The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1903-04-16

o,odo,loV horsepo"e'' No'e"a" SS'o'o o""''
queutlv eA ,resse the belief that water enough
to develop 200, 900 horsepower might be divert.
ed without producing so serious an effect as a
change of wind or an ice jam. The first conf
pany to undertake the conversion of this power
into electricity was authorized by the State OF
New York to take enough tc give it 100000
horsepower. Although all OF the machinery is
not yet in place, tests made during the last few
months demonstrate conclusively that at least
that much can be used without being noticed.
This same company now controls the franchise
of one of the Canadian Organizations formed
more recently for similar work, ana expects TO
develop 100000 horsepower more across the
border. The total amount of water then con-
sumed will be within the limit contemplated hy
Mr. Sellers aud there is much reason to think
that his forecast concerning the consequences
will Le verified. There are two other Canadian
corporations in the field, however; and the
question arriscs whether, if their ambitions are
fully realized, the aggregate loss of water will
not I've sufficient to affect the beauty of the falls
50 far as to occasion lasting popular regret.
Reasonable objection may also be offered TO
any artificial construction in the vicinity of
the cataract which can mar the beauty of its
surroundings Mindful of that consideration,
the American company Just mentioned placed its
power house a mile or more above the falls,
while the factories of its tenants and patrons
are still further away. The conduit that serves
the purpose of tail race is not only entirely
underground, but it energies under the surface
of the river below the falls, thus afording a
notable contrast to the outlets of some of tn,
older mills on the American side. The develop
mcnt now going on under this company's aus
pices across the border is carried on IN the same
spirit Its buildings are of stone aul inconspi
cucu>ly located, while its bridge over the inlet
canal on that side is so handsome as TO add dis
tinctlv to the attractivcness of the scene. Whe
lher the independent Canadian companies hav,
been equally scrupulous and ,iudicous is open t,
question,
Still another consideration may I've mentione,
which ought to have more or less weight, if i
should be thought necessary to discrminat
against the newcomers. The pioneer orgauiza
ton ac engage in The electrical development o
Niagara Falls has opened up a new and lars
field Of industry, and thus performed an impor
tant service TO civilization. Twelve or fftee
wears ago such venture was looked upon a
exceedingly risky; no one had heard of 500
horsepower turbines or dvnamos, or of long dis
tance transmission. Rarely, If ever, has sue
an array Of scientific experts been brought 10
p Cether TO consider an engineering project as va
p consulted in regard 10 this matter. The move
and serious problems which were involved hay
ing been settled, however, and the success
, the enterprise having been demonstrated, score
b Of such undert akiDgs quickly followed, both
] America and Europe. Does the world owe an
J preference over their lmtators to the hackers
T that scheme.