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Through the courtesy of Mr. J. H. Batcheller, we are able to give the following extracts from a letter written by Mr. Caetani: It has been a nice idea of yours to collect for me all those scraps of news I received a few days ago and to send me such a long interesting letter. In four years war I have had practically no news. Burch wrote several times but several of his letters were lost and so mine. I believe I even wrote to you. Much has changed since our last days in Telluride; here and there many have disappeared. Of myself I will tell you in a few words: for a year I was in Cadore(?), where I had the good luck to do to the others what they wished to do to me, and had good luck on my side. Then I went to Macedonia for 5 months, did little fighting but lost my faithful fellow officer and companion.

Jan 6, 1919

G. F. COMSTOCK (author's reply to discussion *).-The discussion of this paper has been of such volume and interest as to constitute in itself a sufficient excuse for the paper, even though the paper itself may have been as much in error as some of its critics have maintained. Mr. Howard does not appear to realize some very practical facts that the opponents of his theory have advanced. Among these are: the coarsely crystalline fracture of the nucleus of a transverse fissure, so different from the smooth fatigue break around it; the occurrence of fissures in large numbers in certain heats or rollings of rails, while other heats or rollings do not develop them; and the much smaller proportion of transverse fissures found in rails rolled .from reheated blooms as compared with direct-rolled rails. These facts are not explained by Mr.

Jan 6, 1919

The following is an incomplete list of members and guests who called at Institute headquarters during the period Apr. 10, 1919, to May 10, 1919. Arthur K. Adams, Spencer, Mass. Ensign Floyd D. James, U. S. S. Fulton. W. T. Bates, New York City, N. Y. J. Harry Johns, Thorsden, Woking, A. D. Brokaw, Washington, D. C. England. E. H. Clausen, San Francisco, Calif. W. F. Jones, Rock Springs, Wyo. W. M. Corse, Mansfield, Ohio. E. L. Lasier, Washington, D. C. E. O. Daue, Philadelphia, Pa. John M. Lovejoy, New Rochelle, N. Y. G. D. Dub, Washington,, D. C. 2d Lieut. James F. Magee, Lancaster, S. B. Eaton, Dover, N. J. Pa., Sherman Eaton, Smethport, N. C. Ernest Marquardt, Casper, Wyo. J. A. Endweiss, La Jolla, Calif. Geo. B. Marshall, Abangarez, Costa Edgar W. Engle, North Chicago, Ill. Rica. 2d Lieut. Maxwell E. Erdofy, New York Benj. L. Miller, So. Bethlehem, Pa. City, N. Y. Major Desaix B. Myers, Camp Mills. Chas. A. Fellencer, Allentown, Pa. Edmund Newton, New York City, N. Y. Arthur Feust, Joplin, Mo. Seely B. Patterson, Jr., Allentown, Pa. Ensign Harold P. Ford, U. S. S. Radnor. Wm. R. Pearson, New York City, N. Y. A. D. R. Galloway, Accra, West Africa. Harold C. Price, Langeloth, Pa. R. C. Gosrow, Milwaukee, Wis. T. C. Roberts, East. Orange, N. J. C. A. Grabill, El Paso, Tex. P. H. Royster, Washington, D. C. Hobart A. Hanks, San Francisco, Calif. W. H. Staver, New York City, N. Y. John L. Henning, Lake Charles, La. N. L. Wimmler, Bangkok, Siam. 1st Lieut. J. Parke Hook, Philadelphia, Capt. Jay P. Wood, New York City, Pa. N. Y. An item in the May Bulletin made it appear that Frank W. DeWolf had just become connected with the State Geological Survey of Illinois. This was one of the inadvertences of war. Mr. De Wolf has been Director, or Chief, of the State Geological Survey for approximately ten years. Through the courtesy of the Governor of Illinois, lie was loaned to the Bureau of Mines for about seven months, after which period he resumed his former position.

