Arizona republican., 1903-01-20

COmpenSa ton in each case 10 pc HNeu by legislative enactment.
 TERRITORIAL OFFICIALS.
 The officials of the territory-its pub lie servants-are performing their du- ties in a most satisfactory and pains- taking way. Their work and responsi- bility have grown with the advance ment of the territory, and l bespeak from this legislature cordial support in any measures where needed for aid to these public servants in the conduct of public offices.
 THE AUDITOR.
 From the report of the auditor sub mitted herewith can be judged the amount of work connected with this office, and which becomes greater as the business of the territory grows.
 l recommend that proper clerical as sistance be allowed the auditor as the duties of his office increase.
 THE TREASURER.
 Equally also with the expansion of territorial enterprises does the labor and responsibility of the treasurer's office expand. and for which responsi- bility and labor a lamentably small sal ary is now allowed by law. Some years ago the treasurer was allowed the fees collected from insurance companies do- ing business in this territory, and which, in conjunction with the salary of S1. 900 allowed by statute. would be something nearly commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the office. Later, by legislative enactment, the duties of insurance commissioner, and the fees connected herewith. were taken from the treasurer, transferred and made a part of the duties and fees of the office of secretary of the terri tory.
 In line with a recommendation pre- viously made in this message, that such insurance business be transacted by the territorial auditor, and the fees re- ceived from such insurance companies turned into the territorial treasury, l now take pleasure i1 recommending that a proper and equitable salary be paid the treasurer.
 While discussing this subject, I de- sire to call the attention of the legisla- ture to the fact that there can be re quired of the territorial treasurer T bond in the sum of S40,000.00 only; whereas, there are at times in the treasury of the territory a sum far in excess of this amount.
 AS a matter of fact, and under the provisions of the statutes. the funds 1f the territorial treasury have been de- posted in several separate banks in the territory for safe keeping, a bond being furnished the treasurer from each bank so selected in excess of the territorial funds deposited therein.
 I consistently believe the present to be the proper time for a correction of the fee system now to some extent in vogue in the territory. and a readjust- ment of the salaries paid territorial Cfi- cials.
 SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC IN
 STRUCTION.
 The report of the superintendent of public instruction submitted herewith presents a most elaborate exhibit of the operation of the public school sys- tenn of the territory for the past two years. and l cordially invite your at tention thereto While the law directs that this report be submitted in q printed form. there is no direct appro- priation allowed for the printing there of, and I respectfully request that an appropriation of $32O be made at your earliest convenience to cover this bill already contracted.
 The only discrepancy apparently ex- isting in the school system of Arizona is the lack of a sufficient number of high schools. They are the stepping stones which lead to the normal schools and the university, and their growth should be substantially encouraged.
 The superintendent of public instruc- ton suggests some small changes he desires made in the law covering the duties of said superintendent. and which by him will be shown to be of benefit to the cause of education.
 BOARD OF EDUCATION.
 At meetings of the territorial board of education certain members of the board, viz: the president of the uni versity, and the principals of the two normal schools, are required to come from the outside and from some dis tance to attend said meetings, and that. without allowance for expense account and per diem. I recommend that this injustice be rectified during the pres cnt session of the legislature.
 ATTORNEY GENERAL.
 The duties of this office are being faithfully and carefully executed by this official, the status of official mat ters connected herewith being fully set forth in his report to the governor submitted herewith for your considera- tion.
 BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
 The result of the action of the board oi equalization for the last two years is to be found in the report of the ter ritOrial auditor.
 There being apparently some ambig- uity in the law as to what district the territorial auditor shall represent as a member of this board, I have inter- preted the word residence" as re- ferred to in the law in this case. to mean his legal and not his official resi- dence; and I have. therefore. left him to represent as a member of this board the section or district in which he per manently resides. and of the value of property in which he has the more inti- mate Knowledge
 Whether right or wrong in my inter- pretation of the law in this regard, I suggest and request that the ambiguity be eliminated from the statutes. and that it be distinctly stated. by amend ment, exactly which judicial district 70 atrdftor cbaII ,-arracav+ q. ,,,,r,,