Vol. 22, No. 3
A Change of Mind S 1926 Attorney General Sargent brought a suit in the IFrancis name of the United States against A. hlitchell Palmer, P. Garvan, JZartin E. Kern, the partners of Hornblower &- Weeks, the Chase Securities Company and others, seeking t o recover from them 35,535,564 on the theory that the defendants had conspired to cause the stock of the Rosch Magneto Company and certain patents to be sold by the Alien Property Custodian for less than their fair value; the sum above named being the difference between the piice obtained of $4,150,000 and the alleged fair value of such properties. The suit has been in process ever since, causing the plaintiff and the defendants considerable time and treasure, diverting them from more constructive work, and constituting a drain upon nervous energy. On January 25, 1030, Attorney General Mitchell directed a dismissal of the Government’s suit, and stated that three of the four special assistants to the Attorney General conducting the case had found no evidence of any wrongdoing whatever on the part of Mr. Palmer, Mr. Garvan, or other government officials, and that no evidence was shown that any of these officers profited in any way by the sale. On January 31, 1930, after hearing, judgment was entered for all of the defendants. The Government had changed its mind. It seems a pity that the investigations, which failed t o show wrongdoing and led to the withdrawal of the Government’s suit, could not have been made in advance, thus saying the considerable loss which such extended litigation necessarily involves. This is especially true where the Federal Government is a party. Its unlimited resources in inen and money, its unique ways of obtaining information, and the weight of public opinion accustomed to believe the Government always right call for large expenditures, although the defendant be ~vholly innocent. To emerge the victor in such a suit, although costly, is highly gratifying. The testimony of Francis P. Garran was filed in the form of a deposition, macle a t his home while ill. It comprises 143 printed pages, and explains in considerable detail the basis for Mr. Garvan’s insistence that today the same effort as before the war goes on in the hope of throttling the American chemical industry. It is believed that this suit was closely associated with this chemical fight. The first was the famous Chemical Foundation suit, the result of which was a complete victory for the Foundation in every court, including the Supreme Court. In some quarters it is thought the Bosch litigation was undertaken for the influence it might have in keeping things stirred up until the passage by Congress of legislation to restore all former alien enemy property. A t least, it is interesting to note how nearly concurrent has been the dismissal of the suit with the passage of the legislation sought, hlr. Garvan’s deposition goes into great detail and names those who have been identified with interests more concerned with the suppression than with the elevation of America’s chemical industry. A careful study of its statements provides an answer for many of the whys and t h r o w light on
March 1, 1930 the plots engineered from a single principal source and evident in many unrelated and unexpected places. All of the suits have ended in victory for the Foundation and its officers. The charges made by Mr. Garvan have not been refuted, and if investigations demanded by him are thoroughly made in good faith, additional facts may be revealed which should serve to bring solidarity to the ranks of those who continue to battle for American chemical independence.
Educating the Educated DULT education. much discussed of late and widely A practiced through extension courses, evening classes. and the like, will probably enter it5 most modern phase with the projected radio university. In a few centers, adult education of the continuing type has been quietly under way for a long time, especially among those who may properly lay claim to an adranced status in education before undertaking further training. Without attempting to list all such activities. for they are a part of advanced night schools in many communities, we have particularly in mind the courses in chemistry made available in night schools in Chicago, where our local section has been much interested, a t Cleveland College, which is affiliated with Western Reserve, and more recently a t Cooper Union Institute in New York, where free evening courses in physical chemistry have been inaugurated. The realization that a professional man must study continually to keep abreast of his subject accounts for the gratifying attendance upon such evening courses. Many executives engaged in chemical manufacture, metallurgy, petroleum refining, and the manufacture of textile and food products, and connected mith the electrical and electrochemical industries are to be found among the students, a majority of whom, however, are of course engaged in research. Where hesitation to employ older men is evident, it is not necessarily because of their age, but because in the past too often the age has been indicative of a man, perhaps well trained in our science as it was, say twenty-five years ago, rather than as it is now with its modern theories, new data, advanced mathematics, and equipment of the latest design. It is the age of his science that matters. The technical publication, because of its wide availability, is perhaps the greatest instrument for continuing education. The chemist and the chemical engineer, regardless of their status in industry or research, stand still when they cease to read the literature of their field. The meetings of scientific and engineering societies offer another opportunity for keeping up to date and formulating new ideas. The availability of advanced courses in night schools is still another means by which a firm grasp may be kept on progressive science without in any way overlapping the functions of other projects designed with the same end in view, such as, for example, the Institute of Chemistry of the American Chemical Society. We hope to see the number of centers increase where such efforts to educate our educated will be made in continuity.
