The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-01-28
Musels Shoals, Hope of
:3s=.th ADD Benefit to
The Entire Nation
BY Claude II. Collins.


New York, Jan. 26.-Muscle Shoals
is the greatest hope of the entire
South, part of the East, certain ben.
cft TO the entire nation in peace and
an assurance of national security in
time of war.
At a point in northern Alabama, a
few miles from the Tennessee line are
Florence and Sheffield two small
cities; about three miles west is Tus-
cumba. The three have combined
population of but 10000. At this point
the Tennessee river, formed by the
confluence of the French, Broad and
Bolston rivers in Tennessee flows to
the southwest where it empties into
the Ohio at Paducah. Between Shelf
field and Florence the river has cut
deep into it's banks. Its bed for 35
miles is solid rock and in this distance
is fall of nearly $50 feet.
This is Muscle Shoals.
OutgrOwth of War.
Not until the United States was in
the midst Of the world war and hastily
needed an immense explosive manu-
featuring plant were efforts for the
development of Muscle Shoals sue
cessful Quickly the government ap-
propriated 'S20,0OO,OOO for construc-
ton of dam across the Tennessee
river at Muscle Shoals. This is now
known as Wilson dam.
1t was to furnish power for a great
nitrate plant for manufacture Of ex-
plosive. Last June, with the dam one
third complete at cost of $17,OOO.-
600 work on it ceased. For the loca-
tion Of this plant the government Sc
cured reservation of 1,70O acres. Then
began building of nitrate plant No. =
across the river from Florence, the
most costly of the governments un-
dertakings at Muscle Shoals. This
plant cost approximately 5000, 900.
1t extends over 2,2oO acres. No. 2 has
capacity Of 800 ton.: of ammonium
nitrate a day. The government ex-
pended total of approximately $11O,-
100000 on the entire Muscle Shoals
project. Investigation Of the entire
undertaking has as yet failed to men
ton graft or misuse of government
funds.
Its Present Status.
Last June, excepting for force of
men guarding the property, the gov
ernment ceased interest in Muscle
Shoals, it was closed. This is the
status of Muscle Shoals today.
Realization of the immense posi-
bilities of the plant when finally con-
structed has led to several offers to
the government for the property.
None of these, excepting that of Hen
ry Ford, has ben of nature suf-
ficiently business-like to interest the
war department.
Ford has offered to buy the nitrate
plants for $5,0O0,000 to pay the in
terest Of nearly 100000 in prop
erty and amortize the debt in 100
years. He further offers to lease Will
son Dam and Dam No. 8, on compile
ton, for the manufacture of fertilizer
for 100 years. Ford's proposition is
based on the estimate of engineers
that remaining work will cost $42,-
100000. Army engineers say this cost
will be $4,000, 900.
1t is this difference of $11 900 900
that is causing Secretary Weeks to
delay action. AS the matters stand,
Ford must increase his offer or con-
gress must approve a compromise
deal.
Fourfold Proposition.
Muscle Shoals is fourfold propo-
sition. First, its completion means
the erection in the southern states of
a water power plant second only to
Niagara Falls and establishment of an
industrial and agricultural area which
will equal any in America. Secondly,
Muscle Shoals means operation in
peace time of fertilizer plant which
may revolutionize farming in the
South and East Third in Importance
will be the long sought opening for
navigation of the Tennessee river,
connecting the southeast with the
Mississippi Valley Navigation system.
Fourth is the national security of
fercd by Muscle Shoals in war. The
nitrate plant used for fertilizer could
be converted in three weeks into the
most gigantic plant for the manu-
facture of explosives on the globe.
If Henry Ford fails to obtain Mus
Gle Shoals there is of course the possi-
biiity of the government resuming it's
construction and operation.
Should Ford's offer finally be ac-
oeptcd Thomas Edison will act in an
advisory capacity in operation Of the
nitrate plants--C Charleston American.