Williams news., 1904-11-05
CONDITIONS IN ARIZONA
Annual Report of Gov. -Brodie
 Reaches Secretary of Interior


 the report of the previous year, yet is comprehensive in detailing the resources and progress of the terri tory and its needs.
 During the year, according to the governor, there has been marvellous advancement in mining operations throughout the territory. The pro- duction of copper has been greater than in any previous year. Agri- culture has suffered, owing to the scarcity of water, and the live stock industry during the fiscal year past has distinctly retrograded.
 Water storage is the only safe plan in the arid regions, and until dams are constructed and flood waters conserved the farmer can never feel sure of a crop. The peo- pie of Arizona are deeply indebted to the secretary of the interior for the Tonto dam. now under con struction, and the Yuma project also assured.
 Arizona's resources are without limit; its mountains are store houses of precious minerals, it's for ests the greatest in the United States; it's plains sustain vast herds of cattle and sheep, while it's val leys produce grass and fruits unex- celled anywhere.
 It is today one of the richest min ing sections in America, and, al- though the mining of the precious metals in this territory is yet in it's infancy, enough is known to give a slight inkling of the possibilities of this great wealth producing agency which is eventually to make Ari- zena one of the richest subdivisions of our country.
 Arizona is blessed with one of
 
 the best systems of public schools in the United States, and there are numerous churches throughout the territory, which receive intelligent and liberal support from all citi- Zens.
 There has been some considera- ble increase in the population oi the territory during the past year noticeable principally in the min ing districts. The governors esti- mate of the population is from 165,O00 to 17O,O00. It is expected with the development of agricul- ture through water storage, that population will materially increase It is asserted that Arizona has to day merely laid the foundation oi its future growth.
 Arizona was never in better finan. cial position. The floating debt oi the year before, $92, ,341, had beer completely wiped out, and $2O, ,94S remained in the general fund at thu close of the fiscal year.
 The aggregate receipts of the ter ritory for the year amounted tt $S29,922 Territorial warrants art now paid in cash, a condition whicl has not existed since the territory was organized. This creditabl, showing is due to the retrenchmen in public expenditures, aided by the revenues derived from the cor poration business transacted in tn office of the territorial auditor. Tn amount received from the latte source since March 19, 1903, t June 30, 1904, was $41 III.
 The bonded indebtedness of tn territory at the close of the fsca year was $1,O1O,972. The territo rial tax levy is the lowest for fiv years, 95 cents on the $100 valua ton. The total tax assessment c the territory is $45, ,069,5 gail of over 100000 in five years
 There has been more than usua activity in railway circles.
 The governor asks:
 That Arizona's claims to state hood be given due consideration.
 That ihe influence of the interio department be exerted against tn