Arizona republican., 1900-09-02
THE TWENTY-FIRST
 LEGISLATURE

To the Editor of The Republican, Sir: A very plain and imperative duty confronts all loyal citizens of Arizona. irrespective of politics or party. ahi!ia- tiuns All friends of good govc. nment. law and order, and higher social dcve!- opment, should became actively Inter ested in securing the nomination a"d election of the most able and incor- ruptible men in Arizona to the Twenty first legislature. Every taxpayer and public spirited business man. whether his interests be individual or corporate; every advocate of statehood and prog ress; every patriotic lover of hone and family. should awake to the absolute necessity of doing his whole duty as a citizen and voter this year, of all others.
 It is not a passing sentiment. to be temporarily discussed, applauded and neglected, but an earnest determination should actuate us all. Persistent indi- vidual and collective effort VIII secure the election of good men. and no right minded democrat or republican can properly refuse to serve the peopie if asked to be candidate for legislative honors. Interest should be taken in the primaries and nominating conventions. The heaviest taxpayers as a rule neg | feet public interests by remaining away from preliminary meetings and after wards find fault with the nominees g. : lected. They themselves are the most to blame for apathy and inat!enticn. Again. the ablest business Gni prose s- siGnal citizens, when asked to serve in q legislative capacity. decline on the ground that they cannot afford to leave their business.
 l contend that they cannot afford not to serve if they value public welfare. and desire wise and economic legisla- ton; and instead of suffering pecuuiarv loss by going tn the legislature they Twill save money to themselves anl to the territory. Too often great conten- ton is had in the county conventions over the lucrative offices. such as sher- fir, recorder. treasurer. etc. and legis- lative nominations far more important than any of the others. are practically allowed to go by default,
 E regret that l have heard it thought lessly said by responsible citizens rep resenting. large interests. that it is q waste of time and money to work for the selection of good men. because th=y cannot be elected, and it is cheaper to purchase the corrupt light weights who are usually chosen" Of course these people did not really mean what they said. and did not weigh their words: but it is unfortunate that conditions are ever allowed to exist which can give color. to such expressions.
 Each recurring biennial election We are confronted by the same conditions In this regard, and the same degree of neglect obtains. In late years, at the close of legislative sessions. a spas modic wave of indignation possesses the people, and they talk, and resolve that in the future better representa- tlVes will be chosen; but all their good resolutions are apparently forgotten by the time new election is due I do not assume that Arizona is. cumpara- tlNely, any worse than any other DOT ton Of the Union in this respect. and probaDly 1t is not IS bad as some of the states. It is a subject however. that should engage the attention and in terest of all good citizens everywhere. The TWenty-first legislature will be required to pass upon and adopt q re- Vised code of laws. which is of the utmost importance to territorial wei fare. Ability, honesty and painstak .ng. industry will be required to properly protect public interests. How absurd to send men to the legislature to revise and make laws when they do not know law when they see it. Many radical changes in our statutes will doubtless be made; important Improvements in the revenue laws. affecting the assess ment of property and the collection of taxes are contemplated. and in every way the coming session bids fair to be the most important in the history of Arizona. The territory will soon be d state, beyond any reasonable doubt: and as We now make laws and conduct government, we will surely be judged by the powers that control the qu= =stion of our emancipation from alien bond age
 am a republican, and believe in re- publican principles. and have faith that the present republican congress will admit Arizona into the Union; and it is natural that I personally favor the election of republicans to the legisla- ture, providing that capable and worthy men are selected. At the sama time. as the servant of the people. urge democrats as well as republicans to nominate their best men for the council and house of representatives to the end that whichever party succeeds the Twenty-first legislature of Arizona q hope the last during territorial con- Gitions) will be made up of strong. eff cient and honorable men.
 Now is the time to act in this matter. and I hope that every taxpayer and re- sponsible citizen of Arizona viii take an active personal interest in bringing about good nominations-even to the extent of sacrificing time and. tempa- rarily. what would appear to b. necc - sary attention to private busnes- !