Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1899-01-16
Gov. OTEROS MESSAGE
An Able Document Read 10 the
Territorial Legislature.
He recommends Needed Reforms
in Various Places.
Calls Attention TO the Debts Of the Terri
tory In Plain Words.
SPEAKS OF ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIONS

Gentlemen of the Council and House Of Re
representatives. Of the 33rd Legislative As
sembly of New Mexico;
heartily congratulate you upon the
happy auspices under which you are
now assembled for the performance of
tho highest nuty known 10 our ciyiliza
tion--ths OF making the laws by which
We ana our fellow citizens shall be gov.
erncd in the future.
Since the last legislative assembly In
this place, prosperity has returned 20 our
country and u territory. All industries
aud branches OF business have revived,
aud particularly la New Mexico. Sheep
and cattle have been prosperous beyond
experience for many years previous.
Mining also, for all the precious metals,
coal, etc, copper has been resumed with
renewed vgOr, and u large am0un OF
apital has been invested la mining
plants and machinery. More miles OF
.ailrOaa have been constructed In the
territory during the last two years than
yer before ~ It's history, with the ex-
ception OF 1879 and 1850.
The beet sugar factory ut Eddy con.
tinues in successful and prosperous
operation, and other similar plants are
being contemplated for erection at an
early date IN other parts OF the territory.
Within the past year. the United
States. for the first time in a generation,
was compelled 10 wage wal which lasted
barely three months, and resulted iu a
series of victories by land and sea. with
cut parallel In the annals OF warfare,
gaining for us honor, respect and admira-
lion abroad and at home uniting our
people from all sections Of the country
IN "A devotion 10 the national dag. which
has not existed since 1850. In these
grand achievements Of the nation, New
Mexico bore no unimportant part; her
son responded TO the presidents call for
volunteers with an alacrity not equalled
IN any other section OF the country, and
more h our quota was promptly
furnished; nearly one half OF the world
famous 'RJugh Riders was enlisted
from here, and the conduct OF our officers
aud men, both In the field and camp wa
admirable, eliciting compliments from
The highest officers in the army. The
territorial regiment OF infantry, for
which New Mexico furnished four full
companies, did not have an opportunity
10 engage in active warfare, but its con
luct, discipline and drill was such as to
excite the admiration OF regular army
officers, and we may well feel proud OF
ur share In Its organization.
The question OF our admission az q
state Is again before congress. bills for
that purpose having been introduced In
both the senate and house, and while
they may not become laws at the short
session OF the present congress, there IL
mod nrnnnH inr hAliat thaf tha man ,nV
gress will pass an enabling act for our
admission.
The act OF June 81. 1898, donating
public lands TO territorial institutions,
and for the benefit OF the common
schools, WAS found upon examination,
to be practically imperative on account
OF the very large amount OF money re-
quired TO be paid by the territory a.
land Office fees under the rulings. and
Q instruction given 10 the act by the in
I iriOr department. A bill il now pend
Ing In congress for the purpose OF cor
rscting the act In this particular. and Ii
IL hoped that early in the future, we
Will be able to avail ourselves OF the do.
nation made by congress.
For the first time in many years, the
legislature OF this territory IL In political
harmony and accord with the executive
~ the territory, and the president and
congress OF the United States. There IL
practically no political opposition In your
body: this fact carries with IL grave du-
Ties and responsibilities; not only will
sou, and each OF you. be responsible, held
80 by your constituents, but your actions
m this body will reflect credit, or the re-
| verse, upon the party to which you be-
| long, and upon whose platform you were
fleeted; and your deliberations Mt this
4essiOn, and the result OF your actions
are fraught with more than ordinary re-
spOnsibilities 10 others than yourselves.
Custom has ordained, that al the opening
Of the legislature, the executive should
| advise IL officially of the condition OF the
territory during the previous two years.
and suggest for its consideration, such
measures AZ he may deem expedient or
necessary.
The reports Of the various territorial
| officers and boards are transmitted here
| with, "a follows: Secretary OF New Mex
leo, treasurer, auditor, solicitor general,
superintendent OF public instruction. nd
intant general, librarian, cattle sanitary
board. sheep sanitary board. commission
ara on irrigation, commissioners Omaha
exposition. board OF immigration, board
Of equalization, board OF pharmacy, coal
mine inspector. coal oil inspector.
Territorial institutions: Penitentiary,
capitol rebuilding board, university, Bgri.
cultural college, insane asylum. deaf,
dumb aud blind school. school OF mines,
normal schools at Las Vegas and Silver
City, military institute, orphan school
and hospital.
PRIVATE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND
HOSPITALS.
These reports will give TO your body in
detail the operations OF the several Of
1ceTs, boards and institutions, and il
! will be necessary to give them most care
ful attention through your proper com
mittees. 80 that YOU may act wisely and
p~rudently In dealing with them in the
future, something which | believe has
not been done 20 carefully as ii ought by
previous legislatures. q neglect which
has resulted in unnecessary and conflict
ing legislation.
While these reports give In detail
many matters OF Interest and infOrma-
ton, | deem II my duty TO call your at
tentiOn especially 10 some Of them, which
seem 10 me Of vital importance.
The financial condition Of the territory
demands your earnest attention; the
preservation Of our credit by the prompt
payment Of the interest due upon our ter
ritOrial debt, Ia OF the first and greatest
Importance. Second % that Is the pay
mont Of the current pXUpnepz of the terri