The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-03-15
Edison Urges Standardization
in Naval Laboratory.
Believes e. S. Should Appro-
pirate Literally for 1t.
TRYING TO SOAK UNCLE sam
Inventor Scouts Big Expense
Asks Only S1,5O0,OOO.
100000 to Standardize Engine
Would Be Bargain.

Washington, March 15.-Thomas A.
Edison told the house naval commit
tee today that with fully equipped
federal research laboratory and stand
ardization of machine parts, a subma-
rine could be built in fifteen days. He
said the United States should appro-
pirate literally for such a laboratory,
as recommended by the naval advis-
DRY board of civilian experts.
The laboratory, preferably under
the administration of the navy depart
ment, said Mr.. Edison, would make
experiments to standardiZe parts for
submarines or aeroplanes. The gov
eminent would distribute the stand
ardized parts to manufacturers. A
federal laboratory, he said, could be
put in full working operation for ST.
500, 900.
Secretary Daniels, number of rear
admirals, other officers and some in
ventors formed an interested group
that heard Mr.. Edison.
Make a "Sub'' in Week.
Mr.. Edison said that with standard
ization of parts it might be possible to
produce a submarine within a week,
and the aim of the laboratory would
be to always keep ahead of the other
fellow, to keep in advance of develop
ment. Submarine and aerOplane en-
gines he said should be especially
studied.
AS to the initial cost of the labora-
tory Mr.. Edison said, with a chuckle
that "a lot of them were trying to soak
the government" but he was sure he
could get a laboratory site, building
and everything already to operate for
the $1,500,O00.
What appropriation would you ask
for the first year after the laboratory
is ready?' asked Representative
Oliver.
Spends 100000 on Laboratory.
to do. 1 spent about 100000 a year
for my laboratory and I'm not much
of a fellow compared with Uncle Sam.
If you get an engine developed and
standardized for the first year on
100000 you'd be doing well. They
want so many things in the navy right
off, it would fill things up. 1 would
have three shifts of eight hours each.
1 should say the appropriation should
be about S1,0o0,000 for the year for
maintenance, and so on
Mr.. Edison was asked if he could
get enough technical and scientific
men to put on standardization ma
chine work.
"Oh, yes" he replied. 1--WE can get
muckers enough" Mr.. Edison's secre-
tary explained that by ''muckers" Mr..
Edison meant scientists and inventors
and Mr.. Edison himself had been
president of a ttMucker's club"
Drop the Old"
The inventor was asked what he
would do after spending good deal of
money in standardiZing a machine of
ESQ horse power and 1000 pound
weight if he found some outsider had
developed a superior machine.
Drop the old; take the new was
the quick response.
'fWho would control the labor in the
laboratory ?'
THE navy department, I suppose, .
replied Mr.. Edison, struggling his
shoulders, naval officers as admin
istrators and civilians to do the labor
atory work. There are some pretty
smart men in the navy"
When Mr.. Edison concluded the
committee formally expressed its
thanks, rose and remained standing
as he left.