Arizona weekly citizen., 1885-01-03

the few formerly monopolized the trade and accumulated rapidly. We should not complain at this inevitable change, one of the results of opening up pubic highways which put US in easy reach ot the markets of the world, thus making it possible for those with small meaus to engage in business, while previous to the building of railroads into our Ter ritory it would have been utterly im- possible for them to have done anything m trade. The weary traveller who wended his way into Arizona thirty or even twenty years ago, did not find "beds of dOwny ease" to rest upon, nor was there any tables bountifully spread with the good things of this world, awaiting hls arrival. Not infrequently upon entering one of our restaurants nowadays, we hear customers com planning of the fare-a first class meal for two bits. They should have come here earlier, then they could have had their choice of black coffee, bread, trijOles and sometimes an extra Tn the way of slice of bacon for the moderate sum of one dollar. Now we can get first class meal for less than half that sum.
 But the days of pioneering may be considered over ln Arizona. We can now settle down to the more quiet and peaceful pursuits of life with the ss- surance that, with economy and frugality we may enjoy about as many of the good things of this life, and live to as ripe an age in this land, which Is usually considered unfit for the habita- ton of white men, by the wiseacres in the states, who know as little ot our wonderful climate, which surpssses that of any other section of our country, and our great undevelOped resources and possibilities, us We do of the far of islands of the south sea.
 The Pioneers of Arizona who came here and embraced the grand old Ter ntory in the rough, and who have assisted in smoothing Cf the jagged corners, are content to make 1t their permanent abiding place. Not only this, but they are disposed to still further bear a hand in shaping its future destiny by securing the settlement aud development of our agricultural and grazing lands, and opening up the wonderful resources of our hidden treasure. In short, at an early day placing Arizona m position tO justly ask to be admit ted as one of the sovereign States of the Union. Imbued with these progress sive sentiments, It is but natural that We should feel proud of the Society of Arizona Pioneers, and insist upon its perpetuatIon not only for ourselves, but for our children, whom we trust will continue to conduct 1t upon the same broad and honorable basis long after its founders shall have passed to the other shore of the ever silent river.
 Most of us were taught in early child hood the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of death. All men are mortal, and sooner or later must pay the debt Os nature. During the past year there have passed from among us Brothers Toole, Harshaw, Davis, Carroll, Lee and Rogers.
 As We assemble around the festive board this evening let us i'll reverence not forget our fallen comrades, the thOusanis Is whose bones lie bleaching or graves are found on every hill top lone ly glade, mountain slope or desert plain-yictims of the blOOdthirsty Apaches. Let the memory of those fallen heroes teach us that by chance We were spared and that as we are rapidly passing away that We should foster that brotherly feeling-that kind ly forgetfulness of each others faults, so that when We are gone our memory may be kept green in the affections of those who take our places.
 Interesting and instructive addresses were also made by Messrs. Stevens, G edwin, Handy Mansfield aud others.
 The society and guests then proceeded to the banquet hall and partOok of a bountiful collation., and general reign of good-fellowship and iollity pre- vailed.
 The members then returned to the hall, and, on motion, adjourned to meet in regular monthly meeting January ], at o'clock p. m.
 II. 5. STEVENS, President.
 W. J. OSBORN, Secretary.