REVIEW

Mr. SAUNDERS, in reply, remarked that the syndicate, being behind his company in making their application, now wished to make themselves equal by levelling down. He believed Parliament would hesitate before, at the last stage of an exhaustive inquiry, throwing out an order for one of the most important parts of London, especially now that they had passed orders for other parts of the metropolis. If they rejected this order the effect would be to leave that portion of London in the dark for another year so far as the electric light was concerned. The vestry of Westminster was no longer opposing the order. Their opponents spoke of having their lights in the district, but they were working without any Parliamentary powers. The syndicate were asking to have done for them by the Committee what they had not done in any of the previous orders, and that they might be put in a better position than the St. James's and Pall Mall Company had been placed. By contrast with his company the His Committee could best see what the syndicate really was. company came before them as the best qualified to serve the district because its promoters were so largely interested locally. It was said that they had not supplied any lights in Westminster. But was that to their credit or not? They could not have done it by means of overhead wires which, although not absolutely illegal, were inconvenient. It would not have been a prudent thing to have saddled their shareholders with the expenditure necessary to do that in order simply to be able to say that they had supplied the light to certain persons. The expenditure on overhead wires was no real credit to them so long as they were an unparliamentary company. Whilst it was no discredit to them not to have supplied anyone, they had expended capital in a judicious way. The syndicate had a capital of £10,000, whereas his company's capital was to be £100,000; and was it to be contended that so small a company as the former was capable of dealing with so large a district as Westminster? In conclusion, Mr. SAUNDERS said he would leave the matter to their lordships, asking them to say that it was not a question to be dealt with either in the interests of one company or the other, nor to look upon their decision as inflicting a hardship on either, but to consider it purely as a matter affecting the public interest.

The room was then cleared for a short time, and upon the parties re-entering,

The CHAIRMAN announced the decision of the Committee to proceed with the consideration of the clauses of the order.

Mr. LITTLER stated that the City of Westminster Electrical Syndicate had not continued its opposition to the London Corporation because the latter had agreed to insert a protective clause in their order. He would therefore ask the Committee to allow a similar clause to be put in the order of the Westminster Company. The clause he asked for was: "The undertakers will not directly nor indirectly oppose, but on the contrary, hereby consent to the securing of a licence or provisional order by the City of Westminster Electrical Syndicate, except so far as such licence or provisional order may physically interfere with the works of the undertakers, or with the securing of protection from such interference." Having regard to all the circumstances of the case if such a clause was considered reasonable by the London Corporation a fortiori it was reasonable to expect it to be accepted by the Westminster Company. It was in fact absolutely necessary to protect the syndicate from ruin. He was quite prepared to show that a capital of £100,000 was not sufficient for the electric lighting of the district, and therefore they ought to let his clients have some share of the work.

Mr. SAUNDERS took two objections to the insertion of the proposed clause. One he said was an objection in substance, and the other of form. There was a broad distinction between the two companies, arising from the fact that the syndicate supplied by intermittent current whereas his company supplied by the direct current. But the distinction upon which Major Marindin based the recommendation in his report as a reason for having two companies in one area did not exist in this case, for they were both equally capable of supplying motive power. There was consequently no reason why the two should have concurrent powers in the same district, and to admit them both would be doing that of which the Board of Trade did not approve. What was proposed as to the addition of a clause to the order was very different to the case of the London Corporation who accepted it conditional upon the opposition to their order being withdrawn. But it would be a great blemish on the present provisional order to put in such an obligation. There was a very good consideration in the case of the London Corporation to come to an agreement, but there was no consideration for the Westminster Company to agree to it.

Mr. LITTLER: As to their being any consideration, the London Company came to us. There was no consideration or bargain for withdrawing our opposition. All we want is that our poor little company having spent its £10,000 should not be squeezed out. Mr. SAUNDERS: In the present stage I object to the insertion of the clause.

The CHAIRMAN, after consulting with the other members of the Committee, said: We are not prepared to insert the clause.

The whole of the clauses of this order were then gone through and approved, and the Bill was ordered to be reported. This concluded the sittings of the Committee.

On Contact Electromotive Force.-A paper on this subject by Mr. J. Enright, B.Sc., has come to hand, but so late, that it must stand over till our next issue.

