Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-10-18

| Washington, Oct 1s.- Secretary
| Lane today announced the production
of the, first commercial mineral potash
| in the United States.
This country is therefore no longer
dependent on Germany for any guam
tity Of potash so necessary in the man
ufacture of explosives and used largely
as agricultural fertilizers. A special
agent of the geological survey located
the potash in a vein of mineral known
as alunite in Piute county, Utah. The
vein is ten feet wide and has been
traced for $500 feet. It's depth is I'M
known.
Aids Explosive Making.
The discovery Of this mineral potash
in commercial quantities Secretary
Lane regards as one of the most irnpor-
tant discoveries made recently with
reference to natural resources, as it
assures a domestic supply of potash
for national needs in manufacture of
explosives.
Alunite is known to exist in the
states of Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Cali
fornia and Arizona.
The interior department also is drill
ing at various points in the United
States in search for deposits Of potash
like those OF Germany.
Should alunite deposits Of similar
character be found in large quantities
in other states. it's significance to the
agriculture Of this country can hardly
be ver-estimated. as it is an essential
soil food and will re- establish from
year to year the draft made upon
the potash in the soil by the crops pro-
duced
Statistics show that the imports Of
potassium salts from Germany
amounted to s15.0oo,o0o in 1913. the last
year in which figures are available.
Italy to Float Loan.
New York, Oct 1S.-Announcement
was made tonight that the Italian gov
eminent has arranged to place an is
sue Of s25, 0OO, 900 one year notes in the
United States.
This will be the first direct loan
here by Italy since the be-
ginning Of the war, and 1t will be used
in payment for the heavy purchases
of war and general supplies now being
made by that government in this coun-
try Heretofore these have been
largely paid for thru London.
May Bear 6 Per Cent
The notes will have convertible bond
privileges. and. altho not definitely
announced. it is thought they will
bear about 6 per cent interest. The
notes Will be offered in denominations
of 800, $500 and $1,000. and the
principal and interest will be payable
in United States gold.
The bankers are understood to be
forming syndicate to distribute the
Issue, which will be offered publicly
shortly. In addition to paying for sup
plies, it Is hoped by the Italian gov
eminent that the issue will tend to
stabilize exchange.
What Allies Loan Means.
Joseph H. Choate has made public
statement explaining what, in the opin-
ion of himself and thirteen others who
signed the document, the Anglo-F,rench
loan means to the United States.
The statement sets forth that the
security is absolute and that the United
States is lending Great Britain and
France $500. 900 SO those countries
want 10 sell them.
me loan IHeanS tHdt Iiol d oo1idi "
the money will leave Uncle Sans
shores: that some American, directly
or indirectly. will come into possession
of the mciey in cash payment for
goods sold that a commercial credit
Will be established in this country
which will be used in increasing our
trade and permit the outflow of our
surplus products, and that this coun-
try finally recognizes that in order to
further American trade it must become
a creditor nation,