Gilpin observer., 1906-01-18
Western Live Stock Show.

1t is expected that there will be fully
5000 stockmen in Denver during the
week of January 29th to attend the con-
ventionS and first exhibition of the
Western Live Stock Show. The annual
conventions of the National Live Stock
Association, the American Stock Grow
ers' Association, the National Wool
Growers Association, and the Colorado
Cattle and Horse Growers Associa-
ton will be held during the week. 1t
is expected that the National Livs
Stock Association and the American
Stock Growers Association will be
consolidated at this meeting. The lat
ter association was organized year
ago in opposition to the determination
of the older organization to admit
packers and stock yards owners to
membership. Under the proposed plan
of reorganization the association will
be limited strictly to producers, but
will provide subcommittee of the eX-
ecutive committee through which the
packers, stock yards, commission men
and the allied branches of the industry
can cooperate.
One of the most important matters
coming up at this meeting is the ques-
ton Of controlling the grazing on the
public lands. President Roosevelt has
taken the position that stockmen
should pay something for the use of
these lands and orders have already
been issued compelling stockmen to
pay a fee for grazing on forest re-
serves. Chief Pinchot of the United
States forest service will be at the
meeting and each and all of the ma
tional associations have appointed COM
far xtith i'm
mittees will report to their conventions
of argument. Stockmen are well
worked up over the situation and while
they say they are willing to pay If they
can be assured grass, they object to
paying for the bare privilege of grazing
their cattle on the public lands in the
promiscuous fashion that has hereto
fore prevailed.
Another subject that will call for
strong discussion is the action of the
live stock exchanges at the Missouri
river markets in advancing the COM
mission charges for selling live stock.
There will be strong opposition to
this advance and there are threats
made that unless the commission men
promptly withdraw the advance the
stockmen will organize cooperative
commission companies to handle their
own live stock.
The Western Live Stock Show prom
ises to attract much interest. A strong
list of premiums has been offered and
for the first attempt the exhibition is
to be large and interesting. 1t
is the plan to organize permanent or
ganization during the show for the pur-
pose of giving annual exhibitions in
Denver, confined to stock produced and
fattened in the West. The exhibition
is open to stock from all states and
territories west Of the 1920 meridian.
which is the eastern boundary line of
Colorado.
Live stock organizations In the West
have become very strong and will in
the future exercise a strong influence
upon Legislation. both national and
state. The stockmen are united in
their support Of President Roosevelt's
plan for railway rate control. They are
also trying to secure reciprocity In
trade with foreign countries and will
demand tariff amendment to secure
that result.
The railroads have made low rates
to the conventions and reports re-
ceived in Denver indicate a very large
much larger than at any
previous conventions.