, 1884-04-08

Charles W. Wright was retained and a
permanent engagement was effected with
ex-Sheriff n. X. Boswell. Much of their
work has been of such a nature
that cannot be properly discussed in
detail. 1t is sufficient to say that
their efforts have been wisely directed
and have been remarkably successful. A
large number of the leaders in the most
prominent cases of theft, and which are
generally known to the public; are now
in arrest and under Indictment, some hay
ing been overtaken in Texas and Arkan-
sas. The expenditure, though large, has
not been greater than was anticipated and
cheerfully guaranteed by the association,
and the result gained fully justified it.
The committee is entirely satisfied with
the work thus far accomplished by Judge
Wright bureau, and believe that it need
only be continued with equal energy for a
reasonable time to free the country of the
men who make n profession of cattle
stealing and to make the risks of stock
owners small and equally secure.
One other important matter demands
attention. A very large number, possibly
100000 head of Texas stock cattle, have
been contracted for delivery in Wyoming
and Nebraska during the coming summer.
1t is proposed that a part, at least, be
brought by rail to Ogalalla. Should this
be done, there is serious reason to believe
that splenlc fever may be introduced
among our herds. The long drive of
800 miles, general change of water,
grass, climate and altitude have hereto
fore prevented the Texas stock from con-
veying to our cattle any of these cases of
disease which have repeatedly marked
their course among the states cattle of
Missouri and Illinois. This territory has
for ten years been one of the largest Gus
TONERS of Texas and wishes to continue
so. We wish to say and do nothing
needlessly injurious to their interests or
which might prevent the freest transit
and exchange; but if shipping by rail re-
moves a Safeguard, as is the opinion of
many men of high professional standing,
it is necessary both for Texas and Wyom-
ing that their c%attle's healthfulness should
be rendered certain before being
turned loose. A breaking out OF
disease here from that source would stop
the trade forever and injure Texas faI
more than any precautionary measures
could do. The above caution applies only
to Texas cattle brought from the extreme
south bV rail.
| am glad to be able TO state further
that during the past autumn the commit
tee received through Hon. Il. s. n.
Morgan, then acting governor, a persona
inquiry from the British government as IL
the freedom from disease of Wyoming
cattle. To this the committee were able
to reply emphatically that Il careful ex
animation of all sections of the territory
by the official veterinarian showed tn,
entire absence of any contagious diseas,
and afforded the strongest possible proc
that none had ever existed within Oui
borders.
These important questions have required
50 much space that brief notice only can
be given to the ordinary business of the
association.
CATTLE INSPECTIONS.
The number of cattle inspected for the
season of 1888, together with strays found
and reported to owners is as follows:
Total Strays
At Council Bluffs covering
shipments over Union
Pacific railroad, includ-
ing Julesburg branch. ITO, 1873 I,6l5
At Pacific Junction over
Burlington x Missouri
railroad. ....;;.......; ll,s26 C5
At Valentine, Neb., and
Clinton, Iowa, over Sioux
City & Pacific railroad. 4,679 II
At st. Paul over Northern
Pacific railroad. ........ 81, 800 ia
AT Rosebud Indian Agency 1854 10
At Pine Ridge Indian
Agency .a......,,. 29,2ss lC
At Custer, Camp Clark.
Deadwood, Fetterman,
Washable, and other
points .....s-.... I,45O 81
Killed by trains on Union
Pacific railroad. -. CSC 655
Total. ........... lS9, S3l 1000
The nineteen hundred strays whose
value is returned to owners represent
about $40, 900. In addition to the above
probably 100, 900 head have been inspected
upon the trail when crossing Wyoming
ranges going north. The sum named
above represents bit a fraction of the
values actually saved.
In accordance with the bylaws the
names of the following members will be
dropped from the rolls for causes attached
to each:
Clark Howard, William Hugus, b. F.
Ryan, John III. Smith, and VIM. Dolan,
non-payment of dues and assessments.
q. b. Grow, s. ID. Hunter, Jas. s.
Hay, w. II. Hackney, A. Nj. Jones, j.
Z. Kingman, II. II. Player, and b, F..
Carpenter, designations recieved-S.
In all from various causes-l3.
By report of April, 1888, our member
ship was 1877. During the past year we
have elected ninety-seven regular and
two honorary members, and the roll now
shows in active association two hundred
and seventy-three. We have on our list
applicants for membership fifty. four. As
previously stated, and owing greatly to the
developments of crime exceeding belief.
which have been reached by the commit
tee and their efforts towards its suppress
sion, together with the volume
of works and wide territory covered, the
yearly outlay of funds has been large.
For the twelve months ending this date.
we have paid:
For inspection of all kinds . .$25, lI5 ~
For general expenses. . 1882 40
Total sos, 36S 81
As every month brings applications for
membership from distant sections. and
urgent requests to extend our protective
labors over new interests the committee
recommend hat four members be added
toits present number, viz:
One to represent the Dakota interest
centering at Deadwood.
One to represent the Montana interest
centering at Miles city.
One to represent the cattle located in
Crook county, Wyoming.
One to represent the cattle located in
Sweetwater and Fremont counties,
Wyoming.
In conclusion the committe have only
to add that their efforts to serve you and
to perform their duties have been labori-
80. nv