Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1924-06-20

Americas entrance into the
World war in 1917 found US dependent upon Chile
for ~nltrates with which to manufacture explosives.
Nitrates can be taken from the nitrogen in the air.
The power and the facilities for the manufacture
of an adequate supply were not available. Hence
the federal government decided to construct a nj
trate plant of its own. Muscle Shoals was selected
as the site because it had ample water power, was
convenient to the raw materials, coal and lime
stone, and was secure from a military viewpoint
Work was begun at Muscle Shoals in July Of
1918. AT the signing of the armistice in November
Of 1918 a steam-power nitrate plant had been prac-
tically completed. Wilson Dam, however, had been
barely begun. Congress decided to complete VIII
son Dam and it will be ready to deliver its power
some time in 1925.
Muscle Shoals did not become useless at the
signing of the armistice. On the contrary 1t pos
sesses great peace-time possibilities. 1t can be
made a source Of two of the most important factors
In our industrial development-electricity and nj
trogen compounds. The uses of electrical power
are almost limitless. Nitrogen compounds can be
made into either explosives or fertilizer, the pre-
lininary stages of manufacture being the same.
Completion Of the Muscle Shoals project will also
greatly increase the nayigabiIity of the Tennessee
river.
During the last two years several offers have
been made to the War department for part or all Of
the Muscle Shoals properties. The secretary OF
war referred these offers to congress with the re-
quest for legislation covering the situation.
Muscle Shoals Project In Detail.
President Coolidge, in a message to congress De-
cemher 6, 1923, recommended that the properties
be sold, subject to the right of the government to
retake them in time of war and with a covenant
that experimentation for the manufacture Of fer
tilizers be carried on to success. He mmen
that congress consider offers, conduct negotiations
and report definite recommendations.
This article, however, Is solely for the purpose
OF giving the outstanding facts in connection with
the physical aspects of the Muscle Shoals develop
ment. Other phases Of the complicated situation
are p~urposely ignored.
The strictly wartime works at Muscle Shoals
are far from representing all of the present under
takings. existing and proposed. If present plans
are carried out, the complete development COM
prises the following
Dam No. This is a small navigation dam to be-
erected at Florence, two miles below the Wilson
Dam. It's estimated cost is 100000. Its con-
struction is not yet approved. 1t Is to contain a
navigation lock and will provide sufficient depth of
water upstream to the Wilson Dam. From Flor
ence to the Ohio, a distance Of 257 miles, there is
TO be a six-foot channel.
Dam No. 2-This is the Wilson Dam, elsewhere
described in detail. 1t will develop power and is
provided with navigation locks. Its final cost Is
estimated at $51,OO0,00O.
Dam No. 3-This is a proposed power and navi-
cation dam, located Is miles above Wilson Dam.
It's construction is not yet approved. 1t would
raise The water in the river 40 feet and permit
navigation a further distance up stream for about
IS miles. 1t would supply power to a maximum Of
2A0OOO horsepower. This dam would be even longer
than the Wilson Dam, but not so high. Its estimat-
ed cost is $25.000000.
Nitrate Plant No. This is a relatively small
nitrate plant built in 1917 for experimental pur-
poses at a cost of $1O,0O0O00.
Nitrate plant No. 2-This is a large nitrate plant
h,ilt "a supply nitrates for explosives during the
war. Its total cost, including a ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
steam plant and a limestone quarry at Waco, was
about S66.oo0,0oo.
yiIlages-In connection with Nitrate Plants Nos.
and , complete villages for workers were built
x,,ant No. . covers a site consisting Of 1900 acres
~ land. 1t consists of six separate plants for the
I various chemical processes and there are in addi-
Ason 1ss permanent houses. with electric lights,
Ayers and water supply; one hqtel with 100
IS furnished with all modern improvements;
A,es Of improved roads; 81 miles Of standard