Arizona weekly enterprise., 1889-02-09
Gov. Stafford a Candidate.

The following reply to letters from MT. Samuel Hughes and others urg- ing ex-Governor A. F. K Stafford to become candidate for appointment as Governor of Arizona is published as a matter of interest to every citizen of the territory.
 BANK OF PARTON SPRINGS.
 , PARTON SPRINGS Fla, Dec. 31, 'S9 Mir. SAMUEL HUGHES,
 Tucson, Arizona Territory.
 Dear Sir Your favor of the 10th of December is duly received. I have received many letters from different parts of Arizona, asking me the same question that you have asked: that is, whether under any circumstances l would again consent to serve the peo- pie of Arizona as Governor.
 In order to intelligently answer this question, shall first have to explain why have been absent from the ter ritory so much during the past six or seven years. As is well known, I went from Arizona first to Philadelphia and New York, for the purpose of inducing capital to develop the mines of the Tombstone District, and succeeded in securing capital sufficient to put up the first mill that WAS erected After that, other interests came up and was kept several years in that section of the country attending to Arizona | business. About the time was ready to return, and, as 1 hoped, to remain permanently in the Territory, I was induced by friends who were operating with me in mines in Arizona, to inves in Florida lands. l did not expect at that time to ever visit this state, bu subsequently,, events proved that un less did so I should suffer consider able loss, and as is well known, l have for number of years been engaged il developing these lands in order tt make them saleable. and finally hay, them in such position that they ar, becoming saleable, and the necessit, :. for my remaining with them no long CT exists.
 l have therefore determined to re
 turn in the spring to Arizona and 2.
 tend to the interests 1 have there, an, that have long suffered for want of m
 personal attention.
 Ihave always believed that person
 who make money in a country shoul
 as lar as possible, keep such mone
 where they made it, and I have acte
 upon that principle in Arizona. A
 the money that I made there is 1T
 vested in that country, and the none
 that I have made here was made i
 other operations.
 l With this explanation I desire | say to you and other friends, frank, that l have no desire to be again Go ernor oi that territory, unless it shoul be the general wish of those who al acquainted with.me and my actior while resided in Arizona and acte , for you in that country. Under |
 circumstances would I entertain tt
 proposition for moment, unless was in perfect harmony with the wishes: nor would accept it unle 2 l believed that through the acqu&in . ance l have made with capitals g since I left the territory, and the e perience have gained in developir
 new countries, should be enabled do more for the territory than I VI | able to do before.
 O am aware that should I recei' s and accept the appointment, it wou
 bring with 1t great care, labor and I | sponsibility, and after long and som d what turbulent career, think it t better for me to seek 8 life of lees
 sponsibility, anxiety and care, but
 will not deny the fact that after ser g ing the people for eight years, it wou be quite gratifying to me to know tn . my efforts and services had been su, , that you believed that it would be f i the best interests of all for me to ser tt you again, and if, without any speci effort on my part, a very general (
 preSsion should be given in favor X my serving again as Governor, shou T. not feel at liberty to deny that reque x On the other hand, if can be a formed that some other candidate V
 give very general satisfaction to t 'e people of the territory-if such 8 o G be worthy and competent-I shall
 just as free to join with the people a
 ask for his appointment, as 1 shot re be to accept 1t myself if rendered n ,r believe the territory has gra ,o future before it; the development 'e the water question is creating st e stantlal resource that is destined in make Arizona a state Of wealth, DOW n- and influence.
 ,r The future of the territory ve
 much depends on the officers n I'll about to be selected to manage it's b. fairs, and with the property intere e. I have there, with the affection l o
 the people for their generous suppt
 during the long, trying years tf
 they stood by mo and strengthen is my efforts, while acting as Goverr w of the territory, desire to unselhsI e. do that which is believed to be in the best interests of the whole count ne and would not for a moment ba V, any personal interests of my own col m in conflict with that which is for | k best interests of the whole territol of therefore, l hope that my friends VI IT, under no circumstances, entertain m thought of supporting me or favori d, my appointment if the interests of { he country can be better served by doi is otherwise. (Signed) Truly Yours ve A. P. K. SAFFo "O A Catu of SaIting.