Albuquerque evening citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1905-1907, 1906-09-18

The first annual convention of the
sheen and wool growers of New Mex
ico opened this morning at 10 o'clock
in the Elks' opera house with larger
number of delegates in attendance
than ever was present at any similar
convention held in either of the two
territories.
The stage of the opera house had
been tastefully decorated for the oc.
casion. Navajo rugs of beautiful
weave and design, manufactured from
New Mexico wool, were spread over
the floor, while at each side of the
stage stood a large bag of wool, one
secured, the other unsecured.
The upper boxes of the opera house
were draped with fine woolen blank
cts and Angora goat rugs. Not a seat
was vacant in the auditorium when
the meeting convened, after the First
Regiment band had rendered several
musical selections.
Prominent on the stage, in the
semi-circle, were Governor Hagerman,
Hon. Solomon Luna, Mayor Mckee,
Hon. A. A. Jones of Las Vegas, Hon.
+. j. Hagenbarth of Salt Lake, Utah;
DIR. ]. NJ. Wilson, vice president of the
National Wool Growers association,
and several others, while In the audi
ence could be noted men whose
names in the wool industry in New
Mexico stand highest.
Delegates appointed by the county
commissioners from every district OF
New Mexico, in addition to- some 25O
appointed by the governor and those
appointed by the Commercial clubs
and cities in the territory, were in at
tendance when Hon. Solomon Luna,
president of the fair association, and
of the Sheep Sanitary board, called
the convention to order.
Mr.. Luna made short speech, in
calling to order the meeting, telling in
a measure, what the convention had
been called for, after which Hon.
Frank Mckee, mayor of the city, was
introduced, and delivered the address
of welcome.
He spoke of the pride the city and
its inhabitants took in entertaining
such a large delegation of gentlemen
who represented New Mexico's great
est industry, wool and sheep growing,
and assured them that individually
and collectively, they were guests OF
the city, and as such, would be extend
OF Albuquerqueans.
Hon A. A. Jones OF Las Vegas re
sponded to the mayors address of
welcome He spoke, with feeling, OF
the ccurtesies and hospitality that had
been extended the visiting delegates,
praised the city, its inhabitants and
environments, and verbally applauded
the enterprise displayed by those in
,hnr nf no n o.
convention, closing by extending, on
behalf of all visiting delegates, his
sincere thanks fer the welcome ac
corded them
Governor Herbert J. Hagerman was
then introduced and addressed the
convention on matters pertaining tc
their inte rests.
The Governors Address.
Mr.. Chairman and Delegates
When the president of the Sheer
Sanitary board of this territory, the
Hon. Solomon Luna. brought to my
notice last Apri. the desirability OF
calling tnis convention, and said thai
he believed the time was ripe for the
organization of a strong association
of the sheep and wool growers of New
Mexico, | acceded to his request witt
the greatest willingness. knew
there was no one in New Mexico bet
ter acquainted with the conditions pre-
vailing in the sheep and wool industry
than be He is himself one of the
largest sheep owners and through hi.
long and intimate knowledge of the
industry. his thorough acquaintance
with all parts of the territory and his
eminent service on the Sheep SAM
tary board, is better qualified than any
Cne else 10 lead such a movement a!
this. The wisdom of his suggestion
is amply proven ~ the number o
delegates who have responded to the
call for this convention. Not only
have a large majority of those appoint
ed by the governor responded to the
call. but nearly every county, city
town and Commercial club have ap
pointed delegates who are in attend
ance. An organization beginning un
der such auspices as this one and will
so much enthusiasm is sure TO be sue
cessful and bound to result in grea
good. not only to the interests It rep
resents. but t1 the whole territory.
The sheep and wool indsutry II
now and is sure to continue to be fO
many years, the greatest and mos
important industry in this territory
On the first day of January, 1906, thu
nted States government reports
showed that Sew Mexico had almos
four million head Of sheep within he
borders Estimating their value con
serVatiYely they are worth fourteen
million dollars The sheep raisers en-
,ered in.o The lambing season in Apri