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1048 RECORD AND GUIDE. June 7, 1902, Product and Appliances. Whether Masurite, the new explosive, can be handled with per¬ fect safety was tbe subject of an incisive investigation at Sands Point, L. I., on Wednesday last. Representatives of fire depart¬ ments and fire underwriters of New Tork, Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago were present, as well as experts commissioned by the leading railroad companies and other interests, + * * The tests had been carefully arranged to prove conclusively that Masurite is safe under all ordinary circumstances, and that It can only be exploded intentionally. The order of the tests were for Concussion, Fire, Friction, Electricity and Detonation. Other special tests were raade at tbe suggestion of several gentle¬ men present to represent extraordinary conditions where the safety of tbe explosive might be relied upon. * * * Even scientific cynicism was nonplussed at tbe manner in ■which Masurite withstood every conceivable trial. Struck with 3, heavy haramer on anvil or on a stone repeatedly siraply made .a compound mass of the explosive. Heavy weights dropped from the top of a high building upon it time and again had no effect; neither had the shootmg of a mushroom bullet from a govern¬ ment rifie through a can containing 12y2 pounds of Masurite. This last experiment was repeated four times, and again with steel bullets when the explosive was in direct contact with burning coal. « + * The fire tests were more remarkable still. Red hot irons were pierced through cartridges of Masurite, and quantities of it were placed upon a forge flre and treated to at least 2,000° F., but with no signs of explosion. Burning charcoal was thrown upon it also, but the Masurite only seemed to laugh at it. Smokeless and black powder were separately spread over Masurite and Ignited, but while the powders went up in smoke the Masurite remained comparatively intact, ^ * f "O electricity will explode it," said a great electrician present, but when he saw electric sparks dancing among it he was silent, and when 115 volts, 21 amperes, tried to impress the imper¬ vious Masurite he was amazed. The electric tests were thor¬ ough and exacting, but the explosive was ever dumb. Tests of friction were just the same. Mr. Masury rubbed it on sand¬ paper and eraery cloth, bearing down with his whole weight, taut he raight have rubbed so rauch stone. » * * It was soon conceded by all present that Masurite could not be exploded by accident, carelessness or even design unless the right method was used. "How on earth can you explode it?" said one expert. "Why, by using a cap containing fulminite of mercury in conjunction with electricity or a tape fuse," said Mr. Masury; and he demonstrated very carefully how easily it could be done. The cartridges were placed in many ways and exploded in the in¬ tended direction without the shadow of a misadventure. * * * Two tests in rock blasting concluded the trial. The first was a, huge stone of about two tons, in which a hole to receive the cartridge had been bored to the centre. Four ounces of Masurite scattered tbe rock in very small pieces, demonstrating power, , The second was what is known as a mud test, the explosive being placed on tbe side of a boulder of granite and covered with clay or mud. In this instance the rock was split up into fragments. « » * Eulogioms of praise were showered upon tbe inventor by men whose opinion was wortb having, and Masurite was emphatically declared to be an explosive power which was safe to handle under ail circumstances, and something the world sadly needed. « * * Mr. F. A. Cabot, whose opinion carries great weight with the National Fire Protection Association, took great interest in the tests, and, as Is his general wont, asked numerous questions; but at tbe conclusion we read conviction in his face—conviction that Masurite was absolutely what it claimed to be—a safe ex¬ plosive. One remark be made convinced us. He said to Dr. C. B, Dudley, chemist, representing the Pennsylvania R. R. Co.: "I guess he's got a good thing there." Dr. Dudley replied: "Tes; its insensibility to flre is most remarkable. It is altogether ex¬ traordinary.'' * » * Among the gentleraen present at the tests, whose names we are permitted to mention, were the following: Dr. C. B. Dudley, Chemist Penna. R. R., Altoona. Pa.; W. W. Taylor. Maintenance of Ways Dept., N. T, C. R. R., New Tork City; H. B, Hodges, Purchasing Agt, Se Supt. of Tests Long Island R. R,; J- R, Onderdonk, Engineer of Tests B. & O. R. R., Baltimore, Md,; Daniel W. Darling, Vice-President Milford Pink Granite Co., Milford, Mass.; R, L. Lovelace. Pur, Agt. Milford Pink tjranite Co., Milford, Mass.; Wra. McDevitt, Phila, Fire Under- Tvriters' Assn., Philadelphia, Pa,; Jas. McDonougb. Freight Agt. C. R. R. of