Arizona republican., 1905-01-17
Gov. BrOdie's Suggestions
 to the Legislature
THE RECORD FAVORABLE
But the Executive Finds Room for Improvement, Especially in the Tax Laws - A Review of Conditions for the Last Two Years.

Twenty third Legislative Assembly
 of Arizona.
 In conformity with the statutes of Arizona. which makes it obligatory up- on the governor to present to the legis- lature at the beginning of each session thereof information by message of the condition of the territory, and recom- mend such measures as he deems ex- pedient, have the honor to submit for your consideration the following state ment of territorial affairs with accom- panying recommendations:
 A review of the advancement Ari- zona has made in the past two years widens the source from which comes the pride we feel in our commonwealth Industrial development has been most substantial. Our mines have produced wealth beyond that of many states of the union, and in copper production I believe we occupy second place to Montana. The livestock industry, agri- culture and horticulture have met with severe drOughts and their progress re- tarded more or less as local conditions favored them. With the exception of the strike at Morenci, good order has DTeNdlleu- ne OOnSSIlC analTS or the territory have progressed along lines of economy, and the people are to be con- graduated on the prosperity and ma terial wellbeing.
 The foundation on which our indus trial prosperity is based has been strenG thened by the general govern ment in the selection of sites for the consu uction of large dams at points where vast quantities of water may be srOred. The TOnto dam, to represent an outlay of about s3,OOO, 900, and the Yunca project to cost a like amount are soon to become realizations of years of earnest work, not only on the lart of orr citizens but at the hands of the United States geological survey. The problem Of successful water stor- age has called for the best thought of our people, and has been brought be- fore previous legislative bodies in many ways with the hope of devising some means of assistance to water users. The earnest consideration of the question by Arizona legislative bo- dies became part of the great force which made the question one of na- tional importance and gave to our ter ritOry the first application of the law of congress in behalf of reclamation. Our future welfare largely depends up- on the success of the work begun in this direction, and every encourage ment and all possible aid should be given bv our people.
 4 great responsibility rests upon you. as the lawmaking body of the terri torial gov ernment, to pass such enact ments as shall be for the welfare of the peoIie of the territory. Equal respon- sibility rests for the proper conduct of affairs rl.on the coordinate branches i-1e i've Te- most essential that they should work together in a conscientious and har- monious manner for the successful up- building of the common country.
 FINANCIAL CONDITION.
 The financial condition of the terri tory continues to improve. The sale of territorial bonds is perhaps the best medium for ascertaining our standing in the financial world. During the past year territorial bonds have sold at a premium of $1.0903, and all calls for bids received many responses. The af- e fairs closely related to our economic system have been conducted on lines Of strictest frugality. The floating debt has been paid by thus doing away with a heavy interest expense. This condition, resulting in the payment of warrants in cash, had not existed
 
 Retrenchment in public expenditures, aided by the revenue derived from in corporations, have brought about this favorable situation. The direct benefit to the taxpayers is shown in the re- duction of the tax levy for territorial purposes from $1.13 7-10 in 1903 to 95c in 1905. This rate is low when consi- iteration is given to the extensive inn prOvements made in territorial