Jan 6, 1919

HENRY TRAPHAGEN, * Toledo, Ohio (written discussion t).-The occurrence of flakes in steel is a perplexing problem, if we consider this condition as a disease rather than a symptom. But if considered as an exaggerated phase of a common disease, flakes will be recognized as old and well-known enemies. I have frequently found flakes in open-hearth steel, converter steel, and even electric steel; and not only in the so-called alloy steels but in dead soft 12-point carbon castings. In fact, I have some twenty flaky test bars that came from a foundry that manufactures converter steel castings. The physical characteristics of such material are striking in their constancy, for the yield point and elastic limit are always high, the elongation is variable, and the reduction of area is nearly always negligible. Soft steels of this kind can easily be bent to an angle of 150° and the only bad symptom is the appearance of incipient cracks on the surface; when the carbon exceeds 30 points, the bending qualities are seriously affected; and when the carbon reaches the neighborhood of 50 points, the bars are generally pulled short. The elongation is peculiar in that it seems to take place along the whole length of the bar, giving a crinkly appearance such as is found in cast brass and monel metal. Of course, this elongation only takes place in the softer varieties of steel. I have stated that flakes in steel represent exaggerated symptoms of a common disease, and that disease is the presence of higher oxides of iron. In every instance that has come to my attention, this condition is coexistent with the presence of oxides in some form. In open-hearth practice when this condition occurs, almost invariably it will be found that the metal has been loaded with ore or that tons of rusty turnings were being melted. In converter practice, one of three conditions is nearly always present: bad cupola practice, the use of oxygenated pig iron, or faulty tuyeres. With the electric furnace, my experience is quite limited, but the few examples of flaky electric steel that have come to my notice were made from a charge of turnings and low-grade light scrap.

Jan 6, 1919

There were present twelve- Directors, the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of the Institute, and fifteen guests. A committee of three was appointed to draft a suitable resolution of memorial of the services of Joseph Esrey Johnson, Jr. The committee consists of Joseph W. Richards, Chairman, J. V. N. Dorr and Allen H. Rogers. William R. Walker was elected a Director in place of J. E. Johnson, Jr., and Edwin Ludlow was elected a member of the Executive Committee in his stead. George C. Stone was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Membership in place of Mr. Johnson. The following resolutions were then adopted: RESOLVED, That a special business meeting of the Institute be and the same hereby is appointed to be, held at the office of the Institute, No. 29 West 39th Street, Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, on the 27th day of June, 1919, it 8.30 o'clock in the P. M. to consider and take action upon the proposal to change the name of the Institute to "American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, Incor-porated," and the further proposal to extend the corporate purposes of the Institute so that it shall, in addition to its other powers, be empowered to promote the arts and sciences connected with the economic production of the useful minerals and metals, and the welfare of, those employed in these industries, by all lawful means.

Jan 6, 1919

Underground Transitmen.-Two transitmen with experience in shaft mines; need not be full grown engineers but entirely capable of doing accurate instrument work. Location Middle West coal mines. R-419. Draftsman.-Kentucky. $150 per month.. Extensive experience in map work and construction work, such as is found in and about coal-mining operations. Send sample f work and state whether or not married. R-606. Mine Transitman.-Kentucky. $140 per month. Considerable experience in and about coal mines; must also be a fair draftsman. Send sample of work and state whether or not married. R-607. Draftsman.-West Virginia. Experience on mine 'mapping and construction work, for position with coal and coke company. R-609. Civil Engineer.-China. Salary depends upon man. Technical education and training in general engineering and building construction. Man about 30 .years of age desired, preferably unmarried. The various engineering construction in which this firm is engaged are as follows: Investigations, inspections, reports and valuations, design and supervising of construction for industrial plants and bldgs., power plants, difficult foundations, bridges and steel structures, wharf and deck construction, river and harbor works, investigating and development

Jan 6, 1919

By P. D. Merica

The remarkable phenomena exhibited by the aluminum alloy known as duralumin were discovered during the years 1903-1911 by A. Wilm1,2 and have been described by him and by others. 3 4 5 6 The unusual feature of this alloy is the fact, as was shown by Wilm, that it can be hardened quite appreciably by quenching from temperatures below its melting point followed by aging at ordinary temperatures, which consists merely f allowing the material to stand at these temperatures. The hardness is not produced by the quenching alone but increases during the period of aging, which may be from one to three days. Cohn3, 5 gives data showing the increase of hardness of duralumin during aging, after quenching in water from about 450° C. Upon annealing, the alloy so hardened by aging is softened exactly as is hardened steel. The composition of this alloy usually varies within the following limits: Copper, 3 to 4.5 per cent.; magnesium, 0.4 to 1.0 per cent.; manganese, 0 to 0.7 per cent.; aluminum, balance; iron (as impurities), 0.4 to 1 per cent.; silicon, 0.3 to 0.6 per cent. Its density is about 2.85. It is used only in the forged or rolled condition. This alloy has been produced for some years commercially and is in demand for the fabrication of parts for which both lightness and strength are required, such as for aircraft. Its tensile strength will average 50,000 to 60,000 lb. per. sq. in. (3515 to 4218, kg. per sq. cm.) after appropriate heat treatment, such as that described by Wilm.

