The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-29
CATTLE SCARCE.
DiscOuraging Reports From
Western Ranges.
New Mexico and Arizona Short
on Feeders.
PRICES WILL GO UP.
Western Shippers Now Holding
For Higher Prices.
Annual Roundup Finds Cattle
Thieves.
PRICES WILL GO UP.

Denver, Colorado, June 29.-From
all parts of the west come re-
ports that cattle are scarce. This fact
is leading a number of cattlemen to go
long distances to make purchases, as it
is generally conceded that there is mon
ey in feeding. From Mexico there comes
a deficiency of nearly so per cent in the
number shipped through Colorado to
Nebraskan and Kansan feeders and the
totaI receipts of New Mexico also fall
far short of the customary.
This falling off of cattle passing
through Colorado is in accord with the
gross figures for the United States,
which are as follows: In April, 1897,
15,4S9 cattle passed across the Mexican
border into the United States, and the
same month this year showed IS, 1853.
For the first four months of last year
there were 1906 $40 received and for the
corresponding months this year there
were 1858, a less number than came
an during April, 1897. The reason as
signed for this years shortage is that
last year drained the Mexican frontier
From Las Vegas, N. NJ, P. ]. Town
er, inspector for Colorado, Kansas and
South Dakota, makes the following sig
nlncant report, which speaks for itself
During the month of May he inspected
1888 cattle, 1895 sheep. and 469 horses
making a total of 80 964 head, against
1O5,l for the same period last year.
These figures may be taken to mean
that stock owners are holding to their
ANIMALS in anticipation of q raise in
prices, which it is predicted is certain
in view of the war.
The Akron cattle pool, composed of
prominent Washington county cattle
men, are thoroughly cOgnizant of the
state of prices, and are endeavoring to
purchase large numbers of cattle. This
association has been in existence for
about three years and is constantly in
creasing in Importance and power At
present they have agents in California
who are negotiating for a large pur-
chase to be shipped so as to reach this
state by May. That is a patent indica-
ton that they believe in the continu-
ance of high prices. But it is not alone
in cattle circles that stock is on the
boom.
Sheepmen, too, are making a good
thing of it and are endeavoring to do
still better. The number of wool car
rlers in the northern counties and along
the arkansas is constantly increasing,
ana the industry is promising to rival
II not eclipse the cattlemen'S. One of
the most prominent sheepmen is d. T.
clark of Grand Junction, who recently
sold this years clip to Shoot & Co.. of
St Louis There were 10000 pounds
OF 1T, and he received 141s cents per
pound This is believed to be the Iarg-
est individual shipment ever made by
a Colorado man.
In addition to this herd there are
numerous others, some belonging to
Dtah men who keep their sheep in Col
orado the year around. Among these
Is James Mease, post trader at Fort
Duchesne. who netted over $4,000 from
a small herd last fall, which herd ranges
An Routt and Rio Blanco counties and |
Is largely augmented this year How
ever, the rise in value of spIit-hoofed
stock also has it's drawbacks.
1t was recently discovered by two |
prominent Deming cattlemen that at |
tempts are being made in that vicinity |
TO steal cattle by changing the brands |
on them They saw a large herd which |
had recently been under the hot iron. |
and. knowing that they had not been /
SOLO, they quietly investigated. 1t was /
found that the plan was being general |
ly worked, and several warrants were
sworn out for the arrest of suspected /
parties. Most cattle owners of that sec /
tlon are rounding up their herds to see |
If any are missing