The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1922-06-16
MUSCLE SHOALS
MAY 60 TO FORD
COMMITTEE MAJORITY WOULD
EXCLUDE PLANT; DEMOCRATS
BACK FULL ACCEPTANCE
Two Republicans Submit a Third
Report Fayorina Claim Of Ala
bama Company and Many
Notifications

Washington.-Three separate re-
ports setting forth recommendations
for action by congress with respect
to private development of the govern
ment's s10e,OOoOoo power and nitrate
projects at Muscle Shoals, Ala, were
made to the house Friday by members
of the military committee.
Acting Chairman Mckenzie of Illinois,
who drafted the majority report, de-
ciares at the outset of that document
chat the Ford proposal was the only
one found worthy OF serious consid-
eratiOn," and askes its acceptance by
the house; provided, however, that the
Gorgas steam plant be not included
among the projects to be sold.
Concurrence in the majority report,
except for the reference to the Gorgas
plant, is voiced in one of the minority
opinions, presented by Representative
Wright (Dem.) of Georgia and support
ed by Representatives James (Rep.)
of Michigan and the remaining Demon
cratic members. They ask full COM
pliance by the house with all provl-
sions of the Ford proposal, and point
out the belief that, If congress climates
tho Gorgas unit, it would defeat the
Ford offer.
In third report, submitted by Rep
resentative Parker tRep.) of New Jer-
sey and signed by Representative
rockingham (Rep.1 of Massachusetts,
tho opinion is adverse to the accept
ance of Mr.. Ford's offer, unless it is
modified in other sections than that
dealing with Gorgas. In the event Mr.
Ford declined to agree to the modifi-
cation proposed, the signers would
have the secretary of war lease the
dams and nitrate plants "on such
terms as will secure the completion
of the DAMS" and would authorize him
to settle fair value Of the Gorgas plant
and convey the same to the Alabama
Power company"
The majority report says that up
to date the government has expend-
ed on the shoals undertaking .some-
thing over $106,000,0oO, Approximately
$5,OOO,O00 of which was expended upon
! the Gorgas steam plant and transmits
sion line"
In conclusion, the majority report
| says:
1.-TWO courses are open, one gov
eminent ownership and operation,
which, in view of the character of tho
project, would, in the judgementof the
majority of his committee, mean dis
aster to the hopes of the farmers and
other users of commercial fertilizers.
To have the government undertake
and engage in the manufacture or FER
tilizer ingredients, with political SUI
| perintendents, foreman and straw
bosses, is unthinkable, and to under
take such a scheme would be IN.
speakable folly.
1.-THE alternative course is to sell
the tangible property on conditions
| prescribed by congress, lease the
| power at fair rental, and permit in
dividual American initiative and In
genuity to have an opportunity at this
place, where the greatest water power
in our country can be developed, re-
quiring a preservation OF the element
of national defense and at the same
titae giving an opportunity for relief.
If such there can be, to not only the
Southland, but to our country, in the
way of commercial fertilizer at reason.
able prices
Representatives Wright points out in
his minority report, that the question
of disposing of the vast properties at
Muscle Shoals, sis fraught with far
reaching and momentous results, and
is one of the greatest which has ever
engaged the attention of congress"