Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - ISGS New Mineral Lab [PAGE 6]

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This is an unsound economic condition. Considered from every angle, the welfare of the State demands that this decline cease. We believe that by ascertaining fully our mineral resources and all of the possible means of utilizing them, one of the most effective means of arresting this decline will be accomplished.

EFFECT OF DISCOVERIES OF NEW DEPOSITS AND NEW INVENTIONS

Aside from the very great competitive pressure from other areas, is the fact that the mineral industries are in a state of change, due to the constant discovery both of new deposits in the field and new uses by research laboratories and of new inventions and changes affecting recovery, processing, transportation, and marketing. Consequently, new problems are constantly presenting themselves for solution. Information must be secured regarding the adaptability of Illinois' materials, active research prosecuted to find further uses, and a knowledge of economic factors obtained.

CHANGES I N TRANSPORTATION

New forms of transportation are dynamic factors in the present situation. Pipe-lines have proved economical in the transportation of petroleum, gasoline, and natural gas from the mid-continent fields into the Middle West, delivering these fuels at the doors of the consumers at rates competitive with Illinois coal, coke, oil, and gas. The Great Lakes also afford cheap transportation for eastern coal into Wisconsin and Illinois ports for distribution in Illinois and within the natural geographic territory of Illinois coal distribution to the north and northwest. Shipment by boat from the northern and western shores of Michigan have brought high-calcium limestone and sand and gravel into Illinois in competition with our own deposits. The opening of the new Illinois Waterway will offer opportunity for favorable movement of much raw material heretofore inaccessible, when the quality and uses have been developed by research. It may also give opportunity for importation of materials from outside the State which can not now have an economic inflow. Chicago is already the second largest manufacturing district and distributing center in the western hemisphere and will attract additional industries by reason of the Illinois Waterway, Other points along the waterway will also attract new industries which in turn will influence the growth of our mineral industries, provided their products can compete with those obtainable from other areas. [71