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Architects and Engineers Meet Society Now Twice as Large as In War Period-- Discuss Technical Problems of Peace Construction ITH a larger total member- ship and larger attendance than ever before, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine En- gineers held its ttwenty-eighth annual meeting in New York on Nov. 11-13. In' some respects this was one of the most notable sessions of the society, enthusiasm and optimism prevailing despite reports of shipbuilding inactiv- ity and the inefficient management of the American merchant marine by the United States shipping board. Normal conditions in shipbuilding face the in- dustry with the result, it was felt, that the present sees the lowest ebb of the business. The general tenor of the convention was one of hopeful an- -- ticipation. So far as the meetirg itself was con- cerned war work is over. Discussions were limited to techni- cal problems the engineers aré meet- ing in filling the needs of the commer- cial fleets. Only 10 set papers were read and discussed during the two days of the business sessions, at times with some heat and conviction. Sorae 1200 members attended the annual banquet. Nov. 12. Saturday' was given over to an excursion to the shipyard of the Federal Shipbuilding Co., Kearny, Ned Address of H. L. Ferguson Admiral Washington Capps un- avoidably was prevented from attend- ing the convention, he having been seni to the Pacific coast on govern- ment work.' Homer L. Ferguson, president of the Newport News Ship- building & Drydock Co. Newport News, Va., presided in his stead. In his opening address Mr. Ferguson said: "During the past year, there has been a gradual and sure development of comparatively new ideas in design and building. Oil burning in steam boilers has more and more tended to replace coal, and on account of the greater convenience and lessened labor has tended ta become a necessity." He pointed out that crews select the oil- burnizg vessel and, -therefore, he thought the oil-burner has come to stay at least so long as the world's supply of oil lasts. "In spite of some setbacks," he con- tinued, "geared turbines of suitable de- sign are produced by so many that their success is generally accepted. "The internal combustion engine is Probably receiving more attention at Officers for 1921 PRESIDENT (Elected in 1918 for three years beginning Jan. 1, 1919) Rear ADMIRAL W. L. Capps, U. S. N. HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS W. F. Duranp W. J. BAXTER VICE PRESIDENTS term expiring Dec. 31, H. L. Fereuson F. LL. DuBosquE H. A. Magoun W. A. Dogpson SECRETARY AND TREASURER D. H. Cox EXECUTIVE CGMMITTEE SrEVENSON TAYLOR ANDREW FLETCHER W. M. McFaruanD F. L. DuBosquse J. W. PowELL President, and Secretary-Treasurer, Ex-Officio. MEMBERS OF COUNCIL : For term expiring Dec. 31, 1923 H. C. SaDER C. F. Baruny E. H. Rrae De Cox W. H. Topp Witt1aAM McENTER, (To fill vacaney caused by promotion of W. A. Dokson to be vice president) ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL H. L. ALDRICH H. H. RaymMonp COMMITTEE ON PAPERS W. M. McFarLannD I. L. DuBosquE H. L. ALDRICH LIFE MEMBER ANDREW FLETCHER For 1923 this time than any other one item, and the increase iui use and eifectiveness of this type of engine may be confidently expected. "Electric drive for war vessels has becotne a demonstrated success in spite of some troubles and is being adapted to merchant ships as weil. "In shipbuilding, the growth of the use of oxyacetylene and of electric welding is one of the most noteworthy developments of recent years, and it would be difficult to estiniate the time and money saved by them in quick ship and plant repairs." Mr. Ferguson then frankly discussed the present depressing signs in ship- building, saying: "At the present time, probably one- half the men engaged in shipbuilding during the war. have been laid off. There will be a further inevitable de- crease in shipbuilding due to lack of new orders, and the equipment by the government of practically all navy yards to do building, both large and sinal!." He pointed out that five of the navy yards are now equipped to build capital ships. This means pri- 25 vate yards can not any longer' expect to obtain any great share of. naval shipbuilding. This is most important jmasmuch as in the past the navy work was the backbone of American ship- building. "While this society,' he said, "was founded to promote and foster the art of shipbu'lding, it must be remembcred that there must be soniething to prac- tice on if the art is to live with us, and I, for one, do not believe we will ever have a marine without some form of protection." He declared that the full! membership of the shipping board should be appointed and that body set to work upon the duties originally in- tended for it in the merchant marine act: "A cause of congratulation to all -- Americans interested in shipping has- been the growth, particularly during the past year, of insurance organiza- tious in connection with our business, of a classification society destined to becoine great, and of American branch banks in many parts of the world. These are all essential and component parts of our commerce and necessary ' to the proper development of a marine. And, on the whole, a great work has been done in starting our citizens again upon the sea and interesting many re- sponsible Americans in ships. If the operation of American ships is reason- ably profitable, there will be no lack of men or-of money." Some Types Overproduced It was recognized there has been an over-production of a few certain types of ships, notably the fabricated boats and cargo boats in general. However, private steamship companies have many plans under discussion and, if the ° Washington administration after next March shows the proper spirit, these will be developed. New passenger ves- sels must be built and there is a tre- mendous construction program in mind for coastwise services. The coastwise fleets were depleted by the war and no building has been done for that trade since 1913. The council of the society met on Wednesday, Nov. 10, and made a few appointments to office. Daniel Cox, secretary and treasurer, reported that the membership of the society on Oct. 31, 1919, totaled 1393 and at the close of the annual meeting in 1920 it totaled 1590. During this time there have been cight deaths and 15 resigna-