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5

We have, among our citizens, just as much ability,
and, it is said, a good deal more energy than they
have exhibited in the past. Many years since, we
had nothing but boilers that could use wood as a fuel;
later, the soft coals were discovered, and they at once
became the fuel; still later, the anthracite coal was
discovered, and that seemed to be the acme of good
fuel, and that now becomes the great article of use.

Upon every new discovery of any article suitable
for fuel, the genius of older countries than ours com-
menced at once experimenting; making alternations in
their old boilers, changing their machinery to suit
these discoveries. A few years since, the idea of
using bituminous coal in locomotives was hooted.
What is now the fact? That there are but few loco-
tives constructed for the exclusive use of wood as a
fuel. Can we not commence to make those changes
necessary to enable us to use the coals of Illinois,
and thereby remove the prejudice that does exist?
We are still manufacturing the same kind of boilers
and machinery that have been patterned for us by
these folder countries. We have but to cut loose from
this imitation process, and, having the benefit of their
experience, coupled with our own energy, contrive
something that will meet our real necessities. Mr. Dan-
ford, in his recent invention, (his Steam Generator,)
has fully overcome all objections to Illinois coal as a
fuel.