ITEMS OF INTEREST November 20, 1909 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

That the organized conservation movement is preparing for a big national effort to obtain, at the coming session of Congress, revision of the national laws under which coal lands and water-powers are administered, is made apparent by the issuance of a statement by Dr. Charles W. Eliot, president of the new National Conservation Association. He says: "The association is convinced of the urgent need of immediate measures to prevent the control of the great sources of heat and mechanical power in the United States from being seized by monopolistic organizations and to secure the best development of the sources in the interest of the whole people. These sources are waterfalls and coal. Under the existing laws, the widest development is practically impossible."

Ground for the new South Brooklyn, N. Y., subway was broken last week. Drawings of the proposed structure show many improvements over the style of elevated construction now in use in the city. An important feature will be the noise-deadening plan, a solid concrete floor from eleven to fifteen inches thick laid on top of the steel structures. This flooring will weld together the steel girders and prevent the noise from vibration caused by the running of trains. A foot-path extending the whole length of the road will enable passengers to dismount at any point during a block or other emergency with perfect safety.

A joint army and navy board has been appointed by the Secretary of War to visit the Canal Zone and draw up plans for defense and report to the department. The idea is to put the entire plan before Congress in the coming session, and to begin work so that the canal may be properly defended by the beginning of 1915, when it is to be opened to navigation.

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