Bill Barlow's Budget

The Laramie Boomerang of recent date quotes Mr. E. S. R. Boughton, manager of the Ione Land and Cattle company, as saying that more cattle are now being stolen than ever before. Two outfits in Northern Wyoming are now preparing to move to Montana, because they claim they cannot secure protection in the territory from cattle thieves. This condition of affairs, he says, is due mainly to the prejudice which exists against the stock growers Association. So deep seated is the prejudice that even when the association secures the indictment of any one for cattle stealing it is impossible to obtain his conviction. The association has only a comparatively small fund at its disposal for its protection, and the fact that its efforts to secure the prosecution of thieves have proved in a great measure a failure is being taken advantage of by those who make their living by preying upon the herds of others. It is said that many of the section houses along the line of railroads are now being supplied with meat stolen by those from whom it was purchased.