| Abstract: | From the foregoing it appears that there are within the United States large stores of raw materials from which it is possible to obtain ample supplies of potash salts; that the technology of the subject is sufficiently developed to demonstrate the entire practicability of a supply from native sources, so far as physical factors are concerned. We can have “potash” if we really want it and are willing to pay for it. There are, however, serious commercial doubts affecting each of the four possible sources, and concerning the validity of these doubts opinions may well differ. Those most familiar with the problem are the most sanguine of the probability of commercial success.While it is undoubtedly true that governmental efforts can yet furnish assistance, there is a very serious doubt as to how far these efforts should be continued. The time seems to have arrived when the commercial interests should themselves squarely assume the tasks confronting them and the costs of what further experimenting is necessary. This they have been slow to do, but there is rapidly accumulating evidence that these interests are responding to the spur of necessity, and that sooner or later potash salts from American sources are to be upon the market. An early cessation of the European war might delay but can no longer stop the development of our potash resources. |
