Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 November 1917 — FLEET FOR U. S. IN 30 DAYS [ARTICLE]

FLEET FOR U. S. IN 30 DAYS

Edison Suggests Engines Be Installed in Sailing Ships. Washington. Nov. 16. —Thomas A. Edison, chairman of the naval consulting board, and Henry Ford went to Chairman Hurley of the shipping board with suggestions for providing an emergency fleet of steamers almost overnight. Mr. Edison suggested the government take over all American sailing vessels and convert them into twihscrOw steamers, wherever practicable. It was said many could be converted within thirty days. Mr. Ford offered to turn his automobile plant over to the shipping board for any use desired. It was said he might be able to supply enough parts for the machinery of all vessels converted according to Mr. Edison’s idea.