Arizona weekly enterprise., 1889-03-02
rerritorial Geelogist vs. Code.

The Revised Statutes of Arizona contain, in Chapter XII, Sections 2957-3003, an act providing for the creation and appointment of Terri torial Geologist which has never been put into execution. The great benefit to be derived from such an office, by the mining industry of the Territory, can hardly be overestimated. Apart from the scientific knowledge it diffuses of the geological features of our Ter ritory, as a geographical division of a great continent, it could be made the means of reliable, periodical and sys- tematic reports on our mining indus try its technicalities, Improvements, financial results, etc, by which the people of this and foreign countries would be enlightened about our min eral resources, and more or less in duced to invest their capital in our mines and metallurgical establish ments. It is well known that such an office has done great and lasting ser vice in these State and Territories, where it has been introduced, and Ari zona, in particular, would be largely benefited by it.
 Unfortunately, the provisions of the law, as it reads in our code, are such that it cannot possibly be an induce ment to any competent professional man to accept the office, were it of l fereG to him. The law specifics nu- merous duties for the Geologist, all of which require professional competen- cy in geology, mineralogy, analytical chemistry, and mining engineering, aside from literary attainments, and | further the considerable task of collect ing minerals, and their systematic ar rangement. It also requires him to travel throughout the Territory, and issue from time to time, reports of the stste of the mining industry and re- suits of his researches generally, all of which would consume his time through the greater part of the year, if his work were done in q thorough man. ner.
 It might be supposed that person duly qualified for such an office, by experience, training and professional skill, would be reasonably compensa- ted for his services, especially when so much good could be done by compe- tent man, but no such provision is made. It is ordained that the Terri torial Geologist is not only to have no salary at all, but must pay his own travelling expenses, which necessarily be considerable; and as no provision is made for either the collection of minerals, or the printing of his reports, it is, therefore, expected that he will also pay these expenses out of his own
 pocket The code does not explicitly say whether the Territorial Geologist
 shall also furnish the apparatus and chemicals for analyses of mineral wa
 ters and rocks, but allows him, win simulated liberality, to charge "the usual rates" for such work, if per
 formed for private parties. Hence
 the mans entire compensation is tc be fees which he is allowed to charge for work done for private parties-a r permission not required. As the law stands now, such an office will never
 be filled, as it would involve a man,
 professional work during the greater
 part of the year, gratis, and severa , thousand dollars expenses out of hi pocket. It is undoubtedly intended : that the estimation as patriotic cit zen, in which the incumbent of tn, , office would be held by the people o , the Territory, would be sufficient re
 ward for his services.
 This Territory should have this of fee filled, however It will pay to q,
 so. While 1t would be beyond tn
 financial resources of the Territory, a
 this time, to create a geological sur , vey and scientific corps, yet com -i -OTi 5iuvef and ar--r-.-.
 could do much to represent reliabl , and effectively our mining interest; : and make our mineral resources pull , lie, by periodical, trustworthy report , on mineral lands, mines and coalfields . showing the quality of coal, minera
 water and many other important mat ters.
 Q This is no political office and shoul be removed from any possibility of pc litical influence. It should be simpl f 8 question of professional capacity Q skill and experience, and with moo
 crate appro opriation the Legislatur ,' could turn this imperative law into I great benefit to the Territory-Silve | Rolf