The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-04-19
ST0CKMEN IN SESSION
The Montana Association Is in q
Flourishing Condition.
A FLATTERING REPORT
A Large Increase of Membership Is
Snowman Address en- Grasses
by Professor Shaw - The
Committees Appointed

| Special Dispatch to the STANDARD.
| Miles City, April 1S.-At II O'Clock
this morning President John NJ Holt
called the Montana Stock Growers as
sociation together in their 14th annual
session. He then introduced Judge j.
w. Strevell, who delivered an address
OF welcome in behalf of the citizens
of Miles City, after which a very in
teresting address was made by Col
Charles H. Gould, further welcoming
the many visitors to Miles City, to
winch place so many seem always
glad to come and which is one of the
pleasantest jaunts each year of rail-
road officials and stock commission
men of Chicago and other Eastern
markets.
The secretary then read his report,
which is the most fattering one for
years. 1t showed a membership of
S35. an increase last year of 147 memb-
bers all of whom have paid their dues
Not one delinquent, an unusual show
ing with such a large membership. 1t
was as follows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the Con-
vention:
This meeting marks the commencement
of the 18th year of this associations exist
ence, and in accord with custom | desire
10 submit an annual report, in which is
Incorporated a statement of the associa-
TONS finances, as well as general report
OF its affairs for the year just closed. The
financial statement is as follows:
Total cash balance April 1. 1893
In stray account .......$ 81 49,. "a
In annual dues account hQ2
Total ......$ 90. SIS. SIS q, SIS. IS
Receipts
From sale of stray cat
tie ....,. ...... $22s, 64S. SO
From annual dues 500 1755O0
Total cash receipts
Total balance and receipts. 1854, 37B 81
Disbursements
To owners of stray cattle, from
stray fund ........ ...............s 22s, S42 90
For regular expenses, from an
nual dues account ............,.. 1884 40
Total disbursements for year $229, ZIG. 40
Balance
IN stray account .................$ q JS6 As
In annual dues account . 2el3 "a
Total cash balance April l.
1888 '',''''... -,....-... ......,..S q, 800. ~
In pursuance of resolution of the as
ISOLATION two years ago. the board of
stock commissioners annually employs an
expert accountant to examine the assoCi-
alton accounts, and his report for the past
year will be presented during the session
one year ago our total paid up member
snip aggregated only lSS Stockmen. but
at the last meeting the association au-
thorized the issuance of new association
brand book. which fact being generally
advertised, resulted in gain of 147 men,
bers. which places our membership to-
day at $50, without one delinquent mem
Der. the largest in the history of the as
ISOLATION. This material increase is very
gratifying, and yet there are many more
honest stockmen whose names should APP
pear our rolls.
The number We have enrolled does not
begin to represent the stock interests that
are receiving daily benefit from this or
ganizatiOn, and we should have the name
of every reputable stockman in Montana
upon our membership roll. The publica-
ton of brands alone is worth the annual
expense attached to membership, as these
books are placed in the hands of every in
spector, sheriff, mounted police, railroad
officials, commission houses anu all asso-
citation members, thus giving prominence
Der.
At its last meeting the ASSOCIATE re-
moved the initiation fee of S and the to-
tai yearly expense is now but s.. | be-
lieVe this step made possible most of the
past years growth. The Montana asso-
citation is everywhere recognized as one of
the most powerful organization of its
kind in existence, even with its compare
lively small membership, and yet we ought
q n | have ,;nl,
would make the prestige and influence OF
the association CORRESPONDENCE greater. A
few association members in each commu-
nifty are a decided detriment to the rust
ling element, and I believe if each of our
members would take the trouble to ex-
plain to his neighbors the benefits of as
sociation membership and solicit them to
join us, the result would be a steady and
rapid growth.
The prime object of the association is
the suppression Of rustling and the prose-
cution of thieves, and the smaller owners
particularly should cooperate with US in
this work, because they are the ones who
receive the greatest benefit About three
fourths Of our present membership is COM
posed of what may be termed small
owners and l hope that the ensuing year
will find many more taking stand with
us in this organization.
The new brand book has been distrib-
uted among the members, and judging
from the acknowledgements received it
met with general satisfaction and APP
prevail. 1t is the most complete book of
the kind ever issued, and represents, Il
great amount of labor and a consdera BILE
expense, consequently we are glad it IS
appreciated.
Some few members failed to respond to
our repeated notices for their brands, ETC.
and were compelled to exercise our
judgment in the matter. so that if there
exists any disSa tisfaction on this score
We could hardly be blamed as 1t was not
our fault. Such work is difficult to issue
with the material all at hand, but with a
mem hership scattered over several states
many remote from railroads or postoffices
it becomes very much more complicated
and a very considerable task.
The joint committee on legislation rep
resenting this association. the board of |
stock commissioners and the North Mon
tana Roundup association, were very |
successful in securing the passage of such |
lac