10505. Improvements in instantaneous make and break eleetric switches." E. ROUSSEAU. Dated July 20. 8d. Relates to an improvement in the method of construction to ensure absolute reliability in working, with perfect contact and absolute locking (hitherto quick make and break switches have been so constructed as to soon knock themselves to pieces), and simplicity in manufacture. 8 claims.

12158. "Improvements in working railways by electricity." C. E. SPAGNOLETTI. Dated August 23. 8d. Two or more field magnets are so wound with wire as to cause their poles, and pole pieces, to be permanently magnetised north and south, when a permanent current is sent through the wire from a dynamo machine: the pole pieces being so placed as to be effective on arms or projections on the axle of the armature. The coil or coils of the armature, is or are wound on a stationary sleeve or tube, through which the axle of the armature runs and turns freely, being sup ported on bearings at each end. If desired one of the wheel axles of the vehicle, which is driven by the motor, may be utilised as the axle of the armature, the aforesaid arms or projections being fixed on such wheel axle. The wire instead of being wound on When it is a sleeve or tube may be wound round these arms. wound on the sleeve the resistance is made a little in excess of the field magnets. By means of a commutator, and brushes, or contact spring, the polarity of the armature axle is reversed as frequently as required, the field magnets act upon the arms at each end, first by attracting one such arm and then through the com mutator, the polarity of the armature axle being changed, the field magnets then repel the said arm, and thus by these alternating actions (attraction and repulsion) rotation is obtained, which can be reversed, by reversing the current from the dynamo supply. Alternating current dynamos may be used instead of permanent current dynamos to drive these motors. 4 claims.

12332.

Improvements in electric meters." J. CAUDERAT Dated August 27. 8d. Has for its object modifications in the electric meter described in patent No. 13704, of November 10, 1885. 3 claims. 12505.

Improvements in joints for electric mains." S. Z. DE FERRANTI. Dated August 30. 8d. Relates to mains consisting of concentric copper tubes separated by a lapping of paraffined paper; the outer tube is drawn down upon this insulating material and made to embrace it tightly. In connecting these mains erpansion joints have to be introduced at intervals and these are prepared in the following manner :- -The outer tubular conductor is cut away for a distance of some inches from the end of each of the lengths to be joined and in its place a cylinder or ferrule of vulcanite is substituted. But before this is done two metal rings fitting pretty accurately are passed on to the outer conductor d length and so also is a cylindrical piece of vulcanite; this at ite

AUGUST 23, 1889.]

inner end is thickened to fit the corresponding end of the vulcanite ring or ferrule. There is also a third cylinder of vulcanite which is passed on to one of the ends; it is longer than the others and of a size to enter freely between them. There is still another part which has to be passed along one of the lengths before the operation of making the joint is commenced; this is a metal tube into which the metal rings previously mentioned will just enter. This tube is corrugated around its central part to give to it the capacity to elongate and contract to the extent required. In making the joint cones of copper are screwed into the ends of the inner conductors which have previously been prepared to receive them. These cones have flanges, and into holes in the flanges strands of copper wire have been fixed with solder. These strands are sufficiently flexible to permit of the expansion and contraction which it is necessary to provide for. The tubes of vulcanite are now brought together and on each length joints are made by means of india rubber cement between the outer and inner tubes where they fit together. The longer middle tube of vulcanite is now loosely held between the other rings, but so as to allow the requisite play. The external corrugated tube is now brought over the joint and the metal rings are inserted into its ends. Thus each end of the corrugated tube, in the plain part beyond the corrugations, now contains two metal rings with a space between. This space is intended to receive solder or white metal. There are holes in the side of the corrugated tube for this metal to be poured in. 6 claims.

T.

12907. Improvements in dynamo-electric machines." PARKER and W. LOWRIE. Dated September 6. 11d. Chiefly relates to the general construction of multipolar dynamo machines and more especially to the armature conductor coils, whereby greater simplicity and efficiency is obtained in this class of machines, and facilities are afforded for repairs or alterations. 6 claims.

13076. "Electrical signalling apparatus." F. JACOB. Dated September 10. 8d. Claim:-In electrical signalling apparatus, a receiver having on its index axis a polarised magnet free to revolve between several electro-magnets arranged around it, so that, according as any one or more of these electro-magnets is or are excited by a current of electricity transmitted from a distance, the magnet with its index is caused to take one of a number of different positions, substantially as described.

