Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1902-02-12
THE WooLoRowERs' MEETING.

The meeting OF the Pacific North
west Woolgrowers' association held
in Helena last week was largely at
tended and proved both interesting
and profitable TO all concerned. Many
questions OF Importance to growers
were discussed by those familiar with
their subjects and competent to i'm
part information.
The address of President Power
was a plain business statement of
conditions combined with recommen-
dations as to the best methods for
Moolgrowers to pursue in order to re-
alize the most from their clips. He
believes the first step should be f0r
better and closer organization. Mr..
Power points out the evil results of
1900 when the bulk of the western
clips were thrown upon the market in
direct competition with each other.
depressing prices and leaving the ad-
y%antages with the purchaser for the
manufacturer. He said "the grower
was entirely at the mercy of the east.
ern dealer. He had everything to
lose, the dealer nothing"
Mr., Power is strenuous in his oppo.
sition to consignments and they no
doubt worked a great evil to growers
Ia 1900. Last year but very little wool
was consigned. the great bulk being
sold in local markets at fair prices.
Mr.. Power urged organization and co.
operation, believing them essential in
obtaining the best results. If il be-
comes necessary to hold wool for bet
ter prices il should be stored in New
York or Boston where facilities could
be obtained until conditions improv-
ed. Mr.. Power urged Improvement in
preparing clips for the market. There
IN a tendency to place all kinds of
wool i'm the same sack and when
.Empled in the market works a loss
to the grower as it p~reiudiees the buy.
er against his clip.
These are matters worthy of the
careful consideration OF growers who
wish to realize every cent their clips
are worth. Last season there were
many complaints as to the insolence
and indifference of buyers in the To-
cal market. Many woolgrowers were
compelled to stay weeks in the mar.
ket when they should not have stay
ed but several days. If growers can
get into a position where they can ex,
erclse a little independence and un.
concern there will soon come a change
ia the demeanor of the buyers. If
they have to hold their wool for q bet.
ter market ii should be done in ware.
houses at home or on the eastern sea-
board. But even selling at a lower
price than they deem their clips
worth has proven q better policy than
making conslgnments. 1t may become
necessary for state associations to Sc
cure storage facilities. il so the bene-
fits of organization and cooperation
will be manifest.
Elsewhere will be found as full O
report of the meeting as our space
will permit. There were a great many
questions discussed. chief of which.
ne doubt, was shoddy. 1t will be seen
that the association is in hearty sym
patty with the Grosyenor bill now be
fore congress. II is proposed TO KEEP
up the fight for pure wool whatever
the fate OF the present bill.
There were in the neighhorhood oil
n thousand growers in attendance and
the unanimity of the proceedings is
an evidence of the interest shown and
the determination to correct some OF
the evils that now menace the wool
growing industry. Those who could
not attend should not withhold theft
sympathy and aid in the good cause.