Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1881-01-15
SATURDAY J~ANUARY.15, 1881.


bly, last fall, but of late we have heard
but little talk about the matter among
our people. 1t is high time that they
gave the question some thought. 1t is
likely that there will be some action
taken upon this law at the session of the
legislature, and a full expression Of the
desires of those most 10 be affected by
the operations Of the law should be
made pubic that our lcei H. ors may be
fully posted as to the wishes of their
constituents. Among the farmers there
seems to be but n opinion, and that is
in favor Of having a herd law in force.
The stock men naturally take the other
view ofthe case. They do not desire to
be obliged to herd their cattle if they
can avoid it, and which industry should
be- especially fostered, is what must bc
determined by the wisdom of our law
makers. Both the stockinan and the
farmer are great aids to our advance
ment, both add wealth to the county,
and should be encouraged to rs great an
cAtCIL DIS Is pOsSlOlC WIiiiobt Ahiii'SthE
upon the rights of the other. The two
industries can flourish much better
When separated by some natural barrier,
like a mountain range, Il large river, or
something Of that sort. But our county
does not admit Of any distinct scpara-
ton. Our tillable land occures in small
plats, which are taken up by the a%gricul-
turalist and made productive, while adj
Joining his improvements are thousands
Of acres totally unfit for farming pur-
poses, but bearing a heavy mat Of grass,
which renders it very desirable for the
stockman, who turns out his thou.ands
of head Of cattle to roam at will over the
range. Now, a conflict must inevita bic
occur, the cattle in a single night can
easily destroy the entire years labor of
the farmer, unless he has a remarkably
good fence to guard against their in
roads. The question arises which is for
the public interest, to make the cattle
man herd his stock or compel the farmer
to either fence or loose his crop. On
the subject ofwhich is cheapest and most
for the interest ofthe people, We find an
article from farmer, living near Stnrgis,
which gives the farmers side of the story
with remarkable clearness and point.
We produce extracts from it, believing
that it represents the views OF a large
majority of the farming population.
Speaking Of the necessity to build up
any permanent and wealth producing
industry he says:
In his recent report, the Hon. Secre-
tary Of the Treasury says: NO marked
or sudden change, which would tend to
destroy or injure domestic industries,
built up by faith in tie stability Of exist
ing laws, should be M. de in them
While This Is Il maxim that might pro-
fitably be kept fresh in mind by lcgisla-
tors generally, it is most tittingly appli-
cable in this especial case. The means
Of the farmer is invested in, and his la
Dor devoted to, the development of a
fixed industry, based upon IA reality,
ever bearing much more than is just
proportion ef public burdens, in marked
contradistinction to the migratory prop
CIty vi VIC IIlCil, Ont lOitlbE ilttiC
or nothing towards defrayin M current
or the liquidation of our heavy indebt- |
ness; being, at the time of assessment,
conveniently located over the line, in
some unorganized county in this or in
Wyoming territory.
We venture the assertion that ninety
five hundreths of the stock in these
three counties, upon which taxes are
paid, outside the hills, are owned by
ranchmen and others favoring a herd
law.
The aggregate cost Of fencing the
farms i'm this district. would not fall be-
low six hundred thousand dollars, or
about $500 each.
Although this trifing sum would be,
to us horny-handed farmers, a mere
bagatelle, yet, by "A little close figuring.
we discover where IA saving may be
made of 80 per. cent, of this amount,
which We can make use'of to much bet
ter advantage than by burying it i'm Il
stake and ridered fence. Levy upon
the hemes of us grangers-under special
act-an assessment that will realize Il
sum sufficient to defray all expenses of
guarding the roaming herds of our inn
pecuneous cattle kings. Appropriate
and expend it for that purpose, an1 the
thing is done.
Within the bounds of the agricultural
belt proper there is not enough grow
ing timber to supply the fuel demand
any considerable length OF time, and
1svt eaeugh. sciiring iaate:iai IL ~et.ciosc !
one per cent of our farm lands.
We do not present our ease to our
lawmakers ~ beggars asking special
favors, but as men knowing our rights,
and respectfully yet firmly requesting
that those rights be not dieregarded or
trampled upon.
The law under discussion is an act
providing a summary and inexpensive
process for the collection of damages
done by trespassers, wise in its provis-
ions. lust and equitable in its execution.
al the time of tho passage of the amend
,nent efTecting the Hills counties, but
little farming Was done beyond small
truck patches, and it wa not at that
time generally supposed that farming
could be made q success without irriga-
tions
Three wears Of successive cropping,
.o,yavor with Indifferent tillage vet