Page:The New International Encyclopædia 1st ed. v. 11.djvu/427

KANSAS. is not extensive. The increase in the value of these products during the decade 1890-1900 was 73.2 per cent. The utilization of the waste products gives rise to the allied industries of soap and candle manufacturing. Flour and grist milling is next in importance. Despite the discrimination of rates in favor of long hauls, and other obstacles which hamper its development, it is acquiring large proportions. In 1900 24 per cent. of the wheat crop of the State was ground by the State mills. The production of cheese, butter, and condensed milk by the factory process is of but recent origin in Kansas, but the increase from 1890 to 1900 was very significant. The importance of car and general shop construction and repairs is also due to the State's large agricultural interests, inasmuch as the extensive railroad mileage and facilities are required to handle the farm products. The zinc-smelting industry has been almost wholly the development of the last decade. This is the result of the abundance of fuel—coal, gas, and oil—obtained in the same locality as the zinc ores.

. The highly favorable situation of Kansas with reference to the transcontinental traffic, in consequence of which a number of the most important lines of the country traverse its limits, has given it a large railroad mileage, being exceeded by only four other States. The period of greatest development was from 1880 to 1890, during which time the mileage increased from 3400 to 8892 miles. In 1900 the mileage in operation was reported at 8714 miles. The mileage is much the greater in the eastern half of the State, where there are a number of north and south lines as well as east and west lines. In the western half of the State there are no trans-State north and south lines. Formerly the State suffered greatly from the lack of railroad connection with the Gulf ports, but this has recently been supplied. Among the important lines are the Union Pacific; Missouri Pacific; Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fé; Chicago, Rock

Island and Pacific; the Missouri, Kansas and Texas; and the Saint Louis and San Francisco.

. The wave of speculation which swept over the West from 1885 to 1891 greatly affected the banking business of Kansas. Heavy loans on overvalued real estate figured largely in the assets of the State banks, unrestricted in their activity by any control. When the panic of 1893 came, with a general foreclosure of mortgages, dozens of banks suspended. From 447 in 1892 the number of State and private banks decreased to 364 in 1898. The first comprehensive banking law was passed in 1891, and the office of Bank Commissioner was created. Due to the efforts of this official, an entirely new banking law was passed in 1897, which is in force now. This law contains stringent provisions as to the investments, overdrafts, liability of shareholders and directors, and cash reserve. Quarterly reports to the commissioners are required. The amount of loans to one firm is limited, and additions to the surplus are obligatory. These stringent regulations have put the State banks upon a solid foundation, and they share the confidence of the people equally with the national banks. The number of private banks is constantly declining, the reports showing 162 in 1892 and 41 in 1902. Incorporation of savings banks is authorized by the law, but very few exist in the State, and they are unimportant.

The condition of the various banks in 1902 is shown in the following table:

. The Constitution was ratified by the people in October, 1859, and went into