The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-11-23
US. COAL WASTE
IS HUGE, SAYS
STE|NMETz
Water Power Development to
Save Billion a Year, Is Pos
sibIe, He Asserts.
BY WALTER VOGDES.


Copyright. 1929. by Cosmopolitan News
Service.)
SCHENECTADY, N. Y, Nov.
22.-"The United States rs vast
ing between one billion and two
billion dollars year by failure to
develop its hydraulic power sup
plyw
Charles Proteus Steinmetz,
world famous electrical engineer
and inventor, made this startling
declaration to Cosmopolitan News
Service today.
Abuses Coal Supply.
by neglecting its power problem"
he said, 1.-The country not only
wastes that tremendous sum Of
money, but 1t uses in an unneces-
sary way three quarters of our ma
tional coal supply.
I'VE possess immense resources
of water supply which could be made
10 produce power for our country.
1t ia the first problem Of import
ance in the nations welfare from an
economic and engineering point Of
view.
1T Is neglected because our people
cannot agree on whether the ma
ton. the State, or private corpora
tons shall develop our resources.
I'VE have the engineering knowl.
edge and facilities for this develop
ment, but nothing Is done. We use
enormous quantities of coal for pow
er that might be DETECTED into
domestic use. One of these days a
crying shortage in coal may drive us
to develop national b hydraulic power"
Steinmetz. unique figure among
American scientists, sat huddled for
ward in a chair in a hotel lobby. A
mite Of a man physically. a giant
mentally. With round head, closely
cropped hair. pointed beard and a
marvelously sensitive. intelligent,
friendly face. as bright as a bee.
. His words came incisively, neatly.
like flying chips.
What does It matter whether
Tom, Dick or Harry develops our
national water power?" he queried.
1.-THE great thing is to get 1t done"
do you favor development by
governmental means or by private
corporations?" he was asked.
Each has its advantages and
drawbacks" he replied. I'm ma
tionai or State development many
people think there is a danger of
the work falling under the control
of politicians not devoted to their
country's best interests.
when development by private
corporations Is suggested. other
people fear the exploitation of our
resources for private gain.
81 do not think there is much
danger of that now, however. A
few years ago the danger existed.
but now public utilities are under
the control of. commissions. and II
private corporations carried out the
development they would be limited
in their control and would not he
allowed to exploit the people"
'Then you favor the last-named
plan?"
Perhaps" said the little scien.
list with an enigmatic smile.
Water Power Cheaper.
our national power supply should
undoubtedly be obtained by hydrau.
| lie power. This would release a
large proportion Of the coal sup
ply, now used by industries and rail.
roads, for domestic use. 1t would
bring down the cost Of coal
1--WE should be able to save about
100000 tons daily. In addition,
much railroad equipment, perhaps
80 per cent Of that now used in
carrying coal, could be turned to
other uses and transportation tie
ups could be avoided.
"If the unlimited water power
that we possess were put to work
the waste places Of our country
could be opened up much more
easily. And congested conditions
N cities would become improved az
living conditions were made easier
IN the country"
would power obtained from
water be much cheaper to operate
than power obtained from coal7"
THE saving have ment oned Of
from one TO two billion dollars n
year includes operating as well az
the conserving OF n large portion %
our coal supply. For the water
supply eces on forever and does nc'
4 use Itself IN"
Il