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INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
First Cartel Collapse N T H E discussions of different types of corporate structuree Icartels, the European cartel is always prominent. The size of the their resources, the aid given them by some governments, the type of competition they are able to offer-all loom large in any consideration of world trade. The weaknesses of such super-organizations are not so ne11 advertised. All cartels are not successful and few have survived many years. The International Zinc Cartel was discontinued a t the close of 1929-one year and eight months after its formation. While interior friction among opposing factions in the organization has been cited as the cause, overproduction contributed largely to its downfall. The enlarged demand for sulfuric acid during 1929 in many European countries, where it is produced almost exclusively from zinc ores, inevitably led to an excess of zinc, and this is believed to have contributed indirectly to the present situation. The decision to dissolve the cartel was precipitated by an insistent demand on the part of Mexican producers to be permitted to replace the usual tonnage of concentrates shipped to Europe by a definite tonnage of slab zinc. From the European point of view this would only have increased the difficulties brought about by overproduction. When formed, it was predicted that the purposes of the International Zinc Cartel could not be acconiplished without the cooperation, as members, of American producers. So far as is known, these producers, operating within the confines of the United States, were not associated with the cartel. There is still some doubt as to the future of the German Steel Cartel and the closely allied International Rail Cartel. Insistence upon certain quotas, difficulties in obtaining adherence to compacts, and similar problems continue to be vexatious. It is quite evident that, like other economic systems, the cartels are in a certain sense still on trial.
On Medals EDAM are useful for a number of purposes. They afford one’s colleagues a means for applauding his achievements, they provide facts useful in publicizing the work of the recipient and of the profession to which he belongs, and they must bring considerable satisfaction to the man who thus has concrete evidence that he is held in high esteem by his fellow workers. For the most part medals are awarded on an annual basis. We believe a better plan would be to draw specifications carefully and then award the medal if, and when, an individual is found or a piece of work accomplished which meets the stated requirements. This might mean no medal for a period of years, or a half-dozen awards might be made in a single year. It is true that medals available have not always been awarded annually, but in general an effort is made to find some worthy recipient. It is our observation that medals go principally to the older men. N h o has not heard a series of accomplishments discussed in meetings of committees on medal awards, only to find, other things being equal, the vote always in favor of the older candidate on the theory that the younger man will have another chance? We should like to see a medal founded for the younger men-restricting the award to those thirty-five years of age or younger-to be awarded for promise rather than for great accomplishments. It would be available to men who have not yet fully arrived, or a t least have not reached the same degree which usually marks the high level of accomplishment attained by men of more advanced years.
Vol. 22, No. 3
We know that honors are not treated lightly and bestowed without due consideration. We believe that medals already awarded have been well placed. We do think, however, that the younger men need their chance and that an appropriate medal for their encouragement might do more to advance our science than the award which, though truly appreciated and fully earned, generally comes after it is most needed. We hope the suggestion may come to the attention of some one who has thought of founding a medal to honor some individual or to mark a special occasion.
Atlanta in April T H R O U G H the medium of the NEWSEDITION the details of the Atlanta meeting reach our membership, the final program being scheduled for the March 20 issue. Before then, however, the majority of those who plan to attend the meeting will have made their decisions. The advantage of these gatherings requires little further emphasis. Progressive professional men generally are of the opinion that their national group and sectional meetings afford them contacts and information which are invaluable and can be had in no other way. They make every effort to attend regularly. There are always a number who wonder whether the cost incident to the meeting is a justifiable expenditure, particularly where there are many demands upon limited resources. Henry Ford once stated his belief that the advice given to young boys-namely, that to succeed they must work and save their money-is partly wrong. “No successful boy ever saved any money. They spent it aa fast as they got it for things to improve themselves.” Among the expenditures which will yield large and permanent return are those made in keeping abreast of one’s professional work and the science upon which it rests. The meetings of national societies are second only to the technical literature in affording the means for continual improvement. Plan on Atlanta in April.
Debates for Technical Students ARRIE said that in these days the only man who has anything to say is the scientist, and he cannot say it. How often the scientist and the engineer have been chided for their inability to express themselves before laymen! For that matter, difficulties met by many scientists in their advancement can be traced to ineffective verbal presentation of their plans and ideas and to inability to prepare the type of report which commands and holds attention. As one means of correcting these shortcomings, an intercollegiate debating league for technical students has been formed to include the University of Michigan, Detroit Institute of Technology, University of Detroit, and Michigan State College. The plan was initiated a t the University of Michigan, where at present 132 engineers have signed, indicating their intention to take this training, and debates have already been held among themselves. Others are to be arranged with colleges in the state. The movement is sponsored by the Education Committee of the Associated Technical Societies of Detroit, where David Segal represents the Detroit Section. The committee expects it to be extended to engineering colleges throughout the country. Special recognition is to be given engineering students who make the varsity debating team, and ultimately prizes are to be distributed. Here is something we shall watch with interest. The project should be successful because of the results it will achieve. We should like to see another group devise some plan for
March, 1930
I N D U S T R I A L A N D ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
competition, having for its purpose improvement and perhaps the development of a new technic in scientific writing. Such a movement would contribute substantially to the solution of our ever pressing publication problem.
