Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1915-12-31
SETTLERS NOT
IN EARNEST

That unprincipled settlers are secur-
ing lands by homestead filings in order
TO control the range for large area
and for the purpose Of selling out to
the highest bidders when they receive
patents, was one OF the strong state
ments made Thursday by Hugh Sproat,
president of the Idaho Wool Growers
association in his annual address be-
fore "A large body Of wool growers in
attendance at the opening session of
the convention of the organization.
AS a protection to those wishing the
land for grazing purposes. Mr.. Sproat
held that the same system should be
invoked in regard to all lands the
same as though they were within a
national forest-a classifying of the
lands to determine whether or not they
are grazing or agricultural lands and
if found only fit for grazing, he stated,
homesteaded. Mr.. Sproat's address
showed that the wool growers have
had a most prosperous year and that
for the business condition looked
bright, but that the grazing outlook
was poor and that the sheepmen were
gradually being forced and would have
to get into the political game and fight
for their rights if they desired 10 con-
time in business.
He spoke as follows: -
"The year 1915 has become history;
it has been a successful year for our.
industry; wool has sold at a good price.
and mutton and lamb have sold higher
than ever before.
Climatic conditions during the
spring were favorable, large pereent-
age of lambs were raised and in most
districts, lambs were fat when mark 8
eted.
1.-The summer and fall, however. were
exceptionally dfy and- water was scarcs
over practically all of southern Idaho
Our stocks are not going into the
winter inaverage condition, but hay
has been purchased to a much greater
eStent than formerly, and with the
oro - weather we have 50 far enjoyed,
we can reasonably look with confidence
for the beginning of spring.
Outlook Is Good.
"The outlook for high prices both
- --oo1 o,1 ~,,-+o,, s- --1o=. -,o-,e,-
'or legitimate investment can readily
De obtained. in fact, within the bust
less. conditions could not be much i
proved. An undoubted shortage 4
iheep exists; the drought has ii
,eavy toll Of the Australian flo{
he Argentine wool clip has been
y disposed of to the warning na{
+ Europe and prices are advah-4
n the foreign markets.
"Outside of the business. however,
hings are going from bad to worse
'T do not desire 10 pose as pessi-
hist, but must acknowledge that the
utlook for continuation Of our bust
ess is decidedly pessimistic. 1t has
ever been the aim Of this association
, enter into politics. we have asked
IT concessions from the different
gislatures, but a prejudice exists
yainst our business. very largely due
misunderstanding Of actual con
tions.
Time Has Come to Fight
II believe she time has come TO call
spade q spade. 1t is up to this as
citation to fight for the existence Of
r business or quietly give up the
ost. We are not the villains in the
ay we are pictured to be; we are do
2 as much and maybe more. than
r neighsor for the prosrvsity of our
tie and if we fight and lose, are We
ing to be any worse OF than we have
IN, turning first one check and then
, other, and getting it handed to US
m all sides?
We cannot obtain conviction of per-
IS arrested for sheep stealing from
7 jury. even on the presentation OF
most damning evidence against
m. The two-mile limit law is being
d largely for Matchmaking purposes
; supreme court has held that we
not run our sheep on range pre-
Isly occupied by cattle without
uniting a misdemeanor. We are
ninals. subject to arrest at any time
ask no special privileges, but we
ask the privilege of conducting our
mess along legitimate lines.
5 II then advisable for this associa-
TO lay our case before the people.
Eli the people as a whole just what
are up against and to ask for relief
will we take the knocks as they
e. tin our industry is destroyed and
'own through history as the men
did not know enough to get to-
Continued on page four,1