The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-03-15
a TANNERY WOULD PAY.
Texas a Good Field for the Manufnc-
turc of Leather.

Texns Good Field for the Manufnc-
turc of Leather.
To the Editor of Tho Post
Houston Texas March 13.-Tcxas and
Houston in particular. presents n fine
crop OF hides being very large and OF a
good quality. barring brands. and the Of
ten slipshod manner of curing and drying.
AS to tho supply OF bark. or other material
containing tannin necessary to the busi-
ness ! am not posted to my full satisfac-
ton, but II oak bark or anything else con-
tanning the necessary ingredients can be
obtained in ample quantities. and at prices
justifiable, why would the tanning bust
ness not pay here? The climate here Is
highly favorable to tanning, heat or an
even temperature being one Of the prime
factors in the quick tannage OF leather.
and here we have that factor supplied by
kind nature. while in the North it must
be supplied by artificial and expensive
means. for six months or more. If quick
returns for the money invested is desired
and don't you know 1t Is desired either
North or South? Some few years ago I
was employed by the Galveston chamber
tanning with artesian water chat was with
artesian water from wells on the island.
not tho present artesian water supplied
from Alta Loma); my experiment was
highly successful and the leather in q
finished state is now at the chamber OF
commerce in Galveston. or was the last
time | heard of It, While | was well paid
for my experiment and tho chamber was
highly pleased at It's successful showing.
hi mn Of noptfal ctunb-
ing aloof. AS a matter of course my facil-
tiles for tanning We're very crude, and
Jumped up for the one special occasion, yet.
after tho mshap of having my tubs with
their contents overlooked from the gulf.
turned out from the animals back.
tanned leather In sixty days. In the eX-
porinent | used hides in weight from very
light to medium heavy, and tanned with
red oak bark obtained on Trinity river.
The manufactures of shoes. harness and
other leather goods are too few and small
in Texas at present to Justify any tannory
in finishing its stock with a view of find
ing market at home and shipping 1t
North In n finished shape. would be n
hazardous experiment in more ways than
one and too numerous to mention in a
newspaper article. Shipments of leather
should be made in the rough. and can be
sold In the markets of New York, Boston.
Baltimore. Philadelphia, etc, as readily
ms cotton or any other staple acknowl-
edge that II sounds well and looks feasible
to one not acquainted with the full facts,
when II Is said. yes, tan our hides into
leather, finish II up. make IL up into
boots. shoes, saddles. harness. etc. and
sell the same and thus we have the whole
thing to ourselves; right here that unwel-
come visitor but pops up and asks the
question can you sell your goods now you
nave made them? Experience viii answer
no. not at a profit. but the rough stock
could have been. To the man Of business,
hut not to the curiosity seeker. | would
DO pleased to go over In detail the whole
matter bringing to bear cold facts and
liEUres, leaving ample margin for I'M
ioreseen accidents and mistakes. which are
ilaplc 10 creep In nj any moment. regard
less Of the utmost endeavors OF those
guarding against them.
Tanning Crank.