Among the Impossibilities OME indication of what we have come to expect as a ’result of the past achievements of science is to be found in the attention given in the daily press to what would have been considered an impossibility a brief decade ago. A representative of Admiral Byrd required ail immediate decision from the admiral on matters that had developed in New York. The admiral’s representative, seated a t a telephone, communicated with the operators of the radio room of the New York Times and dictated the messages he wished to transmit t o the admiral in Little America, emphasizing the urgency of an immediate acknowledgment. [magine his surprise to be told laconically to hold the phone, and overhear the operator explain that the messages must be put through for an immediate answer-“he is holding the wire.” While the wire was held these messages went through to the Antarctic, nine thousand miles away, and in less than five minutes the operator reported “Lofgren [ildmiral Byrd’s secretary] says hold on a minute or two. Byrd is replying.” In twenty minutes from the time of the first telephone conversation, Admiral Byrd had made his reply to his representative and he had hung up. Of course the conditions were favorable a t the time and everything possible was done to facilitate the sending and the receipt of the messages. Nevertheless to us it is one of the many modern miracles. Now where do you suppose such an important bit of news finds a place these days? On the fifteenth page, section 1, of a metropolitan daily. Such accomplishments are no longer front-page news; the public has come to expect so much of science. No wonder Robert A. Millikan in his Des Moines address pointed to the danger which may exist in the well-nigh careless reliance which the general public is beginning to have in the powers of science. There is no reason to expect that it will fail in any major emergency, but in no case is there any ground for carelessness, wastefulness, or reckless disregard of our resources or the rights of others, both now and in the future.
Drug Mergers HE movement, of such prominence in the last few months, has naturally extended to the drug field, where manufacturing units have found it desirable to merge their interests, where wholesalers have pooled their resources, and where in the retail stores we find some of our best examples of the modern chains. It is to be hoped that this development will not interfere in any degree with the outstanding duty of all those connected with the drug business, which is humanitarian service. Passing by all the jokes on the modern drugstore and the references to the great changes apparent in retail drug establishments in this generation, the corner drugstore still stands for a type of service which is indispensable and highly a p preciated and which requires well-trained personnel. Mergers are expected to yield profits. They sometimes bring into an organization groups unfamiliar with the traditions and the ethics of the business. Some remedies cannot be produced on a great, quantity basis; for fortunately they are not needed in ton lots. But what are made are invaluable to the few who need them. Profits customarily lie with quantity production. Will the merged organization, whether
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it be the retail chain or the combined manufacturers, continue to be willing t o supply the needs where, a t times, profits must be secondary? Some believe that present trends may bring a new opportunity to the well-trained individual pharmacist, who, as of old, may make, with his own hands, some of the pills, powders, tinctures. and elixirs which may be demanded, but in too small quantity to attract the huge units. If the mergers in the drug field follow the precedent established in other lines, they will, in self-interest, expand rather than contract their services, and consider average profits on a complete line rather than returns on individual items. Through standardization and utmost control in production they can improve their products, and give the public reason to be pleased with their service and thankful for their existence. In this lies their opportunity.
Twenty-one and Worth a Million E ARE not familiar with lists of millionaires, but we should be surprised if there are many in the land who, starting with little or nothing, have been worth a million upon completing their majority. INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEniIsTRY is now in its twenty-second year. Of necessity it had a modest beginning, and those who study its problems realize that it has not reached perfection. It has, however, become a property of great value to the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY and to those for whom it strives to present a constructive program of permanent value. A study of the Treasurer’s Report will indicate that, if the publication is charged with all editorial and manufacturing costs, the postage involved in its preparation and distribution, and its share of the SOCIETY’S general expenses, and is credited with its advertising income, one-third of the income from membership dues, and with the return from subscriptions. the difference in its favor is the income on more than a million dollars of commercially invested capital. That is one measure of its value to the SOCIETY-perhaps the most direct and tangible evidence of its worth-though we believe that in the activities which it sponsors and the service which it renders are t o be found elements of even greater worth. We are pleased with the support given this enterprise, which could not have been developed without your continued cooperation.
President to President HEN exercises of a special character are to be held by one university, it is customary for its president to extend formal invitations to the heads of other institutions. This is right and proper, but desired results are not always obtained. I n a few institutions the president has been known to reach his decision as to acceptance without consultation with the head of the department concerned. Funds may not be available to send a delegate from the institution, but if an important psychological event is in prospect perhaps the head of the department of psychology would consider it a good investment of personal funds to go as the delegate and reap the benefit. Similarly with other departments. Etiquette and precedents may dictate the issuance of the invitation from president to president, but surely good administration and coordination of the university’s activities indicate the desirability of conference with department heads before refusals are sent or the invitations disregarded.
