Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1905-02-22

bench lands might occasionally raise
grain crop without irrigation, but
generally speaking, and for general
crops. irrigation was necessary. With
the Big Snowy mountains as the base
Of supply. they would be able to irri-
gate. and he was sure the govern
ment would deal justly with the set
tiers who were striving. in the sweat
of their brOws, to grow two blades
of grass where only one had grown
before. So far as Montana was con-
cerned, said Mr.. Hilger, there had
been more illegal acts committed in
proving up on hOmesteads than under
the desert acts.
In conclusion, he urged all the set
tiers to be fair. conservative and hon
est, and said 1t was not necessary to
get excited over these contests. All
they need do was to present the full
facts, and the truth would vindicate
them. Nothing else was required.
Address by 3. c. White.
Before proceeding with the election
of officers, B. C. White was called up
on to address the meeting In respond
ing, Mr.. White said he had been &C.
quainted with the Rock creek bench
for many years, and as a settler, al
though he was chiefly engaged in
sheep raising, he was interested with
them in this question. 1t had been
recognized for years, said Mr.. White,
that the bench was a desert tract, and
to such an extent that neither he nor
the men he had been associated with
during all those years would nave any
thing to do with it for ranching. It
fo no
along and developed it with the pillow
that it was considered as good for
anything.
Believes They Are Safe.
These men," said Mr.. White, "set-
tied the bench under great hardships
The land department for several years
regarded the lands as desert, and |
believe the land department will now
protect the settlers in their rights,
not only on Rock creek bench, but
throughout the whole Judith basin.
For Is years | have tried to inter
est the sheepmen in organizing, but
with little success. and | am glad to
see that you see the benefits of such
action. | have come here to identify
myself with you in this effort to pro-
tect the settlers of the whole Judith
basin IN tnelr land rights.
Proceeding, Mr.. White described the
various steps in the reclamation and
cultivation of the land, and coming to
the question at issue said:
This contest is based on the
ground that crops can be raised on
the bench without irrigation, and
should therefore be classed as non
desert lands. Such a ,uling would
work great hardship and injury up
on real settlers. 1t should be stopped
now. Organization is what will pro-
tect you in your rights, and l congrat-
ulate you in coming out through this
storm to do your duty
"A storage reservoir scheme can
not be carried out now, and it may
be necessary to have a special agent
come here and classify the land. If
1t is classified as desert, let those
holding it go on witt. heir filings
We are on the semi-arid belt on this
bench, and we have had enough to do
to comply with the spirit of the des-
ert land act instead of being harrassed
by technicalities. If necessary, the
matter should be pushed right through
to the general land office, in order
that all the facts may become known.
Let me say that Is years ago l
rode over this bench when there wasn't
fence or tent on the whole of it
II the ranchers have come here and
made homes, and in doing so have
developed these lands until they now
have some value, don't let some pikcr
come along and snatch from their
hands tho fruits of their labors.'
Mr.. Writes remarks were vigorous
ly applauded, and the election of Off
GERS being next taken up, the follow
ing were chosen:
w. J. Owen, president, C. NJ. Clary,,
vice president; J. c. Hauch, treas
nrer; Albert d. Barney, secretary
Jchn Clark, Patrick Nihill, ]. C. Howe,
Frank Robinson and P. j. Elston, en-
ccutive Committee.
1t was decided that another meet
ing should be held on Tuesday, Feb.
II, at l p. M, and an adjournment
was then taken.
The association started out with a
membership of about go, and the sec.
rotary announces that others may Join
at any time by calling on him at his
place of business in Moore.