The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-01-03

Sheffield. January 2. (Special) The Tri-Cities of Sheffield, Florence and Tuscumbia have passed through 12 months of unwonted prosperity-a year of vast industrial and commercial achievement These conditions were made possible. in 8 more or less de- gree. as a result of the Muscle Shoals development. notwithstanding that col lateral development has also taken place. So complete has been the transformation of the local conditions following the inception of the Muscle Shoals development year ago. it Is not amiss to assume that the year of 1919 will likewise be fraught with marvellous opportunities, and still greater developments. Indeed, it may be assumed that the great develop ments of the past year are at least indicative of splendid future growth and expansion here. Notwithstanding that the war has come to a close and the entire country is entering upon period of readjustment, there is no in- dication whatever that there will be an adjournment of activities in the Muscle Shoals district. A continued and lasting period of development and prosperity is contemplated here by those who are well versed in local af- fairg.
 S60,000,O ,OO0 NITRATE PLANTS
 The United States government has established in the Muscle Shoals dis trict two of the most magnificent ni- trate plants in the world. These two plants have been built at cost of over s60.000,000. That these plants will become an enduring and lasting industry is vouchsafed by the building of the Muscle Shoals dam across. the Tennessee river. which is now in course of construction, and which, upon its completion. will bring into existence hydro-electric capacity of 660000 horsepower, to be used not only for the operation of the nitrate plants, but to be distributed for com merciat purposes as we'll To build the Muscle Shoals dam 100000 cubic yards of sand will be required 1,600,- 900 cubic yards of gravel and 2So,0 barrels of Portland cement It will be t500 feet In length and 104 feet high and will be equipped with triple-lift lock It will be the largest concrete monolith in the world and it's cost Is estimated at about $16,000, 900.
 POPULATION DOUBLED
 Frcm a community of probably 10000 people a year ago, the population of the Tri-Cities has swelled to probably more than 10000 and it is not improb- able that another year will bring a continued increase in the population of these towns. so closely identified is each town with the Muscle Shoals Ge- velopment. Because of the immense payrolls of the district the three towns have benefited immensely. And while all three places have been bene- fitted, they have been taxed to the ut most to meet the demands that were occasioned. and which still exist to q large measure, although remedial measures are being put into effect as fast as conditions will permit Busi- ness houses and many dwellings have been and are being built. An ir1- mense amount of building is planned for the spring, and carpenters and ma sons who have been workink in ma chine shops and other industries are expected to drift back to their for mer trades and lend their efforts and labor in this constructive work.
 SHEFFIELD BENEFITED
 The city of Sheffield, by reason of it's location in the very center of tue Muscle Shoals district, and having un- eXcelleu Tailrodu IdciiitieS WitH ioauS running north. east west and south, has been immeasurably enriched; per- haps more so than Florence or Tus- cumbia. It is in West Sheffield where Nitrate Plant No 1 was built, and more than s1.o0O.o0O was expended by the government in building the houses in White City" on the government reservation. and where some 1500 peo- pie are residents. Nitrate Plant No. 2 at Muscle Shoals is situated just to the east of Sheffield, where nearly 15,- 900 persons are still engaged in con- struction work and operation of the