15869. "Improvements in electro-magnetic induction apparatus." C. B. HARNESS. Dated November 2. 8d. The object of the invention is to provide an improved electro-magnetic induction apparatus for administering electric shocks for medicinal purposes, and having a considerably greater number of beats in a given time-that is to say, making and breaking contact much more rapidly, and therefore producing a more continuous current, and consequently a more pleasant sensation, and moreover administering more of the magnetic current. 2 claims.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Copper Steam Pipes.

In your leader of last week you drew attention to the explosion of a main steam pipe at the works of the London Electric Supply Corporation and the important question of copper steam pipes, and after pointing out the various defects which were found to exist in the case of the pipes, one of which caused the fatal accident, you suggest that I might be able to offer a few remarks on the Elmore Patent Copper Depositing process which might be of an encouraging nature to engineers to whom the accidents which have occurred during the last few years, due to the use of high pressures, and which have caused the loss of a large number of lives, must present a subject of most anxious consideration. Though I have not had an opportunity of seeing the full report, yet your quotations from it supply ample material for comment, and in fact seem practically to go to the root of the whole matter.

There are three points to be considered in the report. It appears first that the prime cause of the accident was due to defective brazing;

Secondly, that hydraulic pressure failed to detect the defective place;

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Thirdly, that the bend in question was a poor specimen of workmanship.

To these we may add the rider at the conclusion of the report" if copper is liable to inherent defects, it is clear that this method of manufacture alone (solid drawing) will not ensure sound pipes being produced."

Now it is with regard to these four points that I would be glad to be allowed to say a few words. No one who has seen brazing being done, and has also examined a brazed tube, can have any confidence in such a method of manufacture for the production of high pressure steam pipes.

The question of the temperature to which the copper should be raised is much too delicate a point to be successfully disposed of by an ordinary workman. With a little carelessness in allowing overheating a weak point may be formed which may easily escape detection, as in the case in question.

As in a chain, so in a tube, the strength of the whole is the strength of the weakest point; there is, therefore, no doubt that homogeneity is the first factor which must be sought for.

This no brazed tube can possibly possess.

The second point is a little more difficult, but is practically explained by Mr. Parker's excellent paper read before the Society of Naval Architects on the subject of the action of the heat of high pressure steam upon copper pipes.

In addition, however, to this, attention may be called to the following.

The hydraulic pressure test was taken to 360 lbs. per square inch without any apparent fault exhibiting itself; but what can be known about the molecular condition of an unhomogeneous mass of metal, such as a brazed tube, after a test has been applied to it?

There is a well known elasticity in metals, and if the metal fails to restore itself to its original dimensions after being strained, the "elastic limit" has been exceeded. By many engineers this "elastic limit" is taken to be the true figure of merit of a metal as regards its power to resist strain.

But what chance is there of arriving at anything like an idea of the elastic limit of such an unhomogeneous mass of metal as a brazed tube?

This, then, forms another powerful argument in favour of homogeneity, as without this no idea can be formed of the true value of the "elastic limit."

Thirdly, we learn that the bend in question was a poor specimen of workmanship.

Yet it passed the hydraulic test and whatever inspector's test may have been applied to it.

These two facts point clearly to the defects of the brazing method, viz., that the result depends upon the workman's judgment and execution, which must err at times, and ordinary methods of testing and inspecting are insufficient to detect these errors.

Now, leaving the fourth point to subsequent consideration, let us sum up briefly how the Elmore process eliminates the above sources of error.

(i.) From the nature of the process there is no joint of any kind.

(ii.) The metal is as nearly homogeneous as it is possible to produce by any means.

By the agency of electricity, copper of the purest kind is the only metal which reaches the cathode.

The other possible sources of variation, viz., changes of current, alteration of the chemical constitution of the electrolyte, and changes in the pressure and application of the burnisher are all reducible within such limits as have been proved by actual tests to have no practical result upon the homogeneity of the finished. tube.

We, may, therefore, take it that for all practical purposes the tube is perfectly homogeneous.

(iii.) The process eliminates all questions of human judgment or inspection.

The work is purely automatic and has another enormous advantage, that if, owing to any accident in a tank the tube in it is affected in any way, there is no possibility of such a tube escaping detection.

Any interior defect can not be glossed over in such a

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way as to deceive the eye. As the homogeneity of the metal is therefore beyond doubt, we are confident that in testing any portion of such a tube we are arriving at a real estimate of the whole.

