The engine draws air in through the intake, but also pumps air out through the carb pulse hole so your paper won't stick very well.
Put your engine back together and carefully check the pulse hole alignment. Many carbs look like they have two pulse holes, BUT ONLY ONE works make sure that you have the carb right. See if your engine will then draw fuel
Also is the carb OK or is it gummed up with old dried fuel, you may need to clean rebuild the carb