The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-03-11
THE OTHER SIDE
History OF the Exemption Bills and Comparison
With the Present

1t was in the year 1891 Is fifteenth Legis-
lative Assembly of Arizona) that the act
known in the history of the territory as
the exemption act was passed. 1t became
a law on the 18th day OF March of the
same year. 1t was the hardest thought
measure of that session. A strong and
influential lobby from the city of Prescott
with William Bashford and Sam Hill at
the head, was here during the session
opposing its passage. Every device
known to parliamentary law and the
tricks OF the trade were used to defeat it.
In looking up the legislative history of
this bill and the record of the men who
fought for and against it, strange con-
dition is found. Which, however will
be explained and will go far to elucidate
that which seems, to those not posted,
what apparently is a pure paradox in a
matter historical, though not written in
that tenor. Frank NJ. Murphy, the pres
ident of the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoe-
nix Railroad, was earnestly opposed to its
passage, as was also his brother, the
Hon. n. Q. Murphy, our present delegate
to Congress, who at that time was Secre-
tary OF the Territory of Arizona. No bill
in a legislative body ever went through
such trials and tribulations as this same
exemption act" Inch by inch it was
fought both in and out of the commi ttee,
and when at last it was finally passed and
was delivered into the hands OF the Coy
ernor Orvin) for his approval, the storm
ragged harder than ever. The Governor
was besieged with appeals to veto it. The
active lobby, backed by the Secretary of
the Territory aud his allies, used every
possible persuasion to have him veto it,
but the local public sentiment was too
the bill reluctantly, he said) and it be-
came law over their protests. The Ca
zette was an earnest advocate of the bill,
and in and out of session was on guard
1t struck hard blows for its passage, and
every days issue of the paper was brim
full of encouragement of the measure and
encouragement for it's enemies. Feeling
ran high and it was the all-absorbng
question of the session. No one who listen
ed to the battle royal'' in the Council will
ever forget the debate.
Ex-Governor Zulick, who was the Coun-
Gilman from this (Maricopa) county, was
the recognized champion of the bill in
that body. He was the acknowledged
leader, and in point of ability, expert
ence, earneStnesS and eloquence had no
peer in the Leg stature. Well was it stated
by the Gazette in it's issue of March 1,
1891: Governor Zulick has shown by his
labors i'll the Sixteenth Legislative Coun-
Gil that he has the ability to represent
Arizona in the National Senate in man.
ner creditable to the intelligence OF the
people of Arizona" Again: TOO much
credit cannot be given to Governor Zulick
for he deserves it, while others deserve
much credit also for their labor and votes
in its behalf; yet he was the brany, fear
less, intrepid and accepted leader. He
marshaled his forces and led them to
victory regardless of every obstacle. "
Thomas f, Farlsh, in the House. mem
Der from Maricopa, did loyal work, as did
the Marcopa delegation. They never
tired-slept on their arms, as it were
ever ready for action. When the bill was
signed by Governor Irwin and it became
a law, the citizens of Phoenix, on the
night of the 18th of March, celebrated it's
passage by Il public jubilee, and
amidst the booming Of guns and
pyrotechnic display rejoced over
their victory, under the leadership
of Joe l.. b. Alexander, who had
been an interchangeable worker in the cause,
and a party of citizens and the active
friends OF the bill were compimented by
serenade. Speeches were delivered in
acknowledgment by Governor Irwin, Gov
ernor Zulick, Councilmen Brady, Dennis,
Doran, Hughes, Peters and Assemblyman
Parish
Time has justified the prudence and
foresight OF the friends of the bill, and
consequently has proven the folly of it's
enemies. Thus it was in March, 1891.