The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-11-06

Il
of the distillery, and by the kindness of the
proprietors, were shown through the estab-
lishment and somewhat enlightened as to
its capacity and business. This mill has
been in operation for about three years. 1t
was formerly used as saw mill by J. W.
Vansant but In 1864 was sold to Smith
Cole & Co., who took out the machinery, and
replaced it with that of the present establish
ment. They then commenced the manufac-
ture of brown wrapping paper, so extensive
ly used in the mercantial line. Having car |
ried on business for year, they disposed of
the concern to Hakes q Guyer. About four |
thousand dollars were then expended in inn |
proving the premises, and adding to the ma
chinery, which resulted in an increase of
business, and the manufacture of a more
satisfactory quality of paper. 1t seems how
ever, that during all this time the mill had
not been paying any very extravagant divi-
dends and was very difficult ball to set
properly rolling. Hakes & Guyer having
persevered for about year, sold out to
Hutchins i Curtis, which firm existed but
short time, when the mill reverte to the pre-
vious owners, and was by them retained I'M
till year ago last May, when the present
proprietors, Messrs Rice, Brightman l. See
ley, purchased the establishment and contin-
ued the business. This firm has succeeded
| admirably, and has built up an extensive trade
with all the river towns as far down as, and
including St. Louis, and with all the interi-
or towns of Iowa and Illinois lying contig
| uous to this section. Two teams are kept
constantly on the road, supplying old Gus
toners, and hunting out new ones, while
large amounts are being regularly shipped
| by rail and river, in every direction. Trsv-
| cling agents keep a proper pressure on the
business, and ensure its steady increase. In
| connection with the mill, Hakes & Son are
now carrying on paper store IN Union
Block with heavy stock always on
| hand, thereby conveniently supplying the
| city and other local trade. The manner in
which this paper trade has grown up within
the last year or two, furnishes the assurance
| that when home articles of manufacture are
of quality to compete with those produced
abroad, they will eventually win their way
and supplant all competition. The dimen-
sions of the mill are 20 by 100 feet, with a
warehouse of the same height adjoining, 40
BY Is feet. The latter is kept as full of
stock as the exigencies of trade will allow,
in order that all unexpected demands may be
promptly met. The machinery is of the
best quality of its kind, and is propelled by
two steam engines and furnished with a
steam pump of heavy capacity. 1t total val
ue is over ten thousa nd dollars.
The process of manufacturing is very in
genious, bnt space prevents us from attempt
ing any description. To see a pile of old
rags and straw cast into tank of muddy
water at one end o. the building, and EN-
erge at the other in the shape of neatly roll
ed packages of brown wrapping paper, ii
sufficient at first to puzzle even the mos
philosophic scribe. The machinery is re
quired to be of the most perfect and delicat
proportions, as the slightest variation from
the fixed standard would result in grea
damage. Constant supervision is also nee
essary to see that it progresses properly.
At present the mill is running but twelve
hours day, and employing about fourteen
hands on an average, at cost of nine thou
sand dollars year for labor. About fort
: tons of straw are now consumed per month
2 and about twenty tons of paper manufaC
tured. Specimens of the latter took tn,
l. first premium at the last county fair.
j On the first floor of the mill, and maxim
{ use of the same steam, Messrs Heath
kirkpatrick have large power press i
Il constant motion, printing mercantile label:
y to order, on wrapping paper. Mr.. Kirkpa
u rick learned the printing business at th
1 ARGUS office, served faithfully as sodie
e in the 58th Illinois Regiment, was la
( epring elected township clerk, and is POI
y ular and energetic young man, and has
business associate of the same stamp. The
u fully deserve the liberal patronage they al
- receiving. They commenced business on
- three months ago, but are now crowded I
the utmost to meet orders. Mr.. Heath pas
a es the greater portion of his time in solici
. ing orders from abroad, and by this NEAR
4 has enlarged his circle of patrons over g
are of two hundred miles in extent. The
l. are turning out over one hundred thousar
~ sheets per week, and are doing better prin
,rs ing OF the kind than has yet been done an
where in this section,
of At present, the Rock Island Paper M
= may be considered in its infancy. 1t is tr,
l. it represents not inconsiderable investme
:. of money, but this is but a trifle to what W
4" ultimately be invested there. Its proprieto
~ have reached the top of that hill up which 9
" cry home manufacturer must travel at Il
e's outset, and with a fourishing business al
is fattering prospects ahead, will not long he
mp itate to adopt such measures as business s
10 gacity may direct.
ny Hon. 8. s. Cox offers Consolation to the
Radicals.