EUROPE: AUSTRIA-HUNGARY. 9 



The consumption of paper is likely to increase, but there is at 

 present such an overproduction that a movement is on foot among 

 the manufacturers to reduce the output. The Austrian paper in- 

 dustry has been in a precarious condition for some time, brought 

 about mainly by this overproduction and the growing difficulty at- 

 tending exportation. Representatives of prominent firms, several 

 stock companies among them, have had frequent meetings to discuss 

 this vital question. Hitherto, twenty-four hours' working time has 

 been the rule in the paper line. The decrease in manufacture is to 

 be reached by a reduction of the working hours. The propositions 

 made tend toward an abandonment of night labor, or an abridgment 

 of the twenty-four hours by six. The manufacturers base the pro- 

 posed restriction on the ground that most of them now work at a 

 loss. These bad conditions are explained in part by the rising price 

 of wood, a circumstance of much importance for cheap paper es- 

 pecially. The wood is dearer because most of it must be obtained 

 from Sweden. A sufficient amount of wood stuff could not be pro- 

 duced in Austria, for the reason that water power has greatly de- 

 creased, owing to infrequent rains in this year. On the other hand, 

 it is pointed out that the paper export, which formerly was very 

 large, especially to India and South America, has decreased consid- 

 erably, owing to unfavorable transport and freight conditions. 



The paper manufacturers are strongly of the opinion that the 

 restriction sought for will be brought about. Together with this, 

 there will probably be a regulation of prices, with a tendency to 

 rise. In case the manufacturers resolve on a decrease in produc- 

 tion, an inspection committee will be appointed to see that agree- 

 ments are kept. When, two years ago, the Sunday-closing law was 

 introduced, it was believed that this would cause a decrease in pro- 

 duction. But in order to paralyze the effects of the Sunday rest, 

 the factories forced production, and no difference in the results was 

 perceptible. 



The German nationality dominates the paper trade in Austria. 

 The most important provinces in this industry are North Bohemia, 

 Lower Austria, and Styria. 



PRODUCTION. 



There is undeveloped water power in distant mountainous dis- 

 tricts among the Austrian Alps off the railway. Developed water 

 power is estimated at 50,000 horsepower. Coal is the only fuel em- 

 ployed. The only means of transportation is by rail, and freights 

 are high. Raw materials for making paper consist of pine trees, 

 straw, and rags. Wood is cheap, though in some districts the 

 forest regulations for cutting timber are severe. There is railroad 



