The high cost of paper is hampering the work of the United States government seriously. Publications are being cut down and plans are under way to discontinue those of minor importance. Officials in all departments put into effect today orders to conserve paper. A principal step is use of smaller type in printing.
The United States government annually places the largest individual contract made in this country for paper. When paper required for present fiscal year is ready for delivery, general purchasing agents have been warned that mills will not be able to meet a demand equally as great next year, even at enormous increase in price.
Dr. O. H. Briggs, head of government general supply division says: “Latest reports show a crisis in the paper industry, and retrenchment all along the line will be enforced. Government contract price for fine grades of typewriting paper last year was 12 cents a pound. Today we should have to pay 20 cents. We are using 100 different kinds of paper. Since the war the price has jumped about 100% and will continue to soar.”
Government printing demands about 15 carloads daily and paper for its use alone has amounted to more than $1,000,000 a year. Printing paper for this year’s work costs 4½ cents, but contracts for future supplies will show 100% increase or more in price.
Dr. J. S. Bates, Superintendent of the Forest Products Laboratories, has left for Shawinigan Falls to assist the Imperial Government in the production of chemical products needed in munitions manufacture. Dr. Bates is “loaned” to the Imperial Government by the Dominion Government for the period of the war.
W. Boyd Campbell B.Sc., Assistant Superintendent, who has been to the front for the past twelve months, has returned to take up the duties of Dr. Bates until his return.
There arrived 10,368,000,000 matches in New York a few days ago from Sweden on SS. Stockholm to relieve shortage in United States. Steamer also brought 7,500 bales of wood pulp.
INSURANCE OF STANDING TIMBER REGARDED AS FEASIBLE.
Standing timber is one fire risk that hitherto has not been regarded with favor by the fire insurance companies. Some insurance of this sort has been written in Canada by the London Lloyds on separate limited tracts and an excess loss only, the insured bearing all losses below this limit. The Phoenix Insurance Co., of London, is, however, this year writing some insurance upon green standing timber in Oregon and Washington, with certain restrictions, and at rates varying from 1 and 1½ per cent. The timber must be accessible to markets, not unduly exposed to fire hazard, and only one risk is taken in each fire zone or area indicated by the Company. No risk is written greater than $17,500 in any one such area.