Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-08-28
Domestic Dyestuffs.

A steady gain, both in quantity and
quality. is being made by color man
ufacturers in the United States. At
the beginning of 1915, only about 20
per cent OF the dyes used in America
were made at home, almost all the re-
maininder coming from Germany,
with Switzerland supplying approx
mately per cent. On January /,
1916, American plants were making so
per cent of the normal home consump-
ton OF dyes, and this has since been
further increased. the present output
representing possibly 66 per cent on
ordinary domestic needs.
In quality the Improvement has been
II anything, more marked With the
first rush demand TO- colors. conse-
quent upon the shutting OF Of Ger.
man shipments and the effort Of Amer
iean color makers to meet it. a gain
IN production was attained by the sac
rlnce. to some extent, of quality.
Inc trouble probably was chiefly due
to the difficulties encountered in getting
expert workers; and complaints that
ayes made at home were fugitive.
lacked the fast qualities Of the foreign
product. were frequent and fnsistent.
But dry goods men say that there
nave been few cases Of dissatisfac-
ton reported of late, and that there ia
evidence that most Of the color now
being made here is excellent. comnar.
ing favorably with the imported colors.
Although the quantity of their prod
uce is not yet adequate to home needs.
American dye-makers have begun to
invade foreign fields, hitherto the ex-
elusive stamping grounds Of their Ger
man competitors, April exports were
$3sO,6l2 and In the first week of June
'oo'4s4 worth of dyes was shipped to
markets outside the United States
More than half Of the total was taken
by England.
II the war continues a year longer.
and production here keeps up it's ratio
OF gain. 1t may be expected that Amer
lean plants will be able to supply full
domestic needs. The older dye-stuffs
concerns are steadily increasing their
output. and new companies are being
organized at frequent intervals. More
over, 1t is understood that the DUPONT
interests plan to go into the color bust
ness on very large scale when the
demand for explosives shall have oui-
eted down. Hence 1t would seem that,
from the standpoint Of possible pro-
duction alone, the United States should
be able to compete strenuously with
Germany. not alone for trade within
our own borders, but for world trade,
after the war
But the attitude Of the German, gov
eminent must be considered. 1t Is a
serious factor. That the German man
ufacturers are not unaware Of the
strides made by the American dye in
dustry is made plain by the formation
OF new German dye combine, or
trust" for the renewed invasion Of
world markets after the war And the
German government. keenly awake to
the important part that the dye in
dustry plays in warfare-an many cases
1t is only the final treatment or reac-
ton that differentiates dye from OK.
plosive. both made from the same raw
material-will unquestionably lend ev-
cry possible aid to the expansion Of its
industry. and to crushing competition
from all other countries. Unfortunate
ly. there II little evidence a. yet that
the American legislators have realised
the importance Of . strongly developed
dye industry. ,