The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-08-27
ISpiking Hydro-El ectric Develop
rrlent Of Great Falls

The proposed hydroelecrc development Of the Potomac
River at various points the Potomac and notably at Great
rails should have been spiked for all time result Of the
hearings held before the Army engineer in charge Of the
Washington district
The report Of this engineer win be preliminary step to
the action to be taken by the Federal Power Commission
which has been asked grant temporary permit TO the
Potomac River Corporation, Cleveland Ohio
Public and official opposition TO the granting Of permit is
unrelenn and there yet to The pronounced oppos
lion that viii manifest itself in Congress.
The main points brought out in the hearing those made
BY this newspaper at the time the permit was applied for
FRST-There is nothing definite in the application Of the
Cleveland corporation to indicate that electric develop
ent Of the Potomac and below Great Falls would furnish
the slightest material benefits people Of Washington and
20 the Government in the way Of lower electric rates
SECOND is much doubt that privately operated
power company could produce electric current at
precaby lower than now produced in Washington
Many experts say that it cannot do
THRDN there to be reduction Of cost in electric
rates to the District and nearby regions why turn to
private rights Of great value? rates be
uced here let the company clearly indicate what il
F0URTH-Why butcher the scenic beauties Of Great Falls
and the gorge Of the Potomac River merely to faten the
oCetboo Of spectators who want to get foohod in the
9ast-developing territory around Washington
FWTHWhy block the plans Of the National Capital Park
and Planning Commission to eventually make wonderful park
Ii the Eastern United States?
The Federal Governments interest in this proposition
VI people VI
Virginia.
undoubtedly the purpose Of Congress- shown the
passage of the law providing for Park and Planning Com
mission to provide beautiful parks and Fairgrounds around
Washington not entirely for the pleasure Of the inhabitants Of
this city and nearby Maryland and Virginia but for the people
Of the nation who feel this city to be their own and who
come here by thousands
Once private monopoly gets legal footing in the falls and
river and developments the plans Congress would
continuously blocked in the courts.
The whole thing would virtually be turning private
monopoly for financial profits beautiful region that should
and will be controlled by the Federal Government for the
benefit and pleasure Of It's citizens.
There is far not sound logical let private
power company get grip the river from Great Falls
Washington.
The that might be favorable the project
substantially lower electric rates here and around the District
There no definite promise Of reduced rates. guarantee
that there will be- Hints and promises do constitute the
assurance the people Of Washington would want and which
the Federal Power Commission must have before it should
even give passing consideration to the matter
The Potomac River and Great Falls always
Federal control When the time for hydroeeCtrC de-
Vepmen the Federal Government do in connection
with Identification plans.