The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1904-06-03
WHY THE GOOD PRICES.

HAMHMIH&N - NSO0
Compared with a month or slS
weeks ago, the outlook for the Mon
tana flockmaster is much brighter
and he has every reason for anticipat-
ing a good season, as the market
promises to be as good if not better
than last ear
Notwithstanding the continued low
prices reported from the east for old
stock, the demand for the new clip
is extremely lively and at figures that
would presage a loss to the dealer
were it not for the existing chain OF
fortuitous conditions. The wool now
buying in the states to the south and
west, if attempted to be sold on the
Boston market at the present time
could only be disposed of at a loss.
But the buying is not for present
want: the stocks now being laid in
are in anticipation of the demand
that will arise during the months to
come. The eagerness manifested by
the dealers is really remarkable.
Many instances are to be recorded
where wool has tDeen contracted tor
on the sleeps back, weeks in advance
of the time for shearing.
AS an exchange says, these men
are not buying in the dark" They
know what they are doing and are
conservatives of conservatives in
their special lines Of commerce.. Be-
lief in an increased demand caused
by a continuation of the present era
of commercial and industrial activity
is responsible for the eagerness with
which the woolbuyers have invaded
the initial markets of the west. While
it is true that the statistical position
OF the staple is strong and that this
is one of the factors responsible for
the exceptional activity of the buyers,
there is also another reason.
All are aware that in the years OF
presidential elections every branch
of the country's business and trade
is affected. Doubt as to national poll
cies, uncertainty as to legislation at
fecting the tatiff and many other
considerations enter into the plans
of those of the larger concerns, par
~ticularly ii their business is such as
compels them to compete with the
foreign producer. This year apparent.
ly there is none of this doubt. It
seems to be taken for granted thai
the republicans will be the victors
this fall and that whatever tariff
legislation may be attempted will be
by the party which has placed the
present schedules upon the statutes
and that no revolutionary or reaction
airy measures will be undertaken,
The confidence in republican success
more than anything else, is respon
sible for the energy that character
tiers in the west. We're it not fol
this confidence the statistical position
of wool would probably not be per
mitted to influence buying to any
great degree. The dealers would Of
fer what they considered a fair price
content to let the producer accept or
reject it. If acceptance were made il
would be at a price low enough to
guarantee protection no matter how
great a reduction might be made in
the duty on the raw woods of foreign
countries. If, on the other hand, the
price was refused, the dealer would
know. that he could still secure the
wool at a later date, for consignment
would surely follow failure to sell a,
home.
With a knowledge as absolute a:
is given to humanity to know any
thing not of record as an ~actuality
an event that has not yet transpired
the w%oolbuyers are proceeding will
the utmost confidence in their prepa