The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-01
::;7IER LEGISLATION SUR|NG THE SESSION i, MORE DOUBTFUL differences Between Adam son and Shields Bills
 Pointed Out
MEASURES WILL GO
 TO THE CONFEREES
Each Side Will Contend for Its Points, Which Makes Outcome Matter of Much
 Doubt
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

Washington April 30.-(Special.) )-It IS considered possible that there will be no waterpower legislation through the enact ment of & general dam bill this session of Congress
 As is generally known, the Senate, attef weeks of disputation, passed the Shields bill, which in reality was the prepala- tion of Senator Bankhead of Alabama and associates on a subcommittee AS soon as the Shields bill reached the House the Adamson bill, prepared by Represen- tative Adamson of Georgia, was offered T and accepted as a substitute. In essen tial provisions the House will pass the Adamson bill.
 D The entire question will thereupon go to conference. The advocates of each . measure are jealous in their efforts to plpreserve the provisions of their favorite :, bill As a result it is indicated that there might be an impossibility of reach Sing a compromise.
 N THE SHIELDS BILL ! Inasmuch as the citizens of Alabama who live in counties touching one or more of the several big rivers of the state are deeply interested in the situation, The Age-Herald bureau in Washington has investigated, for the purpose of present. ing the main features of the Shields and > Adamson bills, and their principal points of difference.
 Under the provisions of the Shields bill, 50-year permits to develop water power on navigable streams may be issued by the Secretary of War the permits to continue until revoked for cause or until terminated and compensation has been made to the grantee for it's property Plans for dams, power plants, etc. must nf NQV and must provide for the improvement of navigation and for the full development Of power at the site selected.
 Power companies must build locks III ali dams, to permit of free navigation, and must maintain and operate these locks at their own expense. Government lands may be occupied by permittees, and for the use of such land they must pay reasonable charges based on its value" as fixed by the Secretary of War. In fixing terms and conditions, the secre- tary must take into consideration the probable cost of construction, mainten- ance and operation, and the probable con- sumers' rate required to produce reas- enable return upon the investment. The right of eminent domain is conferred upon permittees, in order that they may &C., quire by legal process, whatever private lands are necessary for their projects. No permit will be granted, however. until the applicant has first obtained the con- sent of the state for development of water power. The government reserves the right to regulate the level of water above all dams, and otherwise to safe guard and protect the interests of navi- gation.
 FIFTY YEAR LEASES
 Any time after 50 years from the date of a permit the United States may terminate the rights granted power company, upon giving two years notice and taking over ''all the property of the grantee which constitutes part of the plant of the grantee and dependent in whole or in