Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-07-13


thanks of the navy. and 1 think. of
the country at large. together with the
feeling of service to your country that
you will have. to offer YOU by way of
recompense. Yet so clearly have you
shown your patriotism and your I'M
selfish loyalty to your country's inter-
ests that l feel justified in making this
request
Submarine Requires Attention.
We are confronted with new and
terrible engine of warfare in the sub
marine. to consider only one of the big
things which have in mind. and feel
sure that. with the practical knowledge
of the officers of the navy, with de-
partment composed of the keenest and
most inventive minds that we can
gather together, and with your own
wonderful brain to aid us, the United
States will be Sble. as in the past. to
meet this new danger with new devices
that Will assure peace to our country
by their effectiveness.
IF you feel that you would be will
ing to do this, | would like. a little
later. when my plans are somewhat
more matured, to consult with you as
posed so that | can make it as effective
as possible for the purpose intended.
Will Assemble Specialists.
with you it might he well to asso-
ciate few men prominent i'll special
lines of inventive research, and would
like also to consult with you as to whom
these men should be. 1t is, of course,
your aid that | rely upon most, and if
you are not able. for any reason, to do
this. l will frankly hesitate to under
ia Ike the matter at all. Should you feel
like accepting the task. however, |
know the relief which the country
| would feel in these trying times at the
announcement that you are aiding us
in this all-important matter.
IF you could let me know as early
as you may how you feel about this
would appreciate it, as everything
waits upon your answer, and l think
we cannot be too expeditions if we are
going to take this matter up at all.
Mr.. Edison Suggests Early Action.
WEST ORANGE. y. j.. July 13.-In
announcing that he would gladly ac-
i cept Secretary Daniels invitation to
| head a board of civilian inventors in
| the Navy Department, Mr.. Edison said
| that he believed the proposal i'm
| portant that it should be attended to
| now. at a time when the war in Eu-
rope was bringing before. the public
| the Importance of encouraging and de-
| veloping ideas and inventions of Amer
| icans-especally of officers and men of
| the army and navy.
The United States is far behind in
these Matters said Mr.. Edison. 81 be-
! lieve it is highly important for a board
of civilians. made up of engineers from
! leading industries. to be formed for
the purpose of looking into the FEAST
i biiity of ideas developed by young men.
While all ideas that will be submitted
| may not be feasible. at least they will
! have the benefit of expert judgment
and advice.
I'm addition to the advisory board
of engineers, | would also suggest a de-
partment of experimentation where
ideas might be tried out. The cost
would be nominal. Only a few acres of
land would be required with proper
buildings and corps of efficient men
calculated to carry out experiments
under direction of those suggesting
them after they have been approved.
1T is an important matter and should
be put under way at once. The Eu-
ropean war has served to draw atten-
ton to the fact that many American
ideas and inventions have been allowed
to slip by, and if this matter is put off
until the war is over. there is danger
of it being forgotten"