The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-12-07
INTERIOR sEcRErARY's REPORT.

, INTERIOR sEcRETARY's REPORT,
Among features OF interest discussed
in the report OF the secretary OF the
interior, made public today are the
preservation OF our national parks and
monuments. the super power survey"
and Alaska. Regarding the projects for
power and irrigation concessions in the
Yellowstone park, Grand Canyon, Yo-
semitic and others Secretary Payne
says. among other things;
1.-THE conflict between the demands
OF commerce and the preservation OF
these wonder places Involves constant
vigilance. In my view their preserva-
ton Is Of the first Importance. II should
be the settled policy OF the country,
regardless OF any question OF utility.
that when, in the wisdom OF the con-
gress, national parks or monuments are
definitely set apart they must he pre-
served 10 their integrity, forever free
from any form OF commerciallzation."
This Ia our view exactly There are
some OF our national assets which are
more valuable from other consldera-
tons than from a standpoint OF dollars
and cents. Among them are these
beauty spots-these bits OF natures
wonderland, The secretary discusses
some Of the projects for building dams
and creating reservoirs In these reser-
vations and dismisses them as unallow-
able. both on their own merits and on
account OF sentimental considerations
as suggested above. He doesn't want
even beginning made We believe
the country asSees with HIM
OF the power survey, the secretary
says. in part:
Congress at It's last session placed
upon this department tho duty OF maxi
ing n special investigation OF the pos
sible economy In fuel labor and mate
rial that could be secured by electrih-
cation Of the railroads and industries
q the region between Boston and
Washington. The plan contemplated
Is a unifed system OF power generation
and power distribution, and It's investi-
CATION has been called the superpower
survey. This Is now under way. The
engineering profession and large busi-
support that Ia Mt once an Endorsement
and a promise OF public confidence.
The engineering stan engaged in this
intensive study OF the power needs and
the means OF meeting that demand in
work in applying electricity TO the use
OF man; while serving on an advisory
board are men OF vision and expe-
rlence. representing our larger rail-
roads, as well as electric railways, our
manufacturing and mining Industries,
and the engineering and chemical pro-
fossions. busy men who have accepted
my ivitation ID help direct this inves-
tlgatlon along lines OF greatest prac-
tical usefulness. Every Industry that
has 70 do with either making power
or using power IL giving generous CO.
operation"
This Is indeed great conception.
The area covered by the survey 10 only
about per cent. OF the surface OF the
country, but It uses "a per cent. OF the
electric power output and produces II
per cent. OF the country's manufac-
tured products, This area has been
termed the finishing shop" OF Amerl-
can industry. II In intended 10 com
plete the survey and compile a report
by the end OF next June The purpose
10 to provide a solution for the prob
lem Of the nations demand for greater
production and better transportation.
without hesitation, Secretary Payne
says that the answer IL electrincation,
but the detailed report. Ia expected TO
show accurately the capital costs OF In
augurRtion and the savings OF coal and
labor in operation.