide. The dynamos
are mere dummies but the vertical shaftIns and
water whee.s are mechanically operative. and Viii
be set in motion certain times. either by a tiny
electric motor. concealed from view. or BY stream
OF water forced In by the motor. The electric cur
rent required for the purpose will come from Mag
ara over two leased wires OF the Western Union
Telegraph Company. These are OF copper. and are
ordinarily used in commercial service Some details
are yet 10 be arranged BY the electrical engineer OF
the Western Union. A. S Brown. and l.. B stl
well, who is associated with the Westinghouse Com
psny in a similar capacity. II may be said. how
ever tina, In all probability the voltage employed
Will be high II IT were intended TO trans-
nit, lar NJ n A
potential OF 1900 1900 volts might be resorted TO-
As II Is, the pressure OF $50 volts AT which the
VI estern Union usually works IT'S wireh Will PROP
ably not be exceeded. -
And the volume amperage o. the current VIII
be small that the total energy received VIII be
only a small fraction OF horsepower, about one
fypower." said Mr. Martin In speaking OF the
amount. but warning his visitor with smile againsi
famous "two-phase" system OF transmission. In
vented by Mr.. Tesla. VIII be brought into play IN
this unique and interesting experiment
Although the arrangement with the western
Union Company contemplates the use OF It's wires
for only an hour two each evening during the eA-
hbition IL Is possible that electricity obtained at
Niagara and brought here In storage batteries may
transmitted In different manner the power Itself
Will be the genuine product OF Niagara.
The most duiacious suggestion that has been made
In this connection II TO send Bit OF the Juice By
cable 10 England at some time during the exhibit
ton Mr. Stillwell believes that II would be prac-
London Times" would not be transmitted, Of course;
only few delicate thrills. homeopathic hint to
John Bull OF the far-reaching influence OF American
brains and enterprise.