The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1913-03-01
THE SMOKE NUISANCE.


an editorial on the smoke in this val
ley, urging that thorough inquiry b.
made as to the cause of it with n view
to searching out possible remedies. W.
invoked the aid of The Commercial Clut
and of all the good agencies here to th'
end that the investigation should b'
thorough. and that the Legislature
might be asked TO give authority for 1t
so that in ;he needed investigation
there would he no opportunity for eva
sion or lack OF testimony on the part OF
any one whose evidence might be con
sidcrcd important.
We venture again to call attention tc
this matter, and TO suggest that the
term of the Legislature is drawing
along towards its close, and that there
must be quick action ii this matter is
TO receive attention at all at this time
There is no doubt of the Importance
of the subject Travellers, tourists, all
speak with united voice of the beauty
of this valley, Of the commanding I'M
portance of Salt Lake City. Of the
great opportunities it offers, of It's de-
STABILITY as a stopping-off place for
tourists, except for the one matter of
the pail of smoke which hangs over
the city and which absolutely destroys
the grand view of this mountain basin
that formerly was presented to the
eve and that ought to be presented
now.
We stated. as the fact is, that the
city, the county, and the State should
unite in this. investigation. The city,
because Of the importance of that in
vestigation. and the hope of finding
solution for the trouble so that the
city would emerge from the black pail
of smoke and fumes that now covers
it, The county. because within the
county are many contributing ipt1u-
cnces to this pail of smoke. And the
State, because whatever affects this
valley affects the State materially,
and from the State must come the
necessary authority to get the testimony
and present the evidence.
There have been many propositions
to abate the smoke evil, and sugges-
tions of remedy have been made from
time to time; but no suggestion thus
made is comprehensive enough. There
is no doubt but that the smoke could
be abatcd to large extent in the fur
naces in this city by properly con-
structed fire furnaces and proper
feeding Of those furnaces. But that
would still leave much to be remedied,
and this remedy must be made thor
ough. A partial cure will not serve.
And since the trouble comes not alone
from the city but from smokestacks
out Of the city that are great factors
in reinforcing the smoke cloud. it is
necessary to have all considered to-
gether. And as stated, it is necessary
to have the authority of the State for
the investigation.
Our purpose at this time, however,
is to remind the Commercial Club and
all good agencies that wish well to
the city and are doing what they can
for its advancement, to take. up this
question, which we consider the most
important one now before the public
for the benefit Of Salt Lake and Of this
valley, 1t is useless TO have the most
beautiful views in the world if smoke
banks are going to hide those views.
1t is useless 10 have air which in 1t
self is 4 tonic and stimulant to the
vital energies Of every visitor if we
are going to poison that air with
smoke and taint it with fumes of vari-
Gus deleterious substances.
The trouble is plain, every one can
sec it every day. every one knows that
the inquiry proposed ought to be made.
Why. then, not get at it. and do some.
thing! We renew our plea for active
work IN this direction, so that the trou-
bic may he definitely and scientif.
cally located. and remedy sought,
The Legislature Will adjourn before
long now, and there is no time TO lose
If the Commercial Club wants to do
anything that is immediate and effec-
tive for the good of Salt Lake. this is
work to its hand, for this is the most
beneficial opportunity in sight,