Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 179, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1914 — LOOKS LIKE GOOD BUSINESS [ARTICLE]

LOOKS LIKE GOOD BUSINESS

Adoption of Smokeless Locomotive Would Be Economical, Besides Prorpotlng Public Comfort. The Cincinnati smoke inspector is reported to be enthusiastic over the discovery that one of the railroads entering the city has a locomotive especially equipped for the elimination of smoke. The device in use, the inspector says, is a great success. The railroads are great smoke producers. If it be true that locomotives can be so equipped as practically to eliminate smoke the fact Is of some Importance to railroad economy as well as to public comfort. If one railroad can find a smokeless locomotive other railroads can do the same thing. The Cincinnati Times-Star is of the opinion that the railroads are the worst offenders against public Interest In smoke production. “After the great floods of last year,” that paper says, “when most of the local railroads were out of commission, Cincinnati’s atmosphere became clear as if by magic.” If the Inspector’s optimism is justified, it is added by the Times-Star, “there will be enough force in public opinion in Cincinnati tp compel every road operating within the city limits to provide engines equipped with the new device." One of the worst features of the problem Is that smoke represents waste of fuel. The railroads might find it somewhat expensive to supply their Ipcomotives with smoke-consum-ing devices. In the long run, though, they would save money by the operation. A reduction in smoke would mean a decrease in coal bills for all tlnje to come. Why should not the railroads adopt the smokeless locomotive as a good business proposition as well as a measure of progress and a promoter of public comfort. —Louisville Courier-Journal.