Arizona weekly enterprise., 1890-05-31
REFORM.
A Practical Proposition Submitted For
 Consideration.

THE ENTERPRISE is permitted to publish the following private commu- ication upon condition that. the con sent of the writer not having been obtained, his name be withheld. It is full of practical suggestions: BENSON MAY IT, 1890. MIR. SAM'L HUGHES,
 TUCSON, A. T.
 DEAR RI have been watching with deep interest the spirit manifest ed by you in your letters to THE EN- TERPRIsE in regard to our fearful bur den of county and territorial taxation. Every property holder in the territory owes, it seems to me, debt of grati- tude to the man who now speaks out boldly on this subject, for the taxes hitherto collected are aburden not only unjust, but practically beyond the resources of the people of this territo- " to pay.
 This state of things, I am glad to say,-and have talked with our peo- pie high and low throughout the country-is fully recognized by every one. The people of Pima County be- ing at last seriously in earnest about reduction of their taxes, the question arises with me. ought not the large taxpayers of the county to come for ward and take the lead by forming some organization for the purpose of reforming the present financial system of our county government? You know nothing is accomplished at the present day by individual effort To successfully oppose those whose inter ests we attack in reducing our taxes, it appears to me we shall have to com bine together. What do you think of getting the leading taxpayers of Tucson together and forming, say, 1.-The Pima County Financial Reform Association" to advocate reduction of county and territorial taxation, to insist upon 8 revision of our laws creating taxes, and for a general re- adjustment of salaries of county of ficials. If you and men like yourself will establish such an association in Tucson. it will be easy to extend branches of 1t to every voting precinct in the country. My idea would be to get every individual in the country to join it who advocated financial reform in our county affairs.
 After you create an organization in Tucson, it will be time enough to decide upon the plan of action-I be- heve the people, to achieve financial reform in this present system of coun- ty government, are willing, almost said eager, to discard party names in their voting next fall.
 Please pardon my writing to you in this way. Your influence in Tucson l know is great, and you seem to so clearly recognize the dangers that now encompass us, that naturally turn to you for solution of this ser ious problem of excessive taxation. Let me know what you think of this plan of organization which I have suggested.
 You must not hesitate to criticize 1t with the utmost frankness. It is needless to deny. and know you will not deny it, that our chief interests the cattle industry and mining, are at present sorely distressed financially The cause Is not due either to mis. management or to an ore famine, ol lack of good cattle ranges. I am not at liberty in the limited space of g private letter to enter into their dis tress here, but do insist the present tax rate with all the rank injustice that springs from it to the taxpayer i. far beyond the capacity of the resour ces of this county to meet, and I dc not believe there is an intelligent man in the county who will deny 1t or will refuse to cooperate with us to see it reduced, if he nas the true in terest of Pima County at heart. Hop ing to hear from you soon am.
 Very sincerely yours,