The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-03-11
THE S. F., P. AND P. R. R.
The Railroad That Unites Northern and
Southern Arizona

Uc NdIfTodu ChtCS ohA
Southern Arizona
Much has been said and written in re-
gard to this enterprise during the last five
years, as the subject is of deep interest to
Central Arizona and, in fact, to the entire
Southwest.
1t is not improper, however, at this
time to refresh our memories upon the
early history OF the project, the notable
efforts of energetic citizens in its promo
ton and the difficulties with which it had
to contend, says the Phoenix Herald.
In the spring of 1883 the attention OF
Joseph Reynolds. popularity known as
Diamond Joe, " who at that time owned
the famous Congress mine OF Yavapai
county, was attracted to the feasibility
and probable profit OF constructing and
operating a railroad from north to south
across the Territory, and he very soon in
terested himself in the enterprise as sug-
gested and commenced planning for its
promotion. Hon. N. 0. Murphy, then
secretary of Arizona, first presented the
of forcible letters in May, 1889, at the
same time enlisting the active support and
influence of F. NJ. Murphy his brother,
who was then manager OF the Congress
mine. In July, 1889, Diamond Joe, J"
accompanied by Frank Murphy, visited
sonally the merits OF the proposition made
to them and Immediately thereafter be-
gan working out the problem of the north
and south road.
Our readers are all familiar with the
effort to have validitied the authority pre-
viously granted to Maricopa county by
the Legislature to issue subsidy aid bonds
in the amount of $4,000 per mile across the
county, to assist Mr.. Reynolds and his
associates in building the road. How
mass meetings were enthusiastically at
tended, an election held and the PROPOSE
ton endorsed by practically a unanimous
vote of the electors of Maricopa county
How representative citizens went to
Washington and worked long and faith
fully to secure the approval of Congress of
the action of the county. How afte1 pro-
tracted effort the sanction of Congress was
secured, and the act vetoed by President
Harrison in spite of the vigorous protest
of four-ffths OF our people. How personal
subscriptions were thereafter pledged in
the sum OF $500, 900 by citizens Of the
county to insure the construction of the
road (Which, however, were never made
available). How the Sixteenth Legis-
lature, in response to earnest public SEN
timent, passed an act exempting railroads
constructed within the territory under
conditions from taxation for twenty years.
How Immediately thereafter Diamond
joe died, and it was feared that the en-
terprise being pushed by him would fail.
How his active and able lieutenants never
rested in their efforts until success was
assured.
All this is no doubt familiar to the ma
jority of our citizens but in the rush ana
care of daily life forgetfulness comes easy
and appreciation is sometimes dulled, al
though Internationally so.
IT is very probable that few, if any OF us
fully realize the difficulties with which
in, n1,ta
have had to contend, nor the loyalty with
which they have struggled. frequently at
the expense of personal interests.
During the last disastrous panic, when
1t was almost impossible to get financial
aid for any purpose, the men behind this
project persistently labored and the work
went bravely on until now the fruition of
our hopes in regard to the road is about
accomplished, and Arizona eniovs the
proud distinction of having had con
structed within her borders more miles of
railroad than any other state or territory
of the Union during the years 1854
An era of prosperity is assured to our
people, not only in this immediate vicinity
but all over Arizona, and it is believed
that the S. F. 2. IL =. railway will con-
tinue southwark via Tempe, Mesa, Flor
ence and Tucson to the Mexican line,
placing our citizens in closer bonds of
sympathy and interest, commercially and
socially.
From its inception to date the enter
prise has been Loyalty supported by the
people, and its promoters have been men
OF extraordinary ability and presidency of
purpose.
Among the roads many supporters, it
may not be improper to make conspicu-
Gus mention OF individuals to whom our
people are specially indebted. VIII lie
Diamond Joe" lived he was most ably
seconded in his efforts by f. M. Dickey,
George W. kretzinger, W. J. Murphy ard
by Frank and OalSes Murphy. W. j. Muir
ply, who is one of the greatest benefac-
tors the Salt River valley has known,
has always worked fai hfully for the sue
cess OF the North and South road, as have
also Messrs. Dickey and Kretzinger.
The principal friends who came TOT