The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-02-04
SHEEP AND CATTLE WAR.
An Old Soldier Makes q Demand for
Justice.

An Old Soldier Makes q Demand for
Justice.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: As a num-
Der of the newspapers of the United States
have had more or less to say regarding the
So called grazing or sheep war between the
sO-called cattle men and sheep men of Colo
radO and in which most of them appear to
sympathize with the cattle men, would
like to remind your readers, as well as the
readers of other papers, that there are two
sides to this question, as well as other ques-
tions, and in my own and some other indi-
vidual cases think we are the injured par
ties. Now, in my own case for instance, j
have resided here, or in the neighborhood, for
at least Is years. / have raised family of
children here mostly. have always owned
and run sheep here. Last season / paid
in taxes here $16a.O7. Fifty dollars of that
was paid for inspection of sheep, so that
could get back home, or on my own range.
after driving ont to shear in the Spring. I
have put in dipping arrangements on my
Winter and Summer range, both, besides
paying out 81 500 on ranch property here.
My nearest neighbor, or the postoffice at
LAHORE, is two miles from me; not only that,
but had sheep here before many of the
men who are trying to run us out ever saw
this Western country, to say nothing about
having cattle. went down through here
with Maj. J. w. Powelrs Colorado River
exploring expedition the first time he went
down. Now, under the circumstances, would
it not appear that was entitled to run a
limited number of sheep here? notice
also that most, if not all, the newspapers
speak Of the sheep men being organized and
armed. 1t is not so. There is no armed
organization o.. the sheep mems side at pres
emit, at any rate. We hope to get our rights
without taking the law into our own hands.
So far, though, We cannot, it would appear,
get any protection from County or State
officials for our property. / have written to
both the Sheriff of the County of Routt, and
the Governor Of Colorado also. i have also
written to Senators Wolcott and Teller in
regard to the matter. have also addressed
a letter to the British Ambassador, Sir
Julian Pauncefote, stating that unless can
get my rights as an American citizen, and
the protection I demand as such, 1t Is my
intention to become subject of Great Bril-
tain, if can, and ren0unce all allegiance to
the United States, and forfeit my rights as
an American citizen. You can form sons
idea what my feelings are as an old soldier
of the Union, when = have no alternative
than to dc rs am doing. after following the
Republican parry and its doctrines for 80
years or more. In fact, was the only Nc
Kinley man in this precinct at the last elcc-
ton. have always been loyal, law-abid-
ing ci'iz u of the United States, end as such
demand protection FOR self and property.
l ask for no mans sympathy. I merely
ask for what is just and righi. Can you,
dear comrade, do any thing for me as regards
bringing this affair to the notice of the peo-
pie generally. You have much influence, !
am persuaded, in some quai tiers at Washing
ton. Any action on your part looking to
that end would be gratefully received
FRANK T.GooDMAN, LAHORE, Routt County
Colo.