And what are the figures that have been obtained by numerous experiments? The "elastic limit," or the point to which the metal may be strained without any fear of it being permanently distorted, exceeds 20 tons, or 4,480 lbs. per square inch. If we compare this with the 360 lbs. per square inch mentioned in the report, it seems as if we were dealing with some metal other than copper, but it should be remembered that this enormous advantage is due not only to the great superiority of the metal, but also to the fact that with the Elmore tubes no deterioration takes place caused by the necessity for heating the metal for brazing purposes, and, as mentioned above, a small error of judgment in the temperature to which the metal is raised, will make a serious difference in the strength of the joint.

We are now in a position to consider the rider to the report, which states that "as copper is liable to inherent defects, it is clear that solid drawn tubes will not ensure sound pipes being produced."

This is incontestable, and putting aside the enormous power and expense required for solid drawing large tubes, it cannot be denied that there is nothing in the process per se which will remove an initial fault existing in the original casting, and the only means of detecting such faults is by the tube giving way in the process of drawing or subsequent testing.

Another serious defect in solid drawn tubes is that they are rendered so hard by the process of drawing that before they can be worked under the hammer they must be annealed, and by this annealing the metal loses a large amount of its strength.

In comparison with these tubes we have the Elmore tubes, which possess the following qualities :—

A tensile strength of from 50-100 per cent. more than solid drawn tubes.

An elastic limit of more than 100 per cent. above that of solid drawn tubes.

An absolute homogeneity, inasmuch as every infinitesimal layer of deposited copper is mechanically treated by the burnisher in an automatic and perfectly regular manner.

Lastly, the molecular condition of the metal produced is so different from anything yet known that, in spite of its great strength, it yet remains so ductile that it can be worked under the hammer without annealing as easily as ordinary copper after annealing.

This fact, which the experts in copper consider the most remarkable and unexpected feature in the process, is of inestimable value to marine and other engineers, inasmuch as it allows flanges and other hammered work to be performed cold, thereby preserving the original immense strength of the metal.

I had the honour of showing samples of the metal, thus worked in a cold state, at a conversazione of the Royal Society, in June last, to a large number of practical men, who were much astonished at the results obtained, and I also had the opportunity of seeing tubes made, and the metal carefully and exhaustively tested, in the trials which were made abroad for the purpose of proving the value of the process.

These experiments were made by the patentees, and I was present with the express purpose of finding any defects that might exist in the practical working and results of the process.

I speak, therefore, only of what I have seen and tested, and I look forward with confidence to the next few months, when the factory now being finished at Leeds for the production of these tubes, made by the Elmore process, will be in full working order and ready to supply to the trade tubes which, to use the inverted form of the second rider quoted by you in your leader" will, after being subjected to sufficient trial, prove that they meet the case," and that in a most satisfactory manner.

The process deserves to be made widely known, both rits utility in preventing the loss of life, such as re

[AUGUST 23, 1889.

I regret that Mr. Th. Frazer has not condescended to reply to my query in your issue of August 9th. Of course, as we English people are never tired of repeating, this is a free country, and your correspondent can please himself about the matter, nevertheless, your readers may be disposed to place their own construction upon his silence. I do not hold a brief for Mr. W. D. Sandwell's system, but I think the public are entitled to a fuller statement of details than Mr. Frazer is evidently prepared to furnish, in order to satisfy themselves as to the merits of the two systems. Harry Willis.

August 19th, 1889.

Pocket Galvanometers.

We notice in yours of 16th inst., under the above head, a description of what would appear to some a novelty, but if your readers will refer to yours of April 8th, 1887, they will therein see a full description of the same instrument, at that time brought out by us, and which has had a very extensive sale; this has doubtless led to the copying of our registered design, and we believe to an attempt to patent by others.

The novelty of the new? instrument being in two parts, as described, renders it far less sensitive than ours, where the needle is inside the bobbins, and as from its construction it requires a table of equivalents of milliampères to a degree, its second scales does not seem of much use. Our galvanometer has done all that is claimed for this new? one, and more; the proper deflection for each of the best known batteries is marked plainly on the dial, thus getting rid of the table, which only gets lost. It is said that imitation is the sincerest flattery, so, having pointed out these few facts, we leave your readers to form their own opinion on the novelty. Jolin & Co.

