Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-10-14
ABOUT PAPER

Probably no one living can accurately tell
the date at which paper was first produced
in the shape and consistency it now has for
the uses to which it is put. Like the III.
vention of the clock or watch, the grating
of fruit trees, the tanning of the horse. the
working in metals, and the use of silver
and gold as mediums of exchange, and
many other useful things, the early history
of this invention is lost in the impenetra-
bic darkness of antiquity. The use of
papyrus, of course, preceded it or was the
earliest form of it, and that was among the
Egyptians. Previous to that, parchment
or tanned goats skin was the means of
keeping records among the most developed
races, while the Assyrians chose the more
enduring medium of preserving their
thoughts in baked clay, which tablets are
now being resurrected from the ruins OF
Babylon.
Nor is it probable that anything ap.
preaching the present perfectibility of
writing paper was reached during the mid.
die ages. Strange as it appears, history
gives US very meager reports of improve
ments in arts, even the most common, for
thousand years after Christianity became
the dominant religion of the Roman En-.
pire. Even the old arts of sculpture and
painting did not flourish only architect.
ure showed soma signs, as witnessed in the
huge but useless edifices, churches and
castles, whose ruins or enormous size now
attracts the generation that has outgrown
them. And most of these. the grand ca.
thedrals of st. Peters, st. PauPs, Co.
logne, Strasburg and Milan-the last not
yet completed-and their compeers, were
creations of the last century of medieval
repose, and may almost be claimed as be-
longing to the new era. But the invention
of printing and the printing press gave
speed to all modes of thought and forms of
intellectual expression, and the want of
paper was soon supplied by the genius that
could print.
OF course it would be impossible in a
brief notice to even name the efforts or
give the names OF the men conspicuous for
their efforts In bringing the paper manu-.
facture to Its present perfection. Many
people have IN possession specimens of pa.
per made in the last century, especially
that on which newspapers were printed,
and many fragments of old continental cur.
rercy, in which the best paper attainable in
10 this country Was used, and even tie
finest of all these specimens have q sicken.
ing look 10y the side of our common print.
ing paper. In fact the manufacture of pa
per now has risen TO something of fine
art. Various materials are used-cotton
linen, bark, wood, straw and perhaps other
materials come into use, according to
quality needed. And the manufacture
Of paper in Europe and this coun-
try has become one OF the leading
Interests IN the range of Industries.
The main supply OF paper in Great Britain
is from Glasgow, Aberdeen, various
towns in Lancashire Kent and Derby
shire. Formerly fourteen paper mills
existed in Dublin, Ireland, employ
ing l 400 hands, of whom many were
females. Only two now remain, though
the demand for paper has largely increased.
But the circumstance that coal had to be
transported a long distance rendered it i'm
possible for them to compete with the pa
per mills located right among the coal
fields, and hence their closing up. There
Is one large paper mandatory at Bally-
clare, IN the county of Antrim.
In cur own country, pretty much all the
paper manufacturing is a development of
this century. 1t took root in certain 10.
callt!es where water was abundant and
water-power could be obtained cheaply for
running the machinery. Experience has
shown that coal is too expensive for motive
power unless it is abundant close to the
mandatory. But then, it often occurs
that the water needed is not clear and pure
enough. Hence most, if not all, the best
paper mills are located on streams affording
an abundance Of clear water and good
water. power also. Hence we find Norwich
and many other towns in Connecticut,
Holyoke and Clsremont, n. H., rot 10
speak of sundry other points in New Eng
land and the Middle States, celebrated for
their paper production. Perhaps of all
these cen5eEs of paper industry Holyoke
takes the lead, while for wall paper manu-.
featuring Philadel phia and vicinity leads
the country.
We will simply add here that paper
making is well understood in China and
Japan, the latter people using the paper
made from mulberry branches. Certain
grasses also are used in some countries for
making fine quality, but linen is found to
answer about as well as any material vet
found.
We shall close these desultory remarks
on this valuable topic with word or two
about the mandatory of bank bill and
bond paper in Pittsfeld. OF course, it is
well known that for these purposes the
finest, incest, Toughest and most durable
paper is desired. The mill for its manu.
facture Ia at Coltsville, a hamlet named
after the old manufacturer, Thomas Colt.
1t was started in 1851, soon after which
date Colt became part proprietor, and in
1855 sole owner. The mill is IOO850 feet,
and two stories high, has three engines
one double one-apd 64-inch Fourdrinier
machine. Two artesian wells, one $50 feet
and the other 40 feet deep, furnish the
requisite pure water needed-some $751;
600 gallons daily. In this establishment
the important secrets of paper.making
are understood aud kept, The aim
here is quality, no. quantity, so
there is no hurry. The best work.
men are employed only new linen
Eber is used, with red CT blue silk fiber
running through when needed. Here are
made ali the various qualities needed by
the government, moneys, securities, bonds,
checks and drafts, and for bank bills,
though there is difference in the latter.
And any person found with any of this pa
per in his possession is liable to S. 900 fine
or fifteen years imprisonment, or both.
That is to prevent counteIfeiters getting
hold of it. The process of paper making
is quite intricate and elaborate, especially
in these higher grades. Every precaution
is used to prevent any fraud upon this con.
Germ, as in Its proper administration lies 8
great point of Government fnaneial sue.
cess Household Gazette.