The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1882-01-19
KANSAS SHEEP GROWERS.

The second annual meeting of the
Kansas Wool Growers Association con.
vened yesterday at Topeka Quite a
large number of sheep men were pres
ent at the opening session, and the
present membership is reported at
seventy-hve. The growth Of the wool
interest in this state during the. past
year is outlined by President COdding,
in his annual address to the association,
q portion of which We publish as fol-
lows: rt s-a. -. ~
Fellow wool growers: The first year
drawn TO q close. What was then an
experiment is now an established fact
Many errors have occurred, and hope
some things have been accomplished
that will in measure be compensation
for the failures. The predictions /
made at Emporia that we would retrieve
our good name on the condition of our
wool, has been more than verified, for
our heeces came to market IN better
condition than ever before. Hoping
that my acquaintance and intercourse
with the members of this association has
given them as much real pleasure as il
has afforded to me, also wishing each and
every one happy and prosperous new
year win make my report to you with
some suggestions for your consideration
and with the hope that our meeting TO-
gether may be both interesting and in
structive. Our first exhibit in this state
reflected great credit on the energy of
the sheperds who have fully kept mp
with the time in the improvement of
their fiocks. Many questions arose and
were decided TO the best of my ability
Our sheep house at the fair ground is q
model building, both in looks and ar
Fangements. Your secretary deserves
the lions share for its conception and to
the State Fair association is due our
thanks for its generosity and willingness
TO make this department success. You
will be called upon to take action on the
following points in regard to our next
exhibit: "1st, Will we hold our next
exhibit in conjunction with the state
fair? End, Shall our premium list be
open to the world or confined to our own
state, except sweepstakes? 3rd, The ap-
pointment Of committees on premium
list and plan of scaling points for prem
iums and management of the exhibit in
general as best meets your views.
Our sheep have increased in two years
200 fold and our wool clip the present
year will not fall far short OF 10000, 900
pounds, and can be sold readily on its
own merits in any of the leading mark
cts of the country. One Of the most I'M
poFtant questions for rs to decide is how
we can secure the largest return in the
simplest manner and shortest time. We
have three modes in common use: Sell
to manufacturers at home, send TO CON-
mission men or sell to wool buyers. Our
home manufacturers can use but small
fraction OF our clip, hence their prices
are based on large margin for ship
ment of surplus. The same can be said
Of wool buyers who would not enter the
field unless confident of gains. Through
the commission men comes next Now
am not one of those who think com
mission men are simply sharks. for 1
know to the contrary, and firmly believe
commission men are Just as honest q
class as any other and Gin view OF the
fact that we leave everything
The wool grower furnishes the cap
ital and sends il to the commission men
with the implied agreement on their
part TO let the commission men take out
what suits them, and return what Is left,
and no question asked. Il this right or
lust 20 grower or commission men No.
Then Let me suggest one remedy that has
been tried, and successful. Send an ac-
credited agent OF the association TO the
market TO represent growers. interests,
see how your wool is handled. Estab-
lish Just and friendly relation with the
disposers and consumers of your wool,
note fAnlts OF each clip, manner Of hand
ling, quality, and make reports 10 the
growers and let us all profit by the same.
By this plan, the simplicity and cheap
ness Of which Is its strongest point. We
protect ourselves and we do not attempt
9 revolution In trade, and more than this
we have the assurance Of the commission