New-York tribune., 1906-05-13
DANGEROUS LMPATLENCE.

We note with some concern the hostile criti-
clsm made by the president Of the American
Civic Association, presumably speaking for HE
organization, Of the report Of the international
Waterways Commission regarding the preser-
walton Of Niagara Falls. Mr.. Mcfarland urges
mat congress disregard this report because it
recommends the authorization Of a total diver
sion of 64J00 cubic feet Of water Der second
20 per cent be says, of the minimum flow of
the falls. Such a diminution of the flow woud
in his opinion, seriously damage the scenic feat
ures of the cataract
The American Civic Association favors tbe
Burton-LOdge BILL which prohibits the diver
sion OF the waters except upon authorization of
the Secretary of War, who may grant revoca-
bic permits for the use of water for the crea
ton OF power but only to individuals and cor
porations already producing power and 10 them
only 10 the amount now actually in use II
the United States government had full juris-
diction over the Niagara River there would he
little room for argument as 10 the advanto ons
to the public Of the provisions Of the Burton
Lodge bill over the recommendations Of the
commission, for the amount of water now util
lied, 14413 cubic feet per second, is only about
p per cent Of the volume authorized by the
suggestions of the commission. and slightly
more than that percentage of the total flow
which the companies are now licensed to take
But independent action by the United States
cannot save the falls. With not a single mower
company in operation on this side Of the river
the scenic value Of Niagara might be ruined
by the Canadians, in defiance Of protests from
the American people and Congress-
Nor IS this danger a fancied one govern
ment commission, after making an exhaustive
investigation into the cost of producing mower
at the falls and transmitting It TO be used nj
distant points, recently reported that Toronto
and other Ontario cities could be supplied with
electricity at prices far below those which they
have been paying for that or any other kind
or power. The sentiment In favor of this cheaD
power development is SO strOng-TorOntO, Ham,
ilton and other cities seeing in 1t a possibility
OF great Industrial expansiOn-that a hill has
been introduced In the Ontario Parliament DrO-
viding for the appointment OF permanent COM
mission to appOrtiOn the cost OF carrying the
current 70 those cities which desire TO narticl-
pate in the benefits OF such a plan. II sufs-
ciently favorable conditions cannot be ATTAINED
from the power companies, the intrOducers OF
the BIN contemplate the construction OF a pub-
lie ownership plant or the condemnation OF ex-
listing plants. With all the industrial interests
OF the Western Ontario basin committed 10 fhe
further exploitation OF the falls, 1t is not DIFF
fcult to forecast the fate Of any international
agreement looking 10 the curtailment of the
present consumption OF power. There is a Ger
tain inconsistency, too, IN the action Of lay
men attacking the conclusions OF experts OF
the undOubted ability and integrity of Colonel
Ernst aud his colleagues, and seeking TO set
aside their well considered recommendations :
The rejoinder Of the commissioners is yet ID
be heard, but it Is only fair 90 assume that they
gave fun consideration 10 the pre5udiees Of locs