Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1906-07-10

buyer for jeremiah, Williams &. Co.
of Boston, arrived in the city last
night, being the first of the buyers to
arrive. Frank Eschleman is expect
ed to get here this evening and sew
| eral others will come in before the
end Of the week. In speaking con-
| corning the wool situation to the
| Democrat, Mr.. Patterson who is con-
ceded to be not only one of the fairest
but also one of the best informed of
the buyers who operate in the west
said:
II can not say just when the buying
season will open but it will not be be-
fore the first Of next week. There is
only about three quarters of a million
pounds Of wool in the warehouse and
the greater portion of that has al
ready been Sold They are now baling
out some of the clips already dis
posed of and we will start the sales"
| When asked concerning the prices
which are likely to prevail, Mr.. Pat
terson said that he believes that the
growers are holding their wool for
higher prices than the situation jus
titles.
/ 'We paid the very top prices last
year." said the buyer "and I am sure
that the market does not justify any
better prices this year. 1 do not wish
| to take a pessimistic view Of the sit
uation but the fact remains that very
wool houses on the last year clip some
of which had to be carried over. | be-
lieve, however, that there will be no
difficulty between the growers and
buyers. There is no use in our pay.
ing prices which will not permit US to
make cent on the transaction and
am sure that the growers will apprec-
late our position when they study
the general wool situation fully. 1t is
my opinion that we will get together
all right. The growers will get good
price and we will have an opportunity
to make something on our purchase"
Mr.. Patterson will leave in the NOR
ming. for a short trip down the line
to look at some wool but will return
before the end of the week.
In it's review of the wool market for
the past week, the Boston CONNER
cial Bulletin says:
After a prolonged inactivity, the
market is now showing indications of
soon awakening from it's lethargy. A
greater interest is being evinced by
manufacturers, and, in fact, bet
ter tone is generally apparent. How
ever, the increase in business is not
particularly large, but the manner in
which mills have been consuming
wool for some time past, as proved by
the heavy Withdrawals from bond and
warehouse, seem to excite the hope
Of substantial activity within short
time. Within a few weeks. the new
woods will be in better assortment.
and buyers may then show their hands
The high basis Of values, as argued
by several merchants, will tend tc
make manufacturers conservative in
their operations, and prevent them
from buying large lots of wool at one
time.
1t is quite generally conceded, how.
ever, that prices will not go any lower
but the question of a higher range is
now a perplexing one. In a way, the
entire situation is confusing, for un.
der present conditions both here and
in the west, merchants are face tC
face with two alternatives, either
small profits or possible losses. This
condition can only be changed by ad
vances on the local market. Such {
course would meet with decided op
position on the part Of consumers
who feel that they are now paying al
that wool is worth. Whether thei
antipathy to a higher basis can b.
overcome by future conditions is tn
vital question to the merchants VIII
have bought wool above market rates
Purchases are still being made il
the west, and during the past weel
at least 100000 pounds have beel
taken. No material reduction il
growers asking prices for good clip
has been made. but in some section
better understanding between buy
er and seller seems to have devel
oped. Many influences have bee
brought to bear on the situation, 1
order that lower prices might be &C
cepted, but the sheepman have quit
consistently maintained their posit