The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-06-03

For example, II under this policy It
is determined that this power at
Lock II dam on the Warrior river
can not be Of effective service in
tho production OF fertilizers, then I
am willing for the Alabama Power
power, but I am opposed to grant
ing this power to the Alabama
Power company until Congress set
ties the governments policy at
Muscle Shoals. Then, as I say, I
am willing for the Alabama Power
not without a thorough understand
ing of another most important con-
sideration. This is. that careful
study be given the Little report
hereinbefore referred to and that
storage dams necessary to produce
the maximum primary horse power
be required, and SO located and con-
structed as to best serve in the mat
ter Of flood control.
In this connection, may say that
tho rate Of interest paid on tho cap
ital invested in the water powers of
concern to the people of the state
that hope to be able to discuss this
most important matter with you at
an early date.
Sees No Harm In Delay.
There will be no business or in
terest in the state that I know of
that will seriously suffer, II at all.
by delaying the decision Of the pub
lie service commission on tho appli-
cation for the Warrior river dam
until the governments policy at
Muscle Shoals Is settled, because in
a memorandum for the press issued
by the federal power commission
which have lately received. the
power commission states that the
first unit of $4,000 horse power has
been put into operation at the
Mitchell dam. and that tho imme-
diate installation of two additional
units Is proposed and that the COM
plete capacity of 10000 horse power
will be available from the five units
at the Mitchell dam. 1t therefore is
evident that the Alabama Power
company has ample power to supply
Alabama's needs until Congress
settles upon policy at Muscle
Shoals.
1t is not my intention to appear
before the public service commits
sion in opposition to the Alabama
Power company's application for the
power at Lock II dam on the War
rior river, for have the fullest con-
fidence that the public service COM
mission will protect the interests of
the people of the state at Lock IT
dam on the Warrior with fidelity.
l shall. however, feel 1t my duty
to appear before the federal power
commission and oppose the granting
of any license to the Alabama Power
company for the Lock II dam on
the Warrior until Congress settles
upon a policy at Muscle Shoals. Not
until then, in my judgment, can a
wise and safe decision be made as
to the disposition and use of the
power at Lock II dam.
l recognize that difference-some
may be found in reference to some
matters herein discussed but of this
I am sure, that the overwh Ginning
sentiment of our people is against
any one company or individual own
ing or controlling the water powers
of Alabama. A careful survey of the
power sites-developed and undevel-
oped-now owned or controlled by.
the Alabama Power company will
show that this desire of our people
will probably be defeated If further
water power grants are made to this
company on either the Warrior or
the Tennessee.
| l am confident of your concurrence
in my belief that the public Inter
est demands that the answer to the
pending application of the Alabama
Power company shall be, Not now"
With renewed assurances of es-
TEEN and all good wishes, and look
ing forward to seeing you during
the summer, l beg to remain, yours
very sincerely,
W. 3. OLIVER.