The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-11-08
HORSES DIRT CHEAT.
Thousands Roam the Plains Of Eastern
Oregon, with No Owners-

Portland oregonian
Mr.. j. W. Howard. of Prinevile. one of
the wealthiest stock raisers of Eastern
Oregon. is in the city on business, accom-
panied by Mr. Frank Hampton. Mr.
Howard has Just sold 800 head of cattle
to 3 South Omaha packing house. and he
drove the band from PrineviIle across the
mountains to Willow creek. in Maheur
county. where the Eastern buyers are
pasturing about 1000 head preparatory to
shipment. The alfalfa there grows in
great abundance. and rich pssturage is
afforded for an almost unlimited quantity
of stock.
Mr.. Howard received about cents per
pound for his cattle on foot This was
the average price for the band. Beef has
not been as low In years, and there is
great complaint among stockmen over the
present outlook, but Mr.. Howard says he
has done very we'll with his steers, even
at this present low price. The stock
raisers are shaping themselves 10 bear the
burden OF extremely low prices for at
least twelve months. by which time they
believe the price will advance materially.
MT. Howard says that there are more
horses in Eastern Oregon than human in
habitants. and that they are running wild
and in many instances are unclaimed
The horse market Is utterly demoralizei.
according TO Mr.. Howard. Several wears
ago there was more money In horses than
cattle, but during the past i've years a
great change has taken place in these con-
ditions. Now there is scarcely any demand
whatever for horses. and the breeder In
Eastern Oregon has turned his sttsntion
20 other pursuits The future of the horse.
in consequence OF the increasing use of
electricity and steam for motive power. is
indeed very uncertain.
Since the invention OF the cable and
electric street car" said Mr. Howard
''horses have been in small demand.
With horse cars IN large cities, millions OF
horses were utilized annually. Then
there were thousands OF other instances in
which horsepower was used and is now
supplanted BY electricity. Not being able
20 sell the large supply OF horses on hand,
most OF the rsnchers of Eastern Oregon
turned them loose 10 care for themselves
In this Wild state they increase very fast.
and yon can find them roaming in small
bands on every hail and on every plain OF
the largest part OF Eastern Oregon.
"of course. the horses. in most instances.
are claimed bv some one, but there are
many owners who don't take the trouble
TO brand their colts, and are certain 10
lose them. lca can buy horses at any
price. | can take you to one man "a ho
will sell yoa haad Of over 900 young
horses. a. fst as bulls. for s4on. IL this
price il too high, can show you where
you can buy horses, in any quantity for s.
per head.
- don't know what We are going 70 do
with tAe horse. Daring my recent trim
across the mountains / saw thousands
running wild a. any deer They usually
travel in bands OF soar or Eve, aud are 50
thlek sherc Is no danger of getttag lonelv.
II you love horse. As NEST men do.
Some day. l suppose. we will kilI them
for their meat, the same as We do
cattle. In Europe this is done aos, aud
I'm told the meat . very tender and
wholesome. A horses hide Is vorth
about s. and is Will not be long before Ne
will he killing these intelligent animals for
their gsossy coats. This Is an awful
shame. bgt ws are certain 70 come 10 IL,
unless some new use IS found for these
fxvoFsse animals