The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-11-11
THE NEWsPRINT SHORTAGE.

Never in the history of publishing were con-
ditions in the newsprint paper market SO ab-
normal and the situation confronting publish
ers so menacing to the continuation OF their bust
ness Every newspaper in the United States
is face to face with crisis. To obtain print
paper in the open market is impossible; 1T cam
not be purchased at any price. Lucky indeed
lis the publisher who has a supply on hand that
may enable him to issue his newspaper until the
beginning of the new year. After that he will
he facing condition that may, in many cases,
force a suspension of publication. In a meas
Iure, many newspaper propr1etors are respon-
Isible for the shortage OF newsprint Last year
they were warned, but paid no heed. Ihey
continued to use stock for the production OF
Z features alleged comic supplements and the
like, regardless of knowledge that their course
would lead to condition that is now made pat
ent and demonstrable. Even today there is ex-
itravagant use of print paper on the part OF
some supposedly conservative publishers when
there should be conservation and the itch for
Ibigness overcome. 1t would seem that at this
time to print the news in condensed form, were
enough There is not newspaper that comes
to the office of The Gate City but could cut its
news stories in half, and there would be gain
III clarity of expression and in space-saving
The attitude of that great newspaper, the
Chicago Tribune, is commendable and points
he way for others to follow. Recognizing that
the newsprint paper supply is rapidly approach
ing a stage which will be fatal to many news
papers, that the present normal demand is
greater than the supply and that prices are on
a famine basis and going higher, the Tribune
says:
IF this situation were the result OF manipula
ton or monopoly, it might be dealt with by tEe
usual legal measures though prosecution and legis
laton disappointing in results. In 1act the
present situation is the result OF shortslsnteu at
tempts in the past restrict the price OF paper
which has kept capital out OF manufacture, SO
that industry now is not able TO meet the pup
fishers needs. :.
The be met only by voluntary SELF
denial-unless it be allowed to develop until tho
weaker publishers go under. The Tribune is IN
a fortunate situation because 1t manufactures lts
own paper. But it believes it would De nalionai
misfortune If newspaper other puoilcations OF
merit were victmized by the abnormal conduon
perhaps even TO the extent VI peAiS ioi'eo 80 "
existence.
The Tribune believes, thercfore. that the
stronger publications should forego their aGVah
tage to a reasonable extent and enter INTO an asIee
paper The agreement must be general ana auVer-
Users should give public spirited help by assantms
to restrictions of space.
The Tribune would be glad to lead the move
men for restriction but has gone as far as feeis
~ 10 res sonable that it should until general
aoreement ia put force. 1t stands READY, now
ever TO ioin in a general movement TO bring con-
sumption down to the level of supply ami thus
save situation which must soon prove uiea&'ioo'
to many publications and public misfortune.