Arizona weekly citizen. [volume] (Tucson, Ariz) 1880-1901, 1896-06-13
PRISON LABOR,

1t is surprising that with the great
number OF honest, peaceable, Industri-
GUS men out of employment in our terri
tory, any individual or newspaper
should advocate the occupation OF con-
victs upon auch work az cana; coustruc.
ton, or any place else where they
deprive honest men OF the means Of
earning livelihood. Arizona needs ali
the irrigation development she can get.
Arizona needs to practice all the econo-
my possible. Arizona is materially ad-
vanced by every foot of desert land re-
claimed within her boIders, and Arizona
cannot add to her revenue any more
rapidly nor shy more c!editably than by
furnishing employment to her citizens.
Economy of mistaken character
frequently saves at the spigot aud
wastes at the bunghole. 1t is contend
ed that the empioymsnt Of $50 convicts
at 20 cents day mesns saving OF Sl05
TO the territory every twenty four hours,
Where now there is no return whatever.
This is one item on the "prott' eide of
,he account.
Tha other profit which arises from
this method of construction, goes into
the pockets OF contractors. It is well
known fact that every canal corporation
which has operated in Arizo1a has
placed handsome sums to it's credit in
the banks. ard usually, not in Arizona
banks, either. The handsome salaries
paid to the officials OF these canal com
panies come out of the pockets OF the
mortgage-ridden farmers. No one ever
enters protest in behalf of those who
labor from early morning TILL late at
night. The energy OF Legislators is
stretched to the limit to advance the
interests of irrigation companies, be-
cause, foreoofh, Arizona would be a
desert without their helping hands. No
matter if they rob ihe farmer; no matter
if they enrich themselves ut the expense
of Arizona's citiZene; no matter If the
they accumulate in the terri
tory are used in the upbuIiding OF
homes and interests in other states, and
even in foreign countries. No matter
about sacrifices our own people muet
make, these corporations must be en-
couraged, and coaxed with the most
tempting offers OF unhe8rd of opportu-
mites.
Why not consider the Losses that will
accrue if prison labor is employed out
side of the penitentiary? One hundred
and fifty convicts at 20 cents day
means gain of sl05 day TO the terri-
toryl What else does il mean. Does it
not mean that 80 honest men, many of
them with families, are cheated out OF
they might otherwise
secure? Does 1t not mean that the
money which would be theirs in return
for their labor, is taken out OF circnla-
ton in the territory? Does it not mean
the Disability of many of them to Pay
taxes for the support Of territorial gov
ernment aud territorial institutions?
Tbese corporations are amply able to
pay reasonable wages to workinemen.
The returns they reap for years after the
completed construction of their proper
ties is far ahead of the rate OF iDterest
paid on the best OF losne. Yet We are
told that We must foster every institu-
ton which has a gigantic project on
foot for the improvement of our terri
tory. even at any sacrifice to our citi-
zens.
1t is absolutely barbarous to contend
that men who, by their lack OF respect
for the laws Of the land, haze forfeited
their liberty and become burden upon
the territory, should be placed at work