August 20th, 1889.

OVERHEAD ELECTRIC LIGHT WIRES.

THE regulations recently issued by the Board of Trade with reference to the erection of overhead electric light wires, though in the main satisfactory, are in some respects open to criticism, and in one or two important cases they bear evidence of having been drawn up by unpractical and unskilled hands. Taking the regulations in order, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 do not call for remark. No. 5, which states that " every aerial conductor shall be protected by efficient lightning protectors of pattern approved by the Board of Trade," seems an unnecessary elaboration, as it is difficult to imagine that the most grossly ignorant could fail to know how to fix a simple earth wire to a support. With regard to No. 8, experiments on the radiating effects of different insulating materials are badly wanted, for at present practically but little is known on the subject; in this regulation it is stated that "special care shall be taken that the cross sectional area and conductivity at joints is sufficient to avoid local heating, and that joints are protected against corrosion." In reference to the latter it may not be generally known that where the use of spirits of salts is objectionable Venice turpentine forms an excellent flux, and is far better than rosin. Regulation No. 9 states that " every high pressure aerial conductor must be continually insulated with a durable and efficient material, to be approved by the Board of Trade, to a thickness of not less than one-tenth part of an inch, and in cases where the extreme difference of potential in the circuit exceeds 2,000 volts, the thickness of insulation must not be less in inches, or parts of an inch, than the number obtained by dividing the number expressing the volts by 20,000." The thickness mentioned we consider to be ridiculously inadequate for the purpose, the very idea of a one-tenth inch insulation, if suggested for telegraphic purposes to a telegraph engineer of any standing, would be simply laughed at, and to employ it for a potential of 2,000 volts is preposterous. We are perfectly aware that one-tenth of an inch would

completely resist a potential of over 2,000 volts if it could be maintained absolutely perfect, but such a thing practice has over and over again proved to be impossible, and no amount of outside protection would prove effectual, especially when we consider that an aerial cable is not supported all along its length, but at a series of points liable to abrasion. The condition stipulated in regulation No. 10, viz., that the insulating material must not be liable to injurious change of physical condition when exposed to any temperature between the limits of 10° F. and 150° F., renders the use of gutta-percha out of the question, but Henley's ozokerited rubber core is one of the few substances that would stand such a test. In No. 11, where the insulation of the lines is dealt with, it is not mentioned that a test taken in dry, hot weather, would be perfectly useless. The requirement in No. 12 that every high pressure conductor shall be efficiently suspended by means of non-metallic ligaments to suspending wires is decidedly absurd, as in wet weather such ligaments would become conducting, and would be useless for any purpose of insulation; moreover, they would be liable to decay, and could not therefore be depended on mechanically, especially where the conductors cross roadways, and where, consequently, they could not be examined. Regulation 13, which requires that for alternating currents "the two conductors shall be run parallel with each other, and at a distance apart not exceeding 18 inches," is no doubt framed with reference to the effects of the currents on telephone circuits; it should, we think, be supplemented by a minimum distance of the conductors from telephonic wires being required; this, however, is partly provided for by regulation 17. Regulation 18, which requires that a plan of the arrangement of the proposed wires shall be handed to the Postmaster-General, and the latter shall, if necessary, require certain alterations to be made, is quite as it should be, though the telephone companies, who are most interested in the matter, do not appear to be considered. Taking the regulations as a whole, they may be considered

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as fairly satisfactory, though in some respects they will require to be modified. We observe that in the opening clauses it is stated that "A difference of potential on the alternating current system shall be deemed to be the equivalent of a difference of potential on the continuous current system, when it produces an equal heating effect if applied to the ends of a thin stretched wire or carbon filament." This clause would almost seem specially drawn up for the benefit of Major Cardew, as it will involve the large use of his excellent voltmeter.

AT the half-yearly meeting of the York Tramways Company, held last week, one of the shareholders asked, in view of the high cost of horse-power, whether the York roads were not suitable for the application of electricity for power purposes, and whether that power would be equally economical and safe. The chairman, Mr. J. Kincaid, of Westminster, stated that electricity was equally safe, and that the York Company had powers to work by mechanical power. In a small undertaking of that kind there would be a great risk in the introduction of mechanical power, and the directors did not care to take any steps in the matter until the improvements in electricity were more advanced. They would, however, consider the subject, and when matters were more satisfactory the use of mechanical power would again be brought before the shareholders. It will, of course, not be advisable for us to refer the York Company to the tramcars running in Brussels, and about which we have several times written editorially; but we would draw the attention of that company to, among others, the electric tramcars which will shortly be started in Birmingham, and with which excellent results are anticipated.

