Arizona citizen. [volume] (Tucson, Pima County, A.T. [i.e. Ariz.]) 1870-1880, 1871-01-14

care, and L may be permitted to say
that you have the power to build a
monument that will last while time
endures, and generation after genera
ton will rise up and point to your
work if properly done as the first sue
cessful advance made in favor of free
education in this Territory.
1 have alluded to the Pima Indians,
but in connection with this subject, l
desire to observe that 1 was informed,
by the chief of that tribe, last sum-
mer, that what they most desired,
were schools to educate their children.
He said they had means in abundance
for their support, but schools were be-
yond their reach; that they had
asked and plead in vain Tor them
He desired my influence in their be-
half. I Immediately called upon the
agent in charge, and was infor med by
him that he was restricted to the pay
ment of six hundred dollars per an
mum for teachers, and he could pro-
cure no one for that sum to under
take the work. l also brought the
matter to the attention Of the Com
missioner of Indian Affairs. 1t is to
be hoped that steps will speedily be
taken to educate these people. As
they are now situated, the young are
growing up incident and in many in
stances vicious. The morallzing in
huences of education would do much
towards correcting their habits, and
might be the means of preventing
bloodshed and saving many valuable
lives.
While in New York, last winter,
received valuable donation of school
books from the publishers, Messrs.
Iverson, Phinney, Blakemen & Co. l
have given these books to the children
Of the Territory. They have been
highly appreciated by both parents
and children, and are lie means of do
ing much good. would suggest that
a small appropriation to procure books
for free distribution would be found
highly advantageous.
RAILWAYS.
Nothing will 80 surely and speedi-
ly effect the permanent prosperity Of
this Territory, as the completion of a
Southern Pacific Railroad or Railroads.
1t would bring an increase Of popula-
ton to take possession of theunoccupi-
ed domain, develop its vast and varied
e., l.
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
Co. already have land grant and
right of way along the Thirty fifth
Parallel to the Pacific Ocean They
are impeded in the prosecution of their
work on account of the line of the
road passing some three hundred and
fifty miles through Indian Territory
They have so far been unable TO make
any satisfactory arrangements with
the Indians for the right of way.
The question is now before Congress,
and it is TO be hoped that before the
of the present session,
the required legislation will be OBJ
tanned to insure an early completion
Of the road.
A bill passed the Senate, with great
lnanimity, last winter giving land
grants and the right Of way in aid of
5he construction of q railroad along
,he Thirty second Parallel to the Pa
,itic Ocean. 1t has not yet been acted
1pon in the House of Representatives.,
out it is believed it will pass that body
md become law at an early day.
The company seeking this franchise
IRE thoroughly organized, and have
elected for directors able, influential
Ind experienced men who will un-
loubtedly command the confidence of
he people and Congress. Hopes are
that should land grants
prove inadequate to its speedy con-
Congress will give such
urther assistance as may be absolute
y required to secure the success of this
most important international highway
The road once completed, millions
low annually expended by the gov
rnment in Texas, New Mexico and
Arizona prosecuting Indians wars and
protecting the people, will be saved,
md this whole extent of country will
become populous and prosperous, and