The Delta independent., 1909-01-08

termed IAN unwritten law" of range
rights; we have watched the on
ward march of countless herds and
f1ocks continuing their endless search
for "a haven of peace and plenty
until the remotest recesses of our
once pioneer ranges are reached and
demolished. The reaction is severe;
instead of peace and plenty, the pic
ture is a real scene of bloodshed, de-
bauchery, lawlessness and ruin. The
desperation enter the very store
houses of civilization and in their
struggle for existence, take that
which does not belong to them. In
deed, the scene, in a broa-, sober
thought, is one of awful decay. and
there is no silver lining to the cloud
save the strong arm of the written
law which has assumed control of
some OF our grazing resources. and
soon to take charge of all. Our for
est reserve ranges furnish one of
the examples of this control; and
we observe that where the stockmen
participate in the enforcement of
the rules which constitute the con-
troll, in that honest business-like way
which should prompt him in all other
business enterprises. success crowns
their efforts There is now before our
very eyes that striking contrast be-
tween a business system in our in
dustry, and a vague forlorn hope
which has been the stockgrowers'
only consolation through all these
years of open range experience. In
summer the controlled range of the
forest reserves offer the written guar
antee of range rights and privileges;
in winter the uncontrolled ranges Of
fer the historic turmoil and conflict;
and, with every sober reflection upon
the situation prompting us, we are
constrained to assume the position
that any organization or individual
who opposes in any manner (no mat
ter whether ignorantly or wihfully)
our forest reserve administration of
our ranges and some wisely arranged
law of control of all our public do
main as well, is a sore menace to the
best interests of our industry.
We deplore the fact that our par
ent organization. the Colorado Cattle
and Horse Growers association, has
maintained and does maintain a
strong opposition to us on this most
vital subject. And, whereas. we be-
lieve a continuation of our member
ship and financial support to the par
ent organization in its wanton, de-
structive fight against these, our best
interests, is suicidal and therefore un-
reasonable, we recommend the with
drawal of our membership from the
Colorado Cattle and Horse Growers
association; and If our recommends
tion meets with your approval, We
trust your action in the matter will
be accomplished by a full expression
of regrets over its necessity; for We
must recognize that the parent or
ganization is in position to be of
untold benefit to the livestock in.
dustry of the state. We trust that
you will remember them in resolu-
tions ON commendation for the serv-
ices they have rendered in bringing
about the enactment of state laws
favorably adapted to our business.
We recommend the adoption of
resolutions commendatory upon the
American National Live Stock asso-
citation for its untiring efforts in be-
half of our industry in influencing
national legislation regarding our
public lands. forest reservations, rail
road service. meat inspection and
foreign markets.
We ask you to also remember our
livestock inspector. Cassius Sampson,
in strong commendatory resolutions.
Especially do We recommend the
adoption of strong resolutions favor
ing a national law for the extern
sion of forest reserves and govern
ment control of public lands.
With best wishes for the success
of our association. we subscribe our
selves faithfully.
Committee.