7] 



Steps in the Development op a Smokeless (Jity. 



w. F. M. Goss. 



1. 'J'he Presence of Smoke in those cities of our country whicli are 

 within easy reach of its soft coal mines is becoming more serious every 

 year. Peoj)le are beginning to understand that tliis smoke which, in earlier 

 days, was welcomed as evidence of a city's growth, and of its industrial 

 prosperity, is, in fact, a source of heavy expense to all of its citizens. The 

 annual smoke l)ill of such a city as Indianapolis is, in fact, enormous ! 

 This arises, not from the loss of fuel or heat in the form of smoke, for 

 that is so small as to be almost negligible, but in the damage which is 

 wrought by its presence, upon the architectural embellishment of the city. 

 upon the fixtures and furnishings of its homes, and upon the apparel of its 

 citizens. Loss also occurs through the extensive use of artificial light 

 which the presence of smoke enforces, and because of its effect upon the 

 welfare of those from whom it shuts out the sunlight and takes away the 

 purity of the atmosphere. 



Thus far urban connnunities ha\-e sought to protect themselves through 

 prohibitive legislation, with the result that while flagrant abuses have 

 sometimes been abated, the atmosphere of the city as a whole has not ma- 

 terially improved. It is doubtful if such legislation, unsupported by cor- 

 rective measures which are broadly co-operative, can ever be made an ef- 

 fective instrument in the abolition of smoke. The problem is one of many 

 complications and its solution can only be reached through action based 

 upon a full understanding of difficulties to be overcome. 



2. The Sources of Smoke in cities may be separated into five different 

 groups, each of which will require different treatment. They are as fol- 

 lows : 



1. Large furnace fires such as are employed in metallurgical 



processes. 



2. Large boiler plants, by which is meant all plants in excess of 



r)OU horse-power. 



3. Small boiler plants and small industrial fires. 



4. Domestic fires. 

 •5. . Locomotive fires. 



