The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1908-12-27
Utah Sheep Mems Eventful Year

There have been years in which wool
growers made more money. but 1908
viii stand out distinct from all others
in the history of the industry. Ii has
been a year af awakening and of or
ganization Of the casting aside OF
petty rivalries and getting together for
the benefit of all. Looking back on
what they have accomplished during
the year. the wool growers are inclined
to shake hands with themselves in con-
graduation. They have now a strong
Utah organization in direct touch with
their national association. and for the
first time are in position to protect
themselves against the trusts and main
tain standard of prices.
Buyers Fail to Appear.
At the beginning of the wool clip sea-
son the wool growers looked for the
buyers of their product to visit the cen
ters as usual. These buyers came as
far as Salt Lake and camped, refusing
even to go out and look the wool over.
In answer TO the queries OF growers,
the buyers said that their warehouses
were full; that they didn't care whether
they purchased any more wool or not,
and that they would only take the clip
al a reduced price.
Then the sheep men began to get to-
tude of the buyers, a committee. con-
sisting of John E. Austin and z. j.
kerns. was sent to Boston to investi-
gate conditions.
These men returned and reported the
real conditions of the market. which
were far from being as the buyers had
pictured. 1t was then decided at a meet
ing of representative growers to sell
only at fair prices, and if this were not
offered TO hold their wool until it was
forthcoming.
Sheepmen Get Together.
Some did not hold out But the
greater number of the Utah growers
held together and about LOCO, 600 pounds
of wool We're stored. The result was an
almost immediate advance of from to
cents pound in the price.
The results. however. were more far
kreaching than this. The activity of the
wool growers in the interests of the in
dustry was a factor in the bringing to
Salt Lake of the annual convention OF
the National Wool Growers association.
At this convention the storage move
ment was thoroughly thrashed out.
Chicago Enters the Game.
Then the business men of Chicago
took a hand. They wanted to make
chicago the wool center of America.
With this in view. they offered to
finance the storage movement in large
measure If Chicago were made the stor-
age point. The growers considered the
proposition and accepted the assistance
Of the Chicago business men up to a
certain point. A company was formed
to be known as the National Wool
Growers. Storage company It was de-
cided that the growers should keep the
control of this in their own hands. and
allotments of stock We're made to each
wool-producing state. These were read
lily taken up. portion was taken by
Chicago capitalists.
Hold for High Prices.
Though at first the storage movement
was confined TO Utah. it soon became a
national matter. All the states inter
ested in the wool industry Joined in the
organization of the company. with the
result that warehouse costing $500 600
viii be erected in Chicago. When con-
ditions are unfavorable for marketing
the product il viii be stored there to
await better prices
Besides the storage movement other
important questions were handled by
the Utah State Wool Growers associa-
ton. Committees We're sent to Wash
ington on matters connected with the
Industry. and a sharp watch was set to
head off unfavorable legislation.
The effort TO establish q forest re-
serve on the western desert. to be