The Washington times., 1927-05-25
GREAT FALLs-A SCENE OF MAJESTIC spLENDoR

Those United States Senators who have asked the Federal
Power Commission to proceed slowly about attempting
lease the water power rights at Great Falls private
corporation have acted in time to prevent definite steps before
Congress meets again.
Then Congress will wish to know the inside facts about
this proposition which nobody Washington yet knows and
which everybody should know before anything done
The Federal Power Commission presumably has full
thorty to dispose of water projects but this Great Falls
problem that Congress greatly concerned n because
Of the proximity of Great Falls this Federal territory
the vital interests of the Federal Government in it.
There are many places where the Power Commission
proceed without Congress caring much to what is done
Congress would great deal about the proper disposition
OF the Great Falls water power rights.
However desirable Federal development and disposition
Of the great power at Great Falls NAV he il IL not nv
certain that this will be the outcome Congress has
been cowardy about interfering where the private power in
the power of the United States Congress has been
repeatedly shown in that body.
Still Congress is jealous of its rights and powers in and
around this Federal district
The turning of the valuable power rights at Great
Falls to private corporation MUST be done unless
there will from it valuable benefits to the public of
Washington and to the Federal Government here
Government development of Great Falls power, and
troll OF that power have promised lower electric light and
power rates here both to private and the
Government itself
Would this development by private power interests
such benefits to Washington? Have efficient
power company here now7 Would this company compete
with the Potomac Electric Light Company or is there an u
derstanding between the two7
After ALL this just scheme to save off block Govern
mental development of Great Falls power? Is the giant power
trust Of the country made power companies all the
land, back of this proposition?
Why should the natural beauties Of Great Falls and the
Potomac River from there to Washington be for the
benefit Of private capital when is necessary?
What are the motives back Of this company? Are they
the usual motives Of speculative investors?
The future Of Washington and of all the territory ad
acent thereto is Of far Importance the people this
city and to the whole nation than the pocetboo of investors
usually bent upon exploitation.
The plans Of Congress and of army engineers been
development at Great Falls that would add to the beauties
and attractions of that part Of the Potomac River because
Of the Governments deep interest in the project.
Some day. in the not distant future all region around
Great Falls in Virginia and Maryland will be part of this
city teeng with thousands Of people and covered with fine
homes The falls and the river will be included in wonder
full public park
Even the Government does finally assume control
whatever done about the power Great Falls Con
ess will not permit private development there without its
full sanction and the Federal Power Commission probably
understands this thoroughly
This project is too intimately connected with the future
Of Washington to permit commercazaon for private gain
The right of eminent domain will enable the Government to
prevent treatment of this region from strictly commercial
viewpoint Preservation Of its beauties and increasing it's
beauties must be part any development Of Great Falls
So, hands off to private exploiters at this time