Abstract :
For almost seven years, the engineers of America have been endeavoring to establish a National Hydraulic Research Laboratory. The Bill known as Senate Bill 1710 authorizes “the establishment of a national hydraulic laboratory in the Bureau of Standards of the Department of Commerce and the construction of buildings therefor” and was introduced by Senator Joseph Randell of Louisiana. It went before the House of Representatives and thence was referred to the Committee on Rivers and Harbors, which has consistently refused to take action upon it. Many of our noted engineers have testified in favor of the bill and many others have submitted written statements of endorsement; among the latter is President-Elect Herbert Hoover´s. The principal opposition appears to be with General Edgar Jadwin, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.; by the hearings it is disclosed that this attitude is based upon an apparent desire that the Chief of Engineers maintain exclusive control of the laboratory. Previous bills have given to the Chief of Engineers authority to conduct all research investigations and to take such action as he might deem necessary in the solution of flood control. The S. 1710 would give the Corps of Engineers a third interest in the control of the hydraulic laboratory established in the Bureau of Standards. Not only has the bill been passed by the Senate, but it already has the approval of the Director of the Bureau of the Budget as in no way conflicting with the President´s financial policy. In the event that it is reported out by the Rivers and Harbors it has been assured right of way by the leaders of the House. As a distinct step forward in the engineering research activities of our government it is of great importance, watched by all engineers throughout the country as a demonstration of whether an officer of the U. S. A. who is not a member of Congress will be permitted to dictate a national engineering policy to Congress and the nation by his dominat- on of one of its committees.
