Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-02-03
STATE FERTILIZER FACTORY.
legislative Committee Favors Ia
Establishment.

to which was referred the matter or
the state establishing fertilizer fac
tory was presented last Monday. The
committee states that 1t has gotten
statistical information from the state
geologist, who gives 1t as his opinion
that the state has an ample supply OF
phosphate rock to furnish material to
manufacture acid phosphate for twen-
ty years or longer. 1t makes some
comparisons as to the cost Of the min
ing of rock in South Carolina and else
where, and concludes that the state
can mine, its rock at profit, but 1t
may be more expedient for the state
to purchase rock from elsewhere until
the difference in price is more than at
present. Continuing the report says:
1.-THE present price Of acid phosphate
rock (. o. b. interior Is on an average
IS per ton in excess Of the price which
obtained some FIVE years back. We
think the cause Of the advance Is the
Virginia Carolina Chemical company or
fertilizer trust, as it is called, that has
absorbed. purchased or crushed out all
except a few Of the industries hereto"
fore engaged in mining and manufac"
turing acid phosphate. In our opinion
there Is no question about the supply
of phosphate rock for many years to
come being sufficient to meet the de-
mands for all agricultural purposes of
the state"
The cost Of mining will be materially
reduced by the use Of convict labor.
The erection Of a plant to put out
100, 900 tons Of phosphate. working ten
hours, would cost all told. the commit
tee says; s52S,1SS. The report contin-
ues:
"Upon facts as we have investigated,
the fertilizer trust has become most
formidable public enemy, and deserves
to be checked by any means at the
command of the state. We deem 1t
practical business proposition for the
state to protect its agricultural inter-
ests by the manufacture and distribu-
ton ano sale for cash to its citizens OF
a suitable commercial fertilizer.
I'VE are pleased to find that this idea
meets with the hearty approval OF
number Of the states officers, who are
In a position to know most Of the prob
able operations Of such plants. we
find that there will be sufficient con-
yict labor to meet all immediate de-
mands. We find that the sinking fund
will have sufficient funds to loan the
phosphate commission to carry out the
plans of the bill"
The report is signed by Senators
Warren Of Hampton; Johnston Of Fair
field; Stackhouse Of Marion; Earle OF
Oconee and Peurifoy Of Colleton.
The bill provides for a phosphate
commission of three members, to be
elected at this session, to serve one,
two and three years their compensa-
tion to be same as legislators for the
time actually performing their duty
they shall have power to mine and man
ufactpre phosphate rock, to purchase
components necessary to manufacture
a suitable fertilizer for the agricultural
interests of the state. For the purpose
of carrying out the act $4,000 Is ap-
propriated and the commission Is au-
thorized to borrow $150,000 from the
sinking fund. Fertilizers shall be sold
to citizens of the state only at small
advance on cost Of production, not to
exceed 25 per cent. Should the price
be reduced to the cost Of production the
commissioners may suspend opera
tions. The profits shall be used to pay
the interest and loan provided for. The
commission may build necessary plants
upon any lands owned by the state or
which may be purchased, land Of the
pententiary may be utilized, and such
number of convicts as deemed best
shall be furnished, not to exceed 300.
Superintendent and other officers shall
be appointed as the board deems nee
essary. The services of the state geo.
logist and state chemist shall be avail
able to the board when required. The
board shall ascertain the phosphate
area Of the state and take what steps
may be necessary to reclaim such lands
and prevent trespass upon them.