The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-11
MUSCLE SHOALS|S BEING CONSIDERED
 BY BOTH HOUSES
Underwood Urges Acceptance of Ford Bid, While Norris Wants Federal Operating
 Corporation
By Associated Press

Washington, April -Considera- tion of offers for private develop ment and operation of the govern ment's power and nitrate projects at Muscle Shoals proceeded simultan- eously today before the Senate agri- culture and House military commit tees. Senator Underwood, Alabama, appearing before the Senate commit tee, declared immediate development of the properties was vital to the na- tion, as vital to it's national welfare as the army and navy.
 In the House military committee an agreement was made to meet daily in executive session to study the priv ate proposals already investigated by that body and to invite Henry Ford, Thomas Martin. Frederick Engstrum and Charles Parsons to appear per- sonally as soon as the executive ses- sions were concluded. Chairman Kahn said each of the four bidders would he asked if his proposal was complete In it's term. In the event the bidders desired to amend their offers, he said, a last opportunity would be given for that purpose before the commit tees report was made to the House.
 Senator Norris of Nebraska, chair man of the Senate committed also introduced a resolution in the Senate proposing a government owned and controlled corporation for the de- velopment of Muscle Shoals and ac- qutring authority for Secretary Weeks to proceed with construction with the Wilson dam and Dam No. 3. The measure was referred to the agriculture committee for considera- ton along with the four private of fers.
 Senator Underwood strongly advo- cated the acceptance at this session of Congress of the Ford proposal adding that it would be a crime to haul down the flag on the capitol and adjourn, without providing for de- velopment of the shoals projects.
 Barden First Witness
 Col. W. J. Barden, in charge of the army engineer district with head quarters at Florence, Ala, was the first witness examined by the com mittee when the investigation was opened. He reiterated statements made before the congressional dele gation when it visited the Wilson dam and other projects along the Muscle Shoals district
 Only a brief introductory session was held today. Senator Underwood was invited to appear in order that he might make known his position with reference to the shoals project before he left Washington form two weeks absence. which he said, would occur while the Investigations were in progress.
 Colonel Barden was asked to 'sus- pend his statement when the commit tee adjourned shortly after noon. He will be recalled tomorrow to con tinue his evidence on the Wilson dam over which he has direct charge of the war department.
 Important as the Army
 Senator Underwood said his chief interest in Muscle Shoals was the de- velopment of nitrogen from the air for use in restoring fertility of soil for agricultural purposes. He de- clared the question of renewal of the fertility of the soil, was one of the most important not less important than possession of an army and navy for national protection.
 While development of Muscle Shoals would not produce all the soil food required for the nations needs. the Senator said 1t would do much in that direction, and he declared Congress ought to adopt an immediate policy for the future of Muscle Shoals, Work on the project. Senator Underwood added, should not be delayed
 "The Ford proposal" said the sen
 tContinued on Page Two)