The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-04-12
FROM THE LAKE CITY.
An Interesting letter From The Faci1e
PEN Of Mr.. M. Il. Mikner.
CHICAGO, March 81, 1882.

CHICAGO, March 81, 1882.
To the Editors of the River Press
Throughout this part of the East the agri-
cultural and stock raising resources of Mon
tana claim the greatest attention. At the
Stock Yards our cattle are in high repute. An
experienced buyer who has been in Montana
states as his opinion that the average cattle
there are fully equal to the average Illinois
stock. Only the finest steers are used in the
export trade, not uufrequently those from
our Territory bring as high as SIC for that
purpose. In the pens the appearance of
other range cattle is in marked contrast to
them. The large-boned, coarse Texans sell
dom bring SC and are used for common
domestic trade and canning, everything that
is crippled, emaciated and on its last legs is
used for the latter purpose. Hereafter bacon
and beans will be good enough for me when
l can't obtain fresh meats, the Indians who
relish an old paunch may also have the nicely
labeled canned meats.
In the light of observation and converse
ton with dealers here cannot too strongly
range cattle to deteriorate. The standard
should be raised by the introduction of some
hieh-grade bulls into our herds every year.
The policy of this will be felt when the N:
P. r. R. enables us to easily market our sur
plus at the East.
In this city mining is temporarily in disre-
pute At the time of the Leadville excite
ment that form of investment became the
rage; companies were organized On mere
surface prospects large sums were put in
mines that had no existence save on paper,
and mining exchange established in build
ing erected for that purpose. Bye and bye
the unsubstantability of many Of these
schemes became known, and public conf
dence was shocked to degree from which it
will not soon recover. The Mining Board
was discontinued. Now, unless man with
project is favorably known he is set down
for fool or a rascal From this city CAPT
tai can only be drawn into mines the richness
of which has been demonstrated. A good
development must be made, showing some
thing substantial, ,,s - III nita';ata will 60 70
the expense of investigation. have enlisted
the attention Of some men of means who de-
sire to be kept Informed of matters at Bar
ker with view to future investment.
| Such profound ignorance prevails regard
ing Montana and methods Of doing things
there that it becomes very tiresome replying
to questions. Nearly all persons go through
tie same formula, about as follows:
"Well So you're living way out there in
Montana now 2"
"Well How do you like it out there? ?'
"Well! You must have pretty cold weather
up there; everything must be frozen up the
greatest part Of the year.
''Aint you bothered great deal by tie
Indians; don't thev Kill your s ok, and aint
you scared sometimes =
"What do you do for women out there"
"Do you have to feed your cattle in the
winter, and how can you tell your own when
they get off your ranch p
Some inspired idiots have asked: 'Do
you drive all your cattle in the barnyard
every night, and do you milk the cows twice
a day ?"
I answer these latter that we house the
cattle every night, groom them every morn
ing, and milk the steers as well as the cows.
An asthetc gentleman objects to the sys-
tenn Of brands and ear-marks as marring the
beauty of the cattle thinks that device
might be painted on them, and tag with
owners name attached to the horses In the
behalf of art have promised to mention
his plvn to the Association at its next meet
ing. M. b. MlLNEK.