Jan 6, 1919

The plan for establishing relations of American industry with national labor on a definite basis so closely follows the channels of the efforts of Engineering Council, principally in the classification and compensation work, that it is of special interest to the engineering profession. The principles laid down under the following headings are about to he submitted to a referendum vote of the membership of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. These principles were prepared by a special committee of the Chamber of Commerce after a long period of study of the entire subject of industrial relations. 1. Industrial enterprise, as a source of livelihood for both employer and employee, should be so conducted that due consideration is given to the situation of all persons dependent upon it. 2. The public interest requires adjustment of industrial relations by peaceful methods. 3. Regularity and continuity of employment should be sought to the fullest extent possible and constitute a responsibility resting alike upon employers, wage earners, and the public. 4. The right of workers to organize is as clearly recognized as that of any other element or part of the community. 5. Industrial harmony and prosperity will be most effectually promoted by adequate representation of the parties in interest. Existing forms of representation should be carefully studied and availed of in so far as they may be found to have merit and are adaptable to the peculiar conditions in the various industries. 6. Whenever agreements are made with respect to industrial relations they should be faithfully observed. 7. Such agreements should contain provision for prompt and final interpretation in the event of controversy regarding meaning or application.

Jan 6, 1919

RAYMOND M. Howe (author's reply to discussion*).-Dr. Unger states that magnesite will hardly supersede dolomite in fettling after a heat; that it is hard to believe a slag composed of oxide of iron containing about 6 per cent. of phosphorus is the active corroding, agent in a boil in a furnace; and that boiling cannot be said to be the result of the chemical action of a high-phosphorus slag on a basic bottom. These are well-established facts that no one would venture to question. The authors were misinterpreted in the statement that "in the summary, it is claimed that magnesite low in lime, or of greatest purity, ranks first in resistance to slaking," etc. On the contrary, the position has been taken throughout that while a low lime content is advantageous, the presence of several per cent. of iron oxide (an impurity), is necessary in order to confer the proper bonding and sintering properties in dead-burned grain magnesite to be used for furnace hearths. We cannot subscribe to the view that pure magnesia is no better fitted for a refractory than pure lime,' nor that the pure natural varieties of magnesite; such as Grecian or Washington, must necessarily be burned with silica and oxide of iron to produce a satisfactory material. On a small scale, pure magnesia has been satisfactorily used as a refractory in the form of crucibles. In the production of dead-burned grain magnesite from the Grecian or Washington mineral, iron oxide is added but the addition of silica is neither customary nor desirable. It is possible to manufacture brick of good quality from both the Grecian and the Washington material without adding either silica or iron oxide, providing they are burned at a sufficiently high temperature. This is regularly done on a commercial scale both in America and abroad when brick of. exceptionally high refractoriness or special purity are desired. The following analysis is of an English brick of Grecian magnesite which is extremely low in all impurities.1

Jan 6, 1919

STANDING COMMITTEES Executive-A. R. LEDOUX, chairman. Membership-GEORGE C. STONE, chairman. Finance-J. V. N. DORR, chairman. Library-E. GYBBON SPILSBURY, chairman. Papers and Publications-BRADLEY STOUGHTON, chairman. Nominations-POPE YEATMAN, chairman.

Jan 6, 1919

CHARLES F: WILLIS,* Bisbee, Ariz. (written discussion?).-An employment department operated only with the object of relieving the foremen from hiring and for the purpose of centralizing record keeping is not likely to be entirely successful, and is doing but a small part of the good that practice has shown is possible; although it was .probably a desire to save time and to conduct the business more conveniently that led many mining companies to centralize their employment department. The ultimate object, however, is the reduction of labor turnover, by obtaining men better qualified to fill the positions to which they are assigned, by following up their work and providing for transfer to other departments or for promotion, if advisable, by reducing the number of quits for inconsequential reasons, and by supervising such laying-off as is necessary in such a way that the permanent force is not upset. It provides a stability 'of employment, free from favoritism and paternalism, probably the best form of employment insurance that we can have. The value of the employment department is in direct proportion to the breadth of its supervisor, his ability to estimate and place men, his sympathy in dealing with their petty troubles, and his analysis of quits and the reasons therefor. There is probably no better index of the soundness of the industrial relationship between the employee and the employer than the reasons why men quit; an intelligent, unbiased analysis of these reasons tells where corrective measures are necessary. In nine cases out of ten the reasons are small grievances, easily corrected, and are things usually overlooked by mine officials.

