The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-01-03
terest Of the patrons Of the bank as
well as the stockholders"
Mr.. Shepherd Talks Of Chance.

Mi. Shepherd Talks OF Change.
Concerning the above announce
ment, r. E. Shepherd had the follow
ing to say to The Gazette:
1T Is true that a number Of us
have taken an interest with Mr.. Moss
and his associates in the bank. We
believe in the soundness of the banks
in Billings, and that they are one Of
the essential factors in the growth
and development Of Billings and the
surrounding country.
1.-THE past few months have wit
messed one Of the most severe strains
that the banks Of the country have
been subjected to. It Is a matter
Of Just pride Of all business men that
the banks have been able to meet this
unusual demand with 50 little inter
ference with the general business OF
the country. There have been but
few bank failures in the country, and
these were due to peculiar local con
DISQUALIFICATION G&Ht&EG@s 1L.EG TaFR L&E4N2g3 HtA&|Ef
Litions.
THE banks Of Billings have shown
worthy Of the confidence
reposed in them. There are always
certain timid persons in every local
ity who are apt to want their money
at such a time as we have been 60
ing through, but Withdrawals Of this
have stopped. and we may
expect to see normal conditions,
so far as the banks ! concerned.
Future Of Billings.
1.-THE business Of Billings in a large
measure rests upon the sheep indus
try. Sheep and sugar beets are what
tring the new money into the coun-
try. It is plain to any one that this
Is a 'seasonable' business. We must
wait for these products to grow, and
curing such time the banks must
carry many Of its patrons, az to at.
tempt to force payment out Of sea.
son' would simply bring ruin and dis.
aster to all concerned. The import
ance Of all this, I think, is 90 evident
that no man would want the banks
to withhold reasonable credit to those
engaged in this business.
1.-The future of Billings will to q
large extent depend upon the settle.
ment OF the surrounding country. The
Yellowstone valley can support a
large population. The vast areas Of
land that have recently been made
available through the Irrigation pro-
jects Of the government and private
capital will in a few years give diver
sity to our marketable products. 80
that we shall soon not be 80 depend
ent upon the livestock business. The
development Of the coal mines now
going on about here will add largely
to the general wealth, and the com
pletion Of the new lines Of railroad
now under construction In this local
ity will AFFORD the facilities for doing
a greatly increased business. These
opportunities are attracting new men
and new capital to eastern Montana.
and Billings is receiving its full
share.
Marked Growth for 1908.
"In all this the bankers and busi-
men Of Billings have shown them
selves alive to the situation. Their
confidence rests upon q safe founda-
tlon, and I believe the year 1908 will
witness a marked growth In this val
ley, both in populm lon and wealth.
I'VE must, however, not be carried
away by the prospect. Economy and
conservatism are necessary in any
business. Values must be
kept within the easy reach of all.
There is q difference between boost
ing and booming To boost Billings
and the Yellowstone valley is to pre-
sent it's real advantages to the gen
eral public, and to assist in promot-
Ing any laudable enterprise which will
add to the general growth and pros
OF the community; while to
boom the town means imitation Of val
lies, speculation and general reck-
lessness, which IN the end brings dis
Rster.
.Lr-E i.
I'VE all have reason to be proud OF
Billings. 1t is an up-to-date city. We
have much to enjoy. The spirit OF
harmony is more and more In evil
and with 1t q confidence In one
that is so important II we
are to continue to grow and prosper.
Billings At Natural Center.
1.-The geography Of this part 0 {the
country makes Billings the natural
for eastern Montana and
Wyoming. II is up to US to
win this position on our merits, by
square dealing.
There is q place In this work for