The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-06-03
CONDITIONS REGARDED AS Ex.
CEPTIONALLY FAVORABLE.
IN RESPECT TO LEWIS7oWN
Comparison of Billings Market and
Its New Rival to the
North.

Although quite early in the season,
considerable wool is arriving at the
local warehouses and everything
points to an active market. Condi-
tions are regarded as exceptionally
favorable, both as to prices and bet
tered facilities for handling the clip,
as everything has been done to move
the seasons crop expeditiously and
safely.
At the Northern Pacific warehouse
arrangements have been made to run
the presses by electricity, modern mo-
tors of the most approved type hav-
ing been installed for that purpose.
Old and experienced men have been
secured to attend to the baling, while
nothing has been overlooked to con-
serve the interests of the growers
Large cars are being assembled for
the benefit of shippers and no delay
on account of the scarcity OF trans
pcrtation is apprehended. A we'll
lighted sample room is. one of the
conveniences provided for the display
of wool to the best advantage of the
seller, and on the whole 1T may be
said that better equipped warehouse
does not exist anywhere in the coun-
try.
As to Lewistown.
1t is possible that the establish
ment of market at Lewistown may
have a slight effect on the market of
Billings, but it is the opinion of we'll
informed woolmen that Great Falls
will feed the presence OF the new
competitor more. Even this is hard
ly conceded by some.
Those who know whereof they
speak say that the flockmasters will
not be blind to the superior attrac-
tions of an old and established mar
ket and the advantages to be had by
selling here. A regularly organized
exchange is one OF the features of the
Billings market. There is never
scarcity of buyers and all of the great
wool houses of the country are an
nually represented by agents eager to
secure every pound of the staple pos
sible. On the other hand, it is con-
tended, no reason exists for believ-
ing that buyers will care to leave
market possessing every facility
necessary for the prompt and con-
venient transaction OF business to go
to one that at best can only be regard
ed thus far as an experiment. Then,
too, Billings is the natural center OF
an immense wool growing area ex--
tending into two states, while Lewis
town, at best, may hope to attract
sellers from only limited territory,
and once it's wool disposed OF no rea-
son exists for expecting receipts from
sections far removed. These matters
are all bound to be considered, SAY
those who have given the question
any LnOuSnt or dLeLnIlOn, ana buyers
will be governed by them to a large
extent.
1t is conceded that some who in
former years brought their wool to
this point will go to the new market
this season-local pride will be the
motive in some instances-but it is
not regarded as likely that their num-
ber will be large. Flockmasters are
noted for their conservatism, and
those that know them best are free in
predicting that not many will care to
take their product to market that
at the most is as yet to be regarded
only in an experimental light, not
when they may have the benefit of
one long established and where COM
petition is always active and the de-
mand good.