Jan 6, 1919

This brief resume of events, transpiring in Mexico, culled from the daily New York newspapers, since the last Bulletin went to press, does not indicate any degree of improvements in the situation. GENERAL ALVAREZ COURTMARTIALED AND SHOT General Francisco Alvarez of the anti-Government forces was captured in the battle in which General Aureliano Blanquet, Minister of War in the Huerta Cabinet, was killed, and was sentenced by a courtmartial and shot in spite of a specific order of the Supreme Court in Mexico City that the execution should not take place. General Alvarez was a member of the staff of Felix Diaz, and was a veteran of the old regular army of Mexico. MEXICO WILL NOT RECOGNIZE MONROE DOCTRINE Failure of the Allied Powers to invite Mexico to participate in the conference of neutrals at Paris aroused President Carranza to bitter resentment, which was enhanced by the incorporation of recognition of the Monroe Doctrine in the covenant of the League of Nations without consultation with Mexico. Statements were issued by the Mexican Foreign Office disavowing adherence to the Monroe Doctrine and announcing the withdrawal of the Mexican representative in France. Carranza had been awaiting an opportunity to get his agent away from Paris for the real reason that he had been unable to secure recognition from either the French or the British Government. Mexico announces, says the New York Times editorially, that "she has not recognized and will not recognize the Monroe Doctrine." "Nobody has asked her to recognize the Monroe Doctrine," continues the editorial. "The enforcement of the principles enunciated by President Monroe does not depend upon Mexico, upon anybody's recognition or non-recognition. The countries concerned in the Monroe Doctrine are the United States on the one hand, and countries not of this hemisphere on the other."

Jan 6, 1919

Organization Place Date 1919 American Society of Civil Engineers..: Twin Cities, Minn. June 17-20 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Detroit, Mich. June 17-20 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Boston, Mass. June 18-21 American Drop. Forge Association Pittsburgh, Pa June 19-21 American Institute of Electrical Engineers Lake Placid, N. Y. June 24-27 American Society for Testing Materials Atlantic City, N. J. June 24-27 Society for Prom. of Engng. Education Baltimore, Md. June 25-28 American Chemical Society Philadelpia, Pa. Sept. 2-6 National Assn. of Stationary Engineers Huntington, W. Va. Sept. 8 American Peat Society.. Minneapolis, Minn. Sept. 22-24 American Iron; Steel Electrical Engineers St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 22-26 American Institute of Min. and Met. Engineers, Chicago, Ill. Sept. 22-27

Jan 6, 1919

Underwood & Underwood HERBERT C. HOOVER ALBERT SAUVEUR CHAIRMAN OF WASHINGTON, D. C. CHAIRMAN OF BOSTON SECTION SECTION FREDERICK LAIST R. V. NORRIS CHAIRMAN OF MONTANA CHAIRMAN OF PENNSYLVANIA LOCAL SECTION ANTHRACITE SECTION CHAIRMEN OF SOME OF OUR LOCAL SECTIONS

Jan 6, 1919

For the benefit of those of our members who are considerable holders of securities, but owing to their isolated situations are not in close touch with the metropolitan market and current quotations, we are publishing two very interesting graphs, showing the course of the bond and stock markets in New York over a long period. These graphs are furnished through the courtesy of the financial department of the New York Tribune.

Jan 6, 1919

In cooperation with the United States Bureau of Mines and the Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology, the University of Idaho offers in the School of Mines a number of fellowships. These fellowships are open to college graduates who have had good training in mining, metallurgy, or chemistry, and who are qualified to undertake research work. The income of each fellowship is $720 a year for the 12 mo. beginning July 1, 1919. Fellows will register as students in the University of Idaho and become candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Mining or Metallurgy (unless this or an equivalent degree has been earned). Their class work-will he directed by the heads of the departments of instruction, but the greater portion of their time will be spent in research work under the direction of the Bureau of Mines staff resident at the University. The purpose f this work is to undertake the solution of definite problems confronting the mining and metallurgical industries of the State of Idaho. For 1919-20 the following subjects are being considered: 1. Flotation-with especial reference to differential separation of various minerals. 2. Availability of western wood oils for flotation purposes. 3. Treatment of the complex gold-silver ores of southern Idaho. 4. Ore-dressing problems. 5. Mining problems. Applications, with certified copy of collegiate record, statement of professional experience, and names and address of three references, should be addressed to The Dean. School of Mines. Moscow Idaho_

