Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-01
Muscle Shoals.

The problem Of the most effective use
of the Muscle Shoals water, a tre-
mendous power arising from the flow
of the Tennessee River, is again before
the Senate. It is a problem that has
been under consideration for more than
decade. Congress in 1928 sought to
solve 1t by putting through the Norris
joint resolution providing for perma-
nent Government ownership and opera
ton of the plants of the Muscle Shoals
project. President Coolidge, then in the
White House, did not sign the measure
within the time specified and, as Con-
gress had adjourned, the bill died. Now
Senator Norris has brought it forward
again. It is the unfinished business OF
the Senate. Unless there are develop
ments not now expected, it will pass the
Senate within few days, and will go
to the House for action there.
The problem Of the Muscle Shoals
development is complex. Involved in it
is not only the question of Government
ownership and operation Of public
utility versus private ownership and OPP
GRAFTON, but also the question of the pro-
duction of nitrates, through the f1xation
Of atmospheric nitrogen. Nitrates have
been imported into this country from
Chile in large quantities. and are used
both in the manufacture of explosives
and the production of fertilizers. Dur
ing the World War, and before this
country was drawn into the vortex of
that struggle, Congress in 1916 passed
and President Wilson signed the ma
tional defense act of June 3 of that
year. 1t was responsible for the es-
tablishment by the Government of the
Muscle Shoals project and it authorized
the manufacture of nitrates needed for
munitions Of war and useful in the
manufacture of fertilizers. In the South
every year the farmers make heavy out
lays for fertilizers. The dream of the
South has been the development of
cheaper fertilizer through the use of
the Muscle Shoals power plants.
Since the war many suggestions and
many bids for the Muscle Shoals project
have been advanced. At one time Henry
Ford proposed that he take over the
whole project. He was to utilize the
power for manufacturing purposes and
also produce fertilizer. But the Ford
bid was held in many quarters not to
be advantageous to the Government,
while very advantageous to Mr.. Ford.
In the end the proposal was dropped.
A persistent bidder has been the Ameri-
can Cyanamid Co., which is still in the
field for the project. 1t has figured
largely in the investigation of the Sen
ate lobby committee, now drawing to
close its inquiry into Muscle Shoals.
The Government has invested approx
imately $130,O00,O00 at Muscle Shoals.
The Wilson Dam, the hydroelectric plant
and navigation locks cost the Govern
ment nearly $4,000. 900. The Govern
ment constructed two nitrogen fxation
plants there at cost Of $82 ,000, 900.
What happens to the plants has mon-
etary interest TO the Government and
the whole people. But Of still greater
interest is the future Of the project as a
producer of hydroelectric power and Of
nitrates. The Southeastern States are
vitality interested in the power develop
ment, and the farmers, wherever ferti-
lizers are used, have q vital interest in
the production of nitrates. Furthermore,
the question of national defense enters
the picture.
The Muscle Shoals problem has hung
on for many years, awaiting solution,
It should be solved and something con-
structiye undertaken. President Hoover
and his administration are pledged to
solution of the problem. The picture
of a power trust" which may affect
the cost Of living Of the people gener-
ally has been painted by many Of the
legislators and political leaders. It Is
picture which has done more than
anything else to halt the final dispo-
Sition of the Muscle Shoals project.
The question of the use of this great
power project must be determined, or
else the country loses, while the power
continues to 60 to waste.
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