UNTIL about a fortnight ago the Langley Mill Gas and Coke Company supplied gas at the rate of 48. 5d. per thousand cubic feet of 16 C.P. gas, but upon the Tradesmen's Gas Association, of Heanor, representing that that price was too high, the company reduced their rate to 3s. 11d. Now, if the company were to take up the supply of electricity they could sell it at the same price as gas, namely, at about 4 d. per Board of Trade unit, although this would not leave a large margin of profit. Still, it could be done, and then, again, electricity for power purposes would be extremely useful in that district.

THE Birmingham Compressed Air Power Company held their half-yearly meeting in that town last Friday. Mr. H. Wright, the chairman, stated that the business of the company was gradually extending. In Paris, he said-referring, we presume, to the Popp Companydynamos supplying about 8,000 glow lamps with current were driven by air power, and he had no doubt that a similar development would take place in this country. This, in our opinion, might be true, provided there were no central electric light stations, but as this branch is making such rapid strides it is extremely improbable that the chairman's anticipation will ever be realised.

SOME few months ago the Lothammer Gas Company was floated. The "Lothammer gas," it will be remembered, consists of ordinary coal gas pressed through a spirit, the one generally employed being gasoline. This increases the illuminating power of the gas,

[AUGUST 30, 1889.

At the time of the issue of the prospectus, that eccentric paper, the Weekly Bulletin, with its more eccentric editor, made the extraordinary statement that the "Lothammer gas would revolutionise the art of lighting, and entirely supersede electricity." This absurd theory has not and never will be realised in practice. At the statutory general meeting of the company, held on Friday last, it was stated that the company had made some progress, but from the general tone of the meeting it appears that the shareholders were not entirely satisfied with the results hitherto obtained, although such splendid returns were held out at the time of the issue of the prospectus.

IN anticipation of the meeting of the British Associa tion at Newcastle-on-Tyne next month, a series of handbooks has been issued. That entitled, "Handbook to the Industries of Newcastle and District," edited by Mr. Digham Richardson, is exceedingly interesting, and it contains several well executed coloured maps and diagrams. The book deals with the Northern coal, iron, steel, and allied trades, and contains a paper by the Hon. C. A. Parsous on "Electricity." The author mentions that associated with Newcastle is the historical invention of Mr. (now Lord) Armstrong's hydro-electric machine, whereby the energy of highpressure steam escaping from jets is partially converted by friction into that of a charge of high-tension electricity. This machine, it is claimed, was the first apparatus constructed for the direct conversion of steam power into electrical energy, although the quantity produced was very small as compared with that developed by the modern dynamos. One of these machines was presented to the Durham College of Science by the late Mr. Henry Watson, and is exhibited in the Museum. Referring to transformers, we find that they were first brought before the public at the Newcastle Exhibition. in 1887. The turbo-electric generator is mentioned, as are also the two local electrical firms. In the chemical portion of the book some excellent information is given concerning the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Those electrical engineers who intend to be present at the British Association meeting will find this handbook extremely useful and interesting.

A FEW weeks ago we commented upon a little squabble between Dr. George Herschell and the Institute of Medical Electricity. It now appears that the gentleman who publicly stated that the Institute had descended to the level of advertising electropathic quacks is described in the 1889 Medical Directory as Physician to the West End Hospital for Epilepsy and Paralysis, to which is attached a School of Massage and Elec tricity. At least this is what we gather from the reprint of a letter addressed by Mr. Wm. Lant Carpenter, B.A., B.Sc., to the Hospital Gazette. Further comment on this unseemly attack upon a rival scheme is therefore rendered unnecessary, and we will therefore leave Dr. Herschell to the tender mercies of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Medical Electricity from whom he will evidently get but scant courtesy.

WE had hoped that Mr. Bracken's paper on "Electric Traction with Secondary Batteries, which we publish elsewhere, might have shown that the report from Brussels, upon which we commented last week, was either very much exaggerated or based upon false premises. It is disappointing to find that he cannot place before his readers anything more definite.