The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-12
Plans Involve Entire Change of
 Present Line of Work
LARGE SUMS ARE INVOLVED
Representative Richardson Is Author of the Measure Which Promises to Revolutionize Present Work
 On Tennessee River.
By wATTERsoN sTEALEY.

Washington, February I.-(Special)- Representative Richardson introduced in the House today a bill for the purpose of improving navigation of the Tennessee river over the Elk River Shoals and the Big and Little Muscle Shoals and of de- veloping the water power in connection herewith.
 The Secretary of War is authorized to construct four dams and single lock lift at each of the dams in conformance with the general project devised and proposed by the Muscle Shoals Hydro Electric Power company, and also in accordance with the detailed plans and specifications for that company, prepared by 1t jointly with the board of engineers of the army. appointed for the purpose, and approved January Il by the board of engineers.
 The first or lowermost of the dams is to be located at the lower end of Patton's island, the second at the upper end of the island, the third at or near the upper end of Resting island, the fourth at or near Second creek, the latter three on sites owned by the company. Each of the dams is to be of such height as will raise
 
 not less than 40 nor more than 55 feet.
 Present Plans Abandoned.
 The important feature of the proposi- ton is that it means and is understood to mean the entire abandonment of the pres ent government constructed canal along the big Muscle Shoals and the Elk River Fshoals, the present canal being deemed in- adequate, impractlcabe and too expensive in operation for navigation uses and an obstacle to water power development
 It is provided that the total cost of the proposed structures shall not exceed Ss50, 900 for the first of the dams and &C., companying lock- including most of lands and overflow lands necessary for the pur- pose of the entire project of four dams and locks, not exceeding $1,649,0 900 for the second, including the power house form ing a part of the dam and $5500oO for ac- companyins lock, not over $2,293,000 for the third and not more than $2,2690 900 for the fourth dam.
 The Secretary of War is directed to ap- point a commission of four civilian en- gineers, expert In the design and construc- ton of masonry dams and one engineer of the army with full power to examine locations and decide upon the type of dams to be adopted.
 The construction of the dams, begin ming with the first and second simul- taneously, is to commence as soon as practicable after the passage of the bill.
 Pay for Water Power.
 The Hydro Electric company is author ized to operate power station in connec- ton with the second, third and fourth dams on the opposite side of the river in each case from the lock belonging thereto. Navigation of the river is rlgidly pre- served in the bill. The company is to pay for the water power use of the river as it's equitable share of the cost of each of the three dams and of the cost of the necessary lands $1,O00000 for each of three dams, the bonds to be secured by first mortgage upon the entire property al 2 per cent interest and having a sinking fund provision of 21a per cent, beginning 10 years after the date of the delivery of bonds to the United States upon the com pletion of each of the dams successively.
 The entire property at the end of go years is to revert to the United States, to be paid for by the United States at price to be determined either by arbitra- ton or condemnation as the Secretary of War may decide
 The company Is also to pay annually to the United States a rental 50 cents per horse power for each horse power of the companys electric installations.
 Purchases of Cotton.
 Representative Hehn of Alabama has received strong assurance of support in the House requiring statistics to be gathered and published showing the amount of cotton purchased and manu- factured in the United States every 60 days.
 The Heflin bill provides that these re- yoI,o l,o nd isb ba5 September 1, November l, January 1. March l. May and July l. The commit tee on the census has reported favorably a joint resolution adopting four of the dates suggested in Mr. Hefin's bill and this resolution requires statistics from the manufacturers of cotton to be pub lished September l. November 1, January and March l. This joint resolution is now on the calendar in the House, and the opinion is pretty generally expressed that if the speaker will permit it to come up for consideration that it will pass at this session.
 In speaking of the matter today. Mir. Hehin said: I am thoroughly convinced that this legislation should be had. I am greatly encouraged at the feeling of ap- proval expressed among the members re- garding my bill, and 1 trust that the speaker of the House will allow us to vote on it at this session. If he will do so, my opinion is that this joint resolu- ton will become a law
 Alabama Man Gets Money.
 Representative Richardson of Alabama got to the White House in time today to prevent the President from vetong small bill for the relief of an Alabama man. MT Richardson changed the Presi- dents mind, and the bill was signed. In 1sSS during the yellow fever epidemic in the south the railroads refused to trans init mails unless they were fumigated The postoffice department had no appro- priation to have this done, but in some places the postmasters undertook to bear inc expense themselves. relying upon re- mbursement later L. B. Wyatt, post
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