Jan 6, 1919

CHARLES F. WILLIS,* Bisbee, Ariz.-(written discussion?).-The consensus of the discussion of the paper of Dr. Lanza indicates that the physical examination, while it is probably a good thing, is fought by the workingman, and that, because of this fact, it has been proved unsuccessful. The physical examination standing alone is worth but little, and could easily be made a subject both of ridicule and dissension unless the company having such examination shows its own good faith in promoting a thoroughly better health program. It is easily seen why a workman would resent his employer expecting him to be physically fit, if at the same time the employer provides un-healthful, unsanitary, working conditions, or if the town in which the employees are expected to live is dirty and unkempt. One mocks the other. The employer cannot say, "You must remain healthy so that I can get by with unhealthy conditions." But if working- conditions are as good as can be obtained to keep men well, the employer can ask his men to be in a healthy condition. A State examination and standard would have many difficulties, owing to the fact that a man would pass or would not pass the standard set, thus eliminating the discretion on the part of the employer in placing men whose physical condition might well permit working in one place and not another. Any physical examination that is run for the purpose of eliminating the physically unfit is unjust, both to the worker and to the nation as a whole; a State examination would make a distinct dividing line, whereas examination by the employer is conducted with a vision of the positions available. The workman's opposition to the physical examination comes from the fact that he has been taught to believe that it is an interference in his personal affairs, that he can be clean or dirty as he chooses, that he can he healthy or unhealthy, and that it is nobody's business but his own. The war has taught us, however, that the individual is no longer the unit and that all such propositions must be based on the greatest good for the greatest number.

Jan 6, 1919

The United States Civil Service Commission announces open competitive examinations for the positions of valuation engineer, assistant valuation engineer, and valuation aid for the Income-tax Unit of the Internal Revenue Bureau. The duties of these positions will involve the estimating of: (1) The quantity of mineral, oil, and gas or timber; (2) the theoretical and market values of mineral, or oil and gas in place, standing timber, and their products; (3) the value of equipment ordinarily used in discovery, exploitation, and utilization of such natural resources; (4) the cost of development, exploitation, and utilization of such natural resources. The entrance salary for each grade, within the range stated, depending on the qualifications of the appointee, is: Valuation engineer, $3600 to $4800 a year, though in exceptional cases higher salaries may be paid; assistant valuation engineer, $2500 to $3600 a year; valuation aid, $1200 to $2500 a year. Applications for valuation aid must have had a bachelor's degree from a college of recognized standing, graduation from a four years' high-school course, or education equivalent to that required for such graduation, and at least four years' experience in the technical branches of one of the industries mentioned in positions tending to qualify them for the duties outlined above.

Jan 6, 1919

Seventy-one delegates, representing 74 organizations with a membership in excess of 105,000, attended a conference of technical societies, in Chicago, Apr. 23-25. It was called by Engineering Council, and unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to establish a Department of Public Works. This would include the services and bureaus having to do chiefly, with matters of engineering and architecture. Among the bureaus, services, and activities, which logically belong to a Department of Public Works, are the following: Bureau of Public Roads; the United States Reclamation Service; the Alaskan Engineering Commission; the Construction Division of U. S. Army; a Bureau of River, Harbor and Canal work, including such functions as are now exercised by the Mississippi River Commission and the California Debris Commission; a Bureau of Architecture; a Bureau of Surveys, including the Coast and Geodetic Survey; a Bureau of Mines; the Geological Survey; the Forest Service, at least until the same is divorced from the supervision of water powers and road building; and the Bureau of Standards. Later, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: RESOLVED, That this conference be known as the Engineers, Architects, and Constructors Conference on National Public Works; that it continue in existence until dissolved by its own action and that its officers and committees be empowered to further the organization and development of a National Department of Public Works. RESOLVED, That for the purpose of furthering the passage of a bill for the creation of a National Department of Public Works there be set tip by this Conference an Executive Committee, a Committee on Text of Bill, and a Campaign Committee. The Executive Committee shall have the power to create a Finance Committee and other committees and to add to its own membership or to that of its committees.

Jan 6, 1919

JOHN H . NELSON,*Worcester, Mass.-In reply to the question "Is there any final information in regard to the relation between the temperature or the rate of cooling of a piece of heat-treated steel from the drawing temperature, and the so-called notch toughness?" I might say that we have conducted a large series of tests in the study of impacts on chrome-nickel and carbon steels and have gone into the subject of quenching from drawing temperature quite thoroughly but have found that one cannot lay down any definite rule or law with respect to the effect of quenching from the drawing heat. We conducted experiments on the effect of cooling by quenching in water, cooling in air, and burying the coupon in lime. Steels that have practically no impact value when air cooled may show very marked results when they are quenched in water, depending on the temperature at which the drawing is done.

Jan 6, 1919