The Florence tribune., 1897-12-04
immigration Commission Law.
From the Phoenlz Republican.l

From the PhcaniX EcpublIe''h'l
 An important suit was field in the distrct court Saturday when Major T. c. Jordan sued Maricopa county for s1 200 for two years services as irnml- grafton commissioner.
 No one doubts that Major Jordan has well earned the money he is suing for. This, however, does not notieeably affect the county of Maricopa, which las always taken refuge behind a legal technicality to avoid complying with the provisions of the immigration law.
 This law, which was created by the Eighteenth legislature, was strongly urged by Governor Hughes. When it went into effect he appointed news paper men, wherever practicable, as commissioners Of immigration, one to each county, thinking that they would be best fitted to perform tbe duties ot tbat office. Unfortunately for the counties and the territory generally, the law was not a popular one, as it's motive was purposely misconstrued.
 For the reason that the governor was known to be strongly in favor of the law, his enemies attributed its passage entirely to ulterior moti' es, and the appointmentof of newspaper men as commissioners to be step in the direction of substituting the press of the territory in his behalf. A more foolish and pieayune policy was never attempt ed in any country, although it was surprisingly successful at the time. The plea was set up that the law was not in compliance with the Harrison act, and the boards of supervisors in a majority of the counties declined to pay the commissioners salaries and co-operated to oppose the law and cause it to become a dead letter. The commissioners in the meantime have continued to perform their duties to the best of their ability, hampered as they gre, without compensation or ex- pense money, excepting in few cases. These men have already done excellent service for their respective counties and have materially aided in advertis- ing the territory far and wide by their contributions to the governors reports of 1896 and 1897. It is but just that they should be paid for what they have done. Tn Maior Jordan's case, his work for this county has reseltea in much good and is wen worth the amount asked for it
 Now that political and personal i preiudices no longer oliad the judg- meut Of thoae who formerly opposed :, the laa, 1t is hoped that ser couuseis will prevail and that provisions of this act will be upheld. No law was ever passed by an Arizona legislature that will result in such ultimate good to the whole territory as the one in ques- ton.
 The one thing that Arizona needs above all others at this time is to be properly advertised, so that capital may be induced to invest in our incom- parable resources and people may seek home upon the fertile acres that now lie idle in this land of perpetual sun shine. One good way to do this adver- Using is to enforce the immigration commission law.
 Members of the bar generally are of opinion that the law is good ore; at any rate, the supreme court has never decided otherwise, and the fact that it is not in force and that the commis- sioners have thus far been permitted to go unpaid is not to the credit of Ari zona.