MUSCLE POWER

The Muscle, Shoals problem gas once more come before the Senate. The bill which presents it proposes that the government market the power which can be easily developed and devote the proceeds to the development of farm fertilizers. Considering that the plant cost the United States $160,000,000 and that it cannot be sold at a profit this seems a sensible project.

The power plant would furnish electricity to at least twelve states and should be operated by the government rather than private individuals or corporations, for the dam has direct influence on flood control and navigation. Moreover the government already owns the site and therefore would not have to incur the expense and the consequent higher rates that an outsider would be forced to charge.

The bill pays more attention to the power project, although the plant was originally planned for its nitrate development. Farm aid is now more logically a secondary factor and the power the primary object. Such a power centre is needed in the middle west and if the Senate puts the bill through it will be seizing an opportunity to utilize a white elephant by making him earn his living.