The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-26

| fitness and experience and that which looks l to putting this principle in practice will meet an enlightened public approval.
 l
 SHOALS TACTICS OF CONGRESS
 Although congress professes to be deeply concerned over the future of Muscle Shoals and the conservation of this important project for the nations benefit, it has per sistently delayed decision that would en- able the Muscle Shoals plants to begin serv- ing the people in the production of cheaper fertilizers and in furnishing current for other industries. Emphasis on the passage of appropriations for carrying on the work at the Shoals does not obscure the real question at issue, which is the ultimate dis posal of the plants That is the question congress has evaded. This equivocal policy has caused widespread resentment, since it has been apparent ever since the Ford offer was first submitted by government invita- tion, that politicians and interests opposed to the Detroit manufacturer were seeking to put obstacles in the way of it's accept ance. These tactics do not deceive the public, which is well aware that congress, in making appropriations for the completion of the Muscle Shoals plants, at the same time is postponing a final decision. It is playing into the hands of the advocates of government ownership and opponents of the Ford bid.
 It appears likely now that vote will be forced in the house, but the senate may re- fuse to take any action during the present session. Yet, there is no convincing reason why it should not do so. The Ford offer has been before congress long enough for every member to familiarize himself with it's terms. Ample time has elapsed for full consideration and study of the question. Congress cannot plead that it is being urged to reach a nasty conclusion. That Sort of excuse will no longer be accepted. It is quite evident that the real reason why no vote has been taken is the desire to defeat the Ford offer and create situation which may leave Muscle Shoals on the govern ment's hands, either to be operated by the government or disposed of at a sacrifice to interests who may be working with that object in view.
 As Representative Almon says, accept ance of the Ford offer would have no effect on the continuation of construction work at the Shoals. The dams would merely be l taken over by the Ford company on their completion by the government, and the money would be furnished by the gov ernment in either case. Engineers estimate that it will take about three years to com plete dam No. 2. If congress refuses now to pass on the Ford bid because the dam is not completed, it could offer the same objection for the next three years. By that time those who are seeking personal ends by opposing the final disposition of the Shoals may have been successful.
 MT. Almon says: "When the secretary of war invited MT. Ford to make his offer, he did not prescribe as condition that the question of acceptance would be held in abeyance for four years until water power dam No. 2 was completed. Such was not in contemplation when the Ford offer was made and referred to the military commit tee of the house. If the house was going to wait three or four years until the dam was finished before the Ford offer should be considered and voted on, the five and a half months time and labor of the military committee in holding hearings, visiting Mus ce Shoals and reporting the bill providing for acceptance of the Ford offer was in vain and useless" Nearly six months ago a rule was requested in a resolution intro duced by MT. Mckenzie, acting chairman of the military affairs committee, which would authorize vote to be taken on the Ford offer. The rules committee did not act on the resolution. The farmers con tinue to pay heavy toll to Chilean nitrate producers, although MT. Ford has bound himself and his company to produce not less than 10000 tons of fixed nitrate an- nually. In the meantime the price of Chilean nitrate has been advanced $5 a ton and another advance of $5 is antici- pated. It is estimated that this would mean an additional cost this year of $3,o00,00o paid by American farmers for fertilizers.
 Reports of committees on the Ford offer have been before congress for more than a year and half. How much longer must the American people wait for a decision on a matter that could have been settled in six months?
 BETTER PROTECTION FOR GAME
 A number of bills for the better protec-