Arizona weekly citizen., 1884-09-13
Timely Remarks.

EDITOR CrTIzES:-Will you be kind enough and allow me some space Tn your valuable paper, quoting few re- marks from a letter which have re- ceived from a prominent New York capitalist, with whom have been cor responding on the introduction of an enterprise into this town, which if it could be accomplished would be of in- calculsble benefit to the Territory at large, and Tucson especially. The part of the letter which I am at liberty to quote. will show that we are well known east among men of means. and Tn what estimation in a business sense we are held. I ask its publication because it will show that it is high time for those who have the country's good at heart to combine in one strong effort, and show capitalists that we are earnestly seeking aid and assistance, and willing to offer such inducements as will bring them among us; part of it reads as follows:
 "UntiI the business men of Tucson look a little beyond themselves; until there grows up within them pride of place, and the desire seizes them to see their city the most prosperous Tn the land, the city itself will not respond.
 Half dozen men have made Denver and in making 1t they drew to Colorado a people which storming the crags, drew so much treasure forth. that IL caught the eyes of the old world and drew to the gallant State $25,000,000 of foreign capital for investments.
 In my opinion, dear Sir, Tucson seems to lack that half dozen of men. From all I know and can learn from Arizona,I am confident that there are more hidden treasures beneath its surface than has ever yet been discovered Tn California, Nevada, or Colorado, but the elements most needed in your Territory are "pluck" and "grit." am told that the old inhabitants of Tucson have very little enterprise, that they live there un- moved without protest, as to whether trade, which Is your city's rightful in- heritance, is diverted to other points.
 There is no reason why Tucson should not be the distributing point for South ern Arizona, and should be Arizona $ commercial center, but as 1t Is, retail merchants are dealing direct with Kan sas City or San Francisco no matter how close they may be to Tucson, and unless your people make an effort, the time will come, when Tucson's import ance will be thing of the past; that kind of work never builds up cities, never did and never will, no city ever became great when It was steadily con- trolled by a spirit of utter selfshness.
 It is my belief that If half dozen of energetic men with sufficient capital would interest themselves in what you propose, your city would soon become one of the most prosperous on the Pacific coast, there are hundreds of people here in the East waiting for the electric thrill of enterprise. That they are not there, IS because no inducements have been held out to them to come"
 The above letter Is written by gen tleman representing a syndicate of capital of unlimited means, and shows that as far as our resources are con- cerned the world is ready to grant that We have them. consider this letter of special significance inasmuch as it shows, that although We have signally failed in the past to interest outside capital, our case Is not beyond redemption and we may yet succeed by a mutual effort to bring about such results as will reflect credit upon the community.
 Respectfully,
 PAUL RIECKER.