New Jersey, New Tork City; J, W. Hugbes, Foreraan Erecting Dept. B. & O. R. R.; R. F, Kilpatrick, Division Master Mechanic D., L. & W. R. R., Kingsland, N. J.; J. C. Fritts, Genl. Foreman D., L. & W. R. R., Hoboken, N. J,; C. H. Ketcham, Supt. D., L. & W. R. R., Hoboken, N. J.; W, P. Dickerraan, representing the "Scientific American," New Tork City; Edwin H. Haven, "Mining & Scientific Press," New Tork City; F. Elli¬ ott Cabot, Asst. Secy. Boston Board of Fire Underwriters, Bos¬ ton, Mass,; Alexander Helper, Tbe Phila. Coramercial Museum, Philadelphia, Pa,; F. L. M. Masury, President Masurite Explo¬ sive Co., New Tork City; Cyrus W. Perry, Genl. Sales Agt Masu¬ rite Explosive Co., New Tork City; H. H. Carleton, Masurite Explosive Co., New Tork City; H. D, Baker, Mgr. New York Office Masurite Explosive Co., New Tork City. Building in Other Cities. Returns as tbey come in indicate a falling off in building opera¬ tions throughout the country during tbe month of May. The reasons given are various, but strikes loom up largely among the causes, while lack of and high prices of materials cuts a consider¬ able flgure. Work on the exposition buildings in St, Louis is not accom¬ panied by the general building activity that raight have been expected. The official returns show that this year 120 permits for brick, etc., buildings, estimated to cost ,$896,850, have been issued, to compare with 122 permits for buildings of the same classes, to cost $1,145,020, in tbe same time last year. The total estimated cost of all building work, including frarae structures and alterations of all kinds, for TS'bicb plans were flled in tbe office of the Commissioner of Public Buildings, was $1,068,082, as against an estimate of $1,296,354 for last year. It is estimated that the cost of the exposition buildings, which are to be com¬ pleted next year, will amount to $6,750,000. In Cincinnati the nuraber of building permits filed in May was 289 and the cost involved $424,235, as compared with 326 plana and $284,930 cost in May, 1901. The figures show a better class of building on the average this year. Building in St, Paul has been checked by strikes and other troubles. As it was, 133 permits were issued, covering work estimated to cost $280,955. This amount would have been doubled, the Building Inspector says, but for the labor troubles. Detroit booked officially 55 permits for buildings to cost a total of $485,500 for the month. The District of Colurabia reports the issue of 373 perraits for buildings and alterations to cost $640,860, of which $293,000 was for GS brick dwellings and $140,500 for S apartraent bouses. Questions and Answers. We must remind our correspondents that we cannot answer anony¬ mous communications. Readers must also remember that communica¬ tions to us cannot invariably be answered tbe week they are received. USE OP SIDEWALK. To the Editor of The Record and Guide: Will you kindly let rae know what privilege a person has of the sidewalk in front of his own property used for business pur¬ poses at No, 346 Atlantic av? Answer.—The whole sidewalk is for the use of tbe general pub¬ lic in passing to and fro. The owner or tenant of the adjacent building has the same rights in tbe sidewalk as the general pub¬ lic, and can transport his goods across it from the street to the building. He has no right to use it for the display or storage of the wares in which he deals.—Law Editor. TELEPHONE WIRES. To the Editor of The Recced and Guide: Without my consent or knowledge, a telephone wire has been attached to both front and back cornice of my bouse; also both chimneys have been used to secure wire that is stretched across my roof. May I ask you to advise me wliat action I can take in the matter? Answer.—Tou have a perfect right to remove the obnoxious wires in any way tbat you see fit,—Law Editor. CONTRACT—TAX SALES, To the Editor of The Record and Guide: (1) What is the meaning of "Contract" after a sale of a piece cf property? Also <2) I would like to know how long a time can property remain with taxes unpaid'without-the city taking and selling it. Answer.—(1) It means tbat the document flled is siraply a con¬ tract for tbe sale of the property. (2) Three years. Tbe city does not avail itself of this privilege, however. The last sale for taxes in Manhattan took place in ISSG. Arrangements are being made for another, to take place in the coming fall, when property in arrears in all the boroughs for taxes accruing be¬ tween 1886 and 1S97, inclusive, will be sold.—Editor Record and Guide. BREACH OF CONTRACT. To Ike Editor of The Record and Guide: Will you kindly inform me what is, in your opinion, the stand¬ ing of A in tbe following case? A owns a house, in which there has been a fire. A enters into a contract with B to put the house in as good condition as it was before the fire, and stipulating