The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-12-26

Gen. George II. Harries, vice presl-
dent of the Potomac Electric Power
Company was today asked to make a
statement for his company regarding
the Presidents sharp attack for its
violation of the smoke law
We can't, with propriety, enter into
q controversy with the President over
an affair of this kind. he said. The
company will continue TO do everything
in it's power to reduce the quantity Of
smoke issuing from the plant
President Net Well Informed.
LAS to the President suggestion OF
criminal prosecution of myself or my
associates 1 have nothing TO say unless
it be to express my opinion that such q
suggestion would not have been made
had the President been in possession OF
the testimony which Is generally prece-
dent 70 even unofficial indictment.
Few people outside OF eur company
know anything OF our vigorous and
long-contInGed efforts to reach compare
tive compliance with the anti-Sna Ike
law Complete compliance is impossible
No matter what the equipment or the
fuel there must be times when uncon-
sunled carbon viii be distinctly visible.
and whenever that is so the statute is
violated
1T is not my purpose to now discuss
the law. What ! want to do is to let
the people OF Washington know that
the Potomac Electric Power Company
IS not law-defying organization and
that its officers have been and are most
active in seeking means for abatement
of existing conditions; that their ener-
gieS are continually directed-personally
and in corporate capacity-toward the
Identification and betterment of the Ma
tional Capital.
Problem We'll Considered.
lighting interests became one we have
worked over this smoke problem. There
have been many other problems, but
this was much greater than any of its
associate troubles. Most OF the Difficult
lies could be removed or overcome by
reasonable investment or by mechanical
or administrative ingenuity, but this
smoke surplus seemed to be beyond ra-
tiona1 reach
One device after another was tried
and found deficient; this variety of
CRATE and that variety of stcker or fur
mace fell down whenever sthere was Sc
rlous euort TO operate under the COM
blnatien of conditions resulting from
hourly needs of the community
Not at any time have we been Mig
saroiy IN our tests or weary of repeated
endeayor. Since the anti-smoke agfta-
OF soG,CO in the installment of what we
continually hoped would do the things
claimed for them by their inventors
Further Tests Pending.
Somewhere on the Atlantic there is
a shipment of drawings and patterns
and patent assignments which may
bring relief For several weeks we have
tested new crate which has worked
well IN England. and while it lacks
much that we need we are going to
spend more money-a large sunni a
thorough test
IF that test develops what we believe
10 be smoke-consumer, then there will
be no necessity for the employment of
a smoke inspector in this or in any other
city. II the test fails we can only keep
on trying to get into harmony with a law
which has no operating counterpart on
any part OF this or any other civilized
country.
Experts at Work
If human skill with reference 20 firing
could overcome the irrepressible desire
of smoke to ascend and be visible we
would not now be local. or. perhaps
national, text. The best of experts have
studied our boiler rooms and have df-
rected their operation; this they will
continue 10 do so long as such close
personal supervision promises good re-
suits.
Occasionally We are reminded that
ffty-horsepower plant with a twenty
FIVE horsepower constant load does not
produce smoke in disa greeable quantity.
and We are asked why we cannot do as