The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-06-08

| ty of single and absolute system in all the
operations of handling, from the time they
are entered upon the ranges until they are
driven to the Eastern market, is SO apparent
that we are surprised thet action looking to
| the perfection of one has been deferred sc
| long. Great confusion has arisen, and Is
constantly arising in the matter of vents and
| brands, in the matter OF representation in
rounding up, and from the numberless other
causes which operate when, as at present,
every man is limited within his own system
and style of management
The Territorial organization has done
much towards reducing this confusion, in con-
currence with various county organizations,
but as yet not sufficient interest has been ta-
ken to render that effectiveness demanded
by the interests involved. Frauds and losses
are constant that could be prevented by
unanimous and corrected action. The stock
needs to be improved upon methods which
have been demonstrated by experience to be
the best for our climate. Fair and intelli-
gent disposition should bemade Of mavericks
and other unclaimed struggling stock. The
whole system Of vents and brands needs re-
vision and arra ngement which will reduce
the confusion and render alterations and
frauds il transfer impossible or reduce them
to a minimum.
Strangely enough, the most opposition to
organization comes from the small holders,
who by the nature Of their weakness, their
number, and scattered condition, are in most
need OF it. There is fear among them that
somehow, if they are parts Of an association,
they will bind themselves ii such way that
they will be subordinate to large owners, who
will have a monopoly that will be oppressive
to them But this idea is false one, from
the fact that il the larger owners choose to
make monopoly, it would be much easier
done were the small holders divided and in
capable Of action, than they would be il COM
bined and il condition to unite on COM
mon plan Of action. Then it must be re-
membered that the small holders really ag-
gregate the greater part Of the stock business,
and would themselves influence a greater de-
gree Of recognition i they were once
united and capable Of expressing their
wants It is from this class Of holders that
most Of the confusion ID handling stock is
due, and with whom there Is the least sys-
tenn in branding and venting, and this is not
eauaed so much b. 10 li.4esaaI earelessness, as
from actual inability to create 8 system,
where there are SO many systems.
It is an absolute necessity to reduce this
confusion to single system, for the troubles
resulting from it are constantly increasing,
and will continue to increase by a regular
progression, as the business in stock ia the
Territory increases and unless the confu-
sion is allowed 10 run on until 1t becomes
hopeless it should be offset by united effort
to reduce it, and that at once. We have re-
counted only few Of the causes which op-
crate to make action necessary, and set forth
but few Of the advantages that would result
from organization and united cooperation,
but enough has been said to call attention to
the question, to those whose experience in
the stock business renders full explanation
unnecessary.