The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-11-24
WOOD PULP SUPPLY
ALARMINGLY SCARCE
Government Paper Pulp Investi-
eating Committee Unearths
Startling Facts.
Present Supply insufficient for
Two Years Use, Says
Member.
A BIG INSTITUTION FOR KANSAS
To Make White Print Paper
and Paper Board from Corn
Stalks and Straw.

The startling fact, that the present
source of raw wood pulp is almost
exhausted is causing no little worry
and uneasiness among the publishers
of the country. A recent investigation
of the situation, by prominent men
Versed in the manufacture of white
print paper, suitable for use by news
papers, has disclosed the fact that the
supply of wood pulp required in the
manufacture of this paper is INSULT
cient for two years consumption.
However, it will not be necessary for
the newspapers of the nation to sus-
pend publication at the end of this
period and we will still be able to en-
Joy the daily papers and acquaint our
selves with the news of the day. Such
a condition will be made possible by
discovery recently made by the United
States department of chemistry. This
department has proven conclusively
that a good quality of white paper can
be made from corn stalks; yes, corn
stalks; common old heretofore VaIue-
less Kansas corn stalks.
A company composed of prominent
paper manufac turerS, publishers and
others, has recently taken hold OF TINS
fected it. and organized a company for
its manufacture on a large scale. Not
only will large quantities of corn stalks
be utilized for this product, but wheat
straw will also be pressed into use in
the making of a paper board suitable
for egg case filters, corrugated board
boxes and cartons of all kinds
Among the directors of this company
are some of the most widely known
men in the country. several of them
now being engaged in the paper bust-
ness.
The company has been incorporated,
under the laws of this state, with an
authorized capital of 100000. This
has been divided into shares of 500
each, s115,0OO worth of which has
already been disposed of.
consideration of all advantages, it has
been decided to locate the factory at
Hutchinson, Kansas. This thriving:
bustling little manufacturing city of
southwest Kansas is in the very heart
of an unlimited raw material supply
for such a plant. 1t offers a cheap
natural fuel supply. excellent railroad
facilities, plenty of rood water and |
tion for a factory of this nature.
What this factory means to Kansas,
and Hutchinson, can be imagined, |
but very vaguely, by those who are !
not we'll read in regard to the white |
paper situation, as it is, and as it |
might have been, had not this new
discovery changed things: In all
probability the plant Will be underi
construction before the first of Janu- |
airy rolls around. and when it is in |
operation it will have a capacity of 30 |
tons of straw and corn stalk paper |
product per day. The output of this
product will consume from $4,000 |
to 10000 tons of straw annually, |
to say nothing of the enormous tom
mage of waste paper and corn stalks
For this raw material the Kansas
farmers will receive an aggregate |
amount of more than $4,000. This
will be "easy money for the farmers
as these two products have been prac-
tically valueless heretofore. It is esti-
mated by the company that the payroll
will amount to more than one-half |
million dollars annually. This will
mean a decided increase in Hutchin-
sons population, as 1t will give en-
ployment to hundreds of men who will |
move to that city with their families |
To the state as a whole, it will add
untold benefits. It will increase the
wealth of the state, create a market
Of paper and box board and bring into |
the state several hundred thousand
dollars which has hitherto gone to
eastern markets for this class of COM
modify. Kansas is rich in natural re-
sources and raw material, but sadly
lacking in manufacturing, which is
necessary for the permanent growth
and prosperity of community. It is
for this reason, especially, that the
people of the state should support and
the western Straw Prod
1cts company.
The field for investment is, without
doubt, a good one, as the company is
not overcapitalized. Mr.. Asa NJ
Egbert, of Kansas Cit who is here
his week in the interests of the com
pany, is stopping at the National
10 interest local capital in the concern,
which is without doubt. one of merit
and worthy of consideration.