The Alaska Stone and Building Industry in 1885
Excerpts from
Mineral Resources of the United States, Calendar Year
1885
David T. Day, Geologist, Department of the Interior
United States Geological Survey
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., 1887.
Excerpt from the chapter on "Structural Materials," by H. S. Sproull:
"From a few sections of the country reports indicate some falling
off in the production of structural materials, but generally there
has been a gain for standard descriptions, and occasionally of very
decided character. The losses appear to be due to local influences
alone, having no further bearing, while the increase may be
accepted as a fair reflection from the entire country. The prime
factor, leading to a fuller production, was the low ruling cost of
material, which presented an attraction for consumption, and led to
larger investments in real estate improvements, especially in the
larger cities and their suburbs. Some increase in public works and
improvements has opened the outlet still wider, and promises
additional expansion. Notwithstanding the considerable increase in
quantity of material produced in 1885, the value only exceeded that
of 1884 in a few instatnces, and in some cases ran rather behind,
as the result of the lower values brought about by various
influences, as will be explained farther on. The profits of the
manufacturing interest have naturally become somewhat curtailed,
yet rarely to a serious extent, and there is very universal
testimony to warrant the assertion that no attempt has been made to
balance the shrinkage in price by lowering the grade of the
product; but, on the contrary, every reasonable effort was put
forth to enhance the quality and attractions as an additional
stimulant to consumption."
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