The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-09
CHEAP FERTILIZER
 PLAN OF FFORDIS > DECLARED DREAM
Cannot Be Accomplished by Shoals Development, Says Former Chief Chem-
 icaI Engineer
By Associated Press


 Washington, May s.-Opposition to any proposal for private develop ment for the governments proper ties at Muscle Shoals, which prom ised" farmers fertilizers at half their pesent prices and failed to guarantee" the reduction was voiced today by Charles L. Parsons, former chief chemical engineer for the war department, before the Senate agri- culture committee. He declared his belief that cheapening the prices of fertilizers by production of those commodities at Muscle Shoals could never be accomplished, and said Henry Ford's dream" to that end "could not come true"
 Dr. Parsons contended that the power projects should be brought to their maximum point of development to aid industry Tn the south. but warned the committee against ac- cepting any offer on the promise of the bidder to manufacture fertilizers at cheaper rates. That accomplish ment, he said, was as improbable as was the discovery of a new ex- plosive element which would blow the earth into space"
 Doubts Process Found
 The witness said he doubted the authenticity of reports that a new process had been discovered which would cut the cost price of fertilizers one-half. He called attention to what he said were the varying statements made by W. B. Mayo, chief engineer for Mir. Ford. and other witnesses heard in support of the Detroit man. ufacturer's offer before the House military committee. An analysis of these statements relative to MT. Ford's intention to produce cheaper fertilizers at Muscle Shoals, Dr. Par sons asserted. convinced him that none of the speakers referred to had thoroughly learned the subject they discussed.
 Studies of the various processes for the fixation of nitrogen from the air, made for the government when he was in Europe for the war depart ment in the capacity of chief chem ieal engineer, Dr. Parsons testified convinced him that the cyanamid methods were essentially obsolescent The fact that nitrate plant No. 2 at Muscle Shoals was designed to oper- ate by the cyanamid process. he said, reduced the commercial value of that property to point where its best return to the government rested in keeping it in standby condition in time of emergency.
 Plant Not Failure
 Nitrate plant No. 1, the witness de- clared, could be operated successfully as a commercial undertaking. and was, he added, contrary to public belief, in no sense a failure. It was intended for operation by the Haber process. he explained, and could be made into a profitable establishment by an expenditure of about s2,o00.- GOO in order to equip it with improved machinery, developed since the plant was first equipped, Dr. Parsons said. A willingness to buy plant No. l.. buy or lease the Waco quarry. and create a corporation to engage in the manufacturing chemical business on a commercial scale, as proposed In the offer he made to Congress. was ex- pressed by the witness. The offer itself was read to the committee, but was not made a part of examination because it depended upon the chief proposal made by the Alabama Power company. under which 100000 horse- power would be given free to the government for use by 1t or any lease in the operation of nitrate plants.
 Work of preparing a report for use by the House when that body finally begins consideration of the Muscle Shoals bids was resumed today by the House military committee In ex- ocutive session. Ii was understood that the committee membership Of 21 has split 10 to II on certain pro- visions of the Ford prosopal, the maiority of one favoring the various sections of the proposal as they were taken up from time to time.
 Unless some unexpected develop ment occurs in the committee. it was said, the division will bring about majority and minority opinion of the House rather than unanimous re- port which had been predicted by members.