utive session, and I would, with your permission, ask that some one move that we go into executive session, and take up the consideration of various matters necessary in connection with the welfare of the association. MR. AYER: Mr. President, I move that the convention go into executive session.

The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned to executive session.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, June 8th, 1898.

I.

2.

THIRD SESSION, 10.20 A. M.

Paper "General Distribution from Central Stations by Alternating Currents." BY HERBERT A. WAGNER

Paper "General Distribution from Central Stations by Direct Currents." By Louis A. FER

GUSON

FOURTH SESSION, 3.15 P. M.

I. Discussion of Mr. Wagner's and Mr. Ferguson's papers. (Continued.)

THIRD SESSION

The meeting was called to order by the President at twenty minutes past ten.

THE PRESIDENT: The subjects to be considered at this morning's session are "General Distribution from Central Stations by Alternating Currents," by Herbert A. Wagner, St. Louis, and "General Distribution from Central Stations by Direct Currents," by Louis A. Ferguson, of Chicago. The intention is that these two papers shall be read, and that members shall then be given an opportunity to enter into a general discussion upon the relative merits of the two rival methods of distribution. I have pleasure in calling

upon Mr. Wagner.

Mr. Wagner read the following paper:

GENERAL DISTRIBUTION FROM CENTRAL STATIONS BY ALTERNATING CURRENTS

BY HERBERT A. WAGNER.

Ever since the installation of the first few pioneer alternating-current central stations, just ten years ago, we have heard it predicted with persistent reiteration that for the distribution of current for lighting from central stations direct current was a thing of the past, and that in a few years the alternating-current transformer system would hold the field without a competitor.

To many, this prediction may seem to have been fulfilled, considering the enormous number of alternating-current plants, compared with direct-current, that have been installed, and the remarkable impetus given to electrical industries by the development of alternating currents.

The great success achieved in the transmission of power by polyphase alternating currents in the last three years, has but strengthened this general belief, and left fewer champions to adhere to the direct

current cause.

These great achievements, I say, have led the enthusiast to think all progress confined to alternating systems of distribution. Deeper investigation, however, shows that while in point of number the alternating-current stations, reaching into the thousands,

completely overshadow those of direct-current, there are few really large stations, outside of water-power plants, that are to-day employing alternating currents for distribution, and that while enormous investments have been made in direct-current stations in our larger cities, comparatively small amounts have been invested. in alternating-current work.

The alternating system was heralded as providing a means of distribution with a great reduction in first cost of plant, and for years the development of the system has been made with this the principal end in view. On the other hand, direct-current distribution in the form of the Edison three-wire system has been steadily and intelligently developed to the highest standard of economy of operation, simplicity and permanence. In the same city, alternating-current stations have not, as a rule, been successful in competition with three-wire stations; their service has not been as good, and their profits have been smaller.

I may startle many by stating frankly the discouraging fact, which has been barely whispered at times, that, judged by the standards of the magnificent Edison properties in many of our larger cities, few alternating-current central stations in the United States have been a success. Do not imagine that this damaging admission, however, is an indication of any loss of faith on the part of one who has been identified with alternating-current work since its début, as it were. Far from it. The fault lies, not with the alternating current itself, but with its application. Its few apparently inherent deficiencies, such as the difficulties of operating motors and arc lamps, have been shown to have been only awaiting discovery and development, and were at our disposal almost as soon as these important divisions of central-station service