Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-02-11
GOLD FLOWS FROM
THE BITTER WATER
Western Nebraska Finds in
Potash a Source of Unlim-
tied Wealth.
HOW TOWNS ARE THRIVING
By I. B. KENNEDY.

potash industry of western Nebraska
that arose phoenix-like from the burnt
grasses and strawberries of the ages, is
today one of the most impressive
forces of wealth extension of which
the state can boast. More than this,
its benehcences are being felt by the
inhabitants OF this section in such a
way that permanency of habitation
aud being is now the watchword,
where only few months ago the
uncertainty OF monotonous existence,
with its inevitable small opportuni-
ties and smaller results. was con-
ducive only to that longing con-
greener fields that is always dctri-
mental to newly developed and de-
yeloping country.
Less Than Two Years Old.
1t has been less than two years
since the first of the various plants
for producing potash from the aka
line waters was established. With
their increase and rapid commercial
Roadway has come the story of oppor-
tunity for the homesteader and small
land owner of this section that COM
pares we'll with those told OF the ar
tisan, the mechanic and the laborer
in those vicinities OF the east that
have benefited so remarkably by the
so-callcd war brides" In the amount
Of money involved, however, the SINH
larity ceases. For nowhere in the
west can we, as yet, point to the
laborcr purchasing 5000 talking ma
chimes, nor can we make mention Of
one who only recently hard-pressed
is now riding to work in taxis. Even
could we boast OF the latter, we have
not the incentive. But through this
aid many OF our homesteaders are
not only adding to their birds, but are
providing shelter and comforts for
themselves and stock they already
have, that they could lily do before.
Then there are those who are in
creasing their land holding in man.
ner that is gratifying, considering
that only a few short months ago
they were agreed they would be for
tunate to get out with a living and a
few dollars TO the good.
Towns Growing Fast.
Our cities are likewise bcnehting in
fulsomc manner. Alliance, that for
mer1y prided itself on the big rail-
road pay roll, is now so engulfcd with
pondcrous activities as a result of
these nearby industries that the citi-
zens have now come to look upon the
railroad pay day as incidental in a
progressiveness that is beyond the
most sanguine expectations and stead
lily growing. Where formerly they
were satisfied with several fairly good
hotels, with more OF lesser import
ancc, they have now in contemplation
one OF the most commodious and
modern western Nebraska can boast
Of This is to be built by Alliance
capital alone. The courthouse, FIN
ished within the last year, a pride to
any community, and the federal build
ing now nearing completion, have al
most lost their attractivencss in the
wild desire to build business blocks
and residences in keeping with the de-
mands OF the present year. A refinery
to be erected at Alliance for the
handling Of the completed products
Of the various plants and an exclusive
plant TO be built at Birdsell, just east
OF Alliance, are among the big
projects in view with the disappear
ancc Of frost.
Home Of First Plant.
-
Holland, twelve miles east OF ALI
ance, the home of the first potash
plant of important commercial value
in the United States, now has a popu-
lation OF 200, and if it were not for
the havoc caused by the recent car
shortage in obtaining material this
number would have been augmented
quite considerable. 1t is the policy
Of the company to employ married
men and as an inducement they fur
nish a house, fuel and lights, together
with an addition to the salary Of the
cost Of board for the head of the fam
lily. All men employed, either single
or married, are furnished board in
addition to wages paid. In this plant
has originated many improvements in
machinery that has made possible the
reduction OF the crude liquid to a
commercial state. Not only have they
developed convenient machinery, but
appurtcnances and scientific advan-
tages that make possible the perpetu-
ity and permanency of the industry in
competition with the world. From
this small hamlet since April, 1915,
has gone forth its products to all parts
of the United States and even as far
as New Zealand.
Two That Are Models.
The next town eastward, Antioch,
has two plants that are models OF
their kind. The American Potash and
Products company has been in opera
ton about sixty days. The Nebraska
Potash company, which has been de-
layed because OF inability to get ma
terial, is about under cover and will
DC turning out potash within the next
thirty days. Residences and business
houses are fast dotting the prairies
Of several months ago. With me
softcning OF the weather Il is pre-
dicted Antioch will have population
of 500, all OF whom will be EMPLOYED
or sustained chiefly in the full opera
ton Of the. plants.
The machinery in the Nebraska
Potash company's plant combines
both alkali and potash treatment,
making i double paying PROPOSE.
ton. With its opening will be en-
ployed decidedly greater number Of
men.
Here Is Model Town.
At Lakeside we have the model
town. The Hord Potash and Prod
ucts company has not only built a