2 IO
T H E J O U R N A L OF I N D U S T R I A L A N D E N G I N E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y
I
Vol.
12,
No. 3
EDITORIALS DYES
IN THE SENATE
One of the characteristics of the word “dye” is a begetfulness of unlimited oral expression. I n the Senate the word naturally fell upon congenial soil. It was scarcely a matter of surprise, therefore, t h a t on‘the single day, February 2sth, set aside for the consideration of the Longwbrth Bill, prior t o t h e reopening of the Peace Treaty discussion, no decisive vote should have been reached. It had been hoped t h a t in view of the unanimous report of the sub-committee, followed by a similar unanimous support by the Finance Committee, the Senate might proceed t o a quick passage of the bill. This hope was in vain. The clear indication of the strength of those favoring the bill was given a t the very outset when an effort t o refuse t o take up the bill commanded only 11 votes. The discussion was opened by a masterly presentation of the subject by Senator Watson, of Indiana, chairman of the sub-committee. I n spite of the technicalities of the subject Senator Watson showed how attentively he had listened t o all of the testimony presented a t the hearing. His plea for the speedy passage of the bill was straightforward and convincing. The many questions asked him by fellow Senators indicated the keen interest in the subject, though considerable doubt was created as t o whether t h e questions by Senator Kenyon, of Iowa, were prompted by desire for knowledge or for the purpose of delay. The treatment of the bill in the Senate was thoroughly non-partisan and i t was particularly interesting t o note the complete intermingling of Republican and Democratic Senators in the neighborhood of Senator Watson when he spoke. One of the most perfect contributions of the day was the brief but eloquent speech of Senator Knox, of Pennsylvania, whose support of the measure as a n important contribution t o national security was unqualified. Senator King, of Utah, surprised all by presenting the novel argument t h a t it was unpatriotic of American manufacturers t o ask for protection against the German dye interests and thereby cripple Germany in its effort t o again get upon its feet. More than an hour of the limited time available was lost through the efforts of Senator Poindexter, of Washington, t o utilize the situation so as t o force from the Finance Committee a report t o the Senate of the bill protecting magnesite, which bill had been voted on favorably by the Committee but not ordered reported t o the Senate. At t h e conclusion of Senator Watson’s speech adjournment was taken and according t o the program previously announced by the leader of the Senate the Peace Treaty will now be continually before the Senate until i t is disposed of. The Longworth bill, therefore, must wait. However, you never can tell. The unexpected may happen a t any moment.
ST.LOUIS NEXT At Buffalo there was the spirit of relaxation from t h e tension of war activities, a t Philadelphia the proclamation of the chemical independence of America. What shall i t be a t St. Louis? The Spring Meeting of the SoCIETY, beginning April 1 2 , 1 9 2 0 , must have its distinctive mark. Plainly we should gather in a spirit of effective deliberation as t o how we can best meet the increased responsibility which has been placed upon us by the American people. T h a t such responsibility exists is evidenced by t h e sympathetic attitude of our representatives in Congress toward all legislation affecting t h e development of matters chemical. It is no time t o fold our hands in blissful contemplation of the felicitous consideration shown by our national legislative body, nor dare we content ourselves with group satisfaction over the increased popular appreciation of and regard for the work of the chemist. Pride goes before the fall! On the contrary, i t is just t h a t time when chemists should meet together for common counsel and for cool-headed decision as t o how best to justify the confidence and good-will which has been so ungrudgingly manifested. There must be no slackening of the pace, but rather a resolve t o drive all the harder, driving, however, with t h a t combination of caution and courage which will insure ultimate success. It is fortunate t h a t this meeting is t o be held in St. Louis, t h a t great city of the Middle West. The trend of war activities has naturally led t o a n abnormal stimulation of industrial chemistry in the states along the Atlantic seaboard, b u t such a one-sided development is unhealthy, i t must be general in character and nation-wide in extent. Gatherings of the SoCIETY have always proved a n effective stimulus. St. Louis, because of its strong position chemically, central location and ready accessibility, should draw a multitude of chemists. The New York Section h a s a n active transportation committee already arranging for special cars t o carry its members under most congenial conditions. Doubtless similar steps are being taken in other centers. The committees appointed b y the St. Louis Section, and t h e presence of the University of Missouri Section as joint host, assure Congratulathe successful handling of t h e meeting. tions in advance on t h e policy of holding all meetings a t headquarters, the Statler Hotel! LOST GROUND TO BE RECOVERED
To day, March I , is t h e date designated by t h e President for the return of the railroads t o their owners. This a c t of restoration has been greeted by the nation with a profound feeling of satisfaction and relief. While fully recognizing the exigencies which made federal control necessary, nevertheless t h e brief experiment in government ownership has quite convinced our people t h a t no more of i t is wanted. One of the chief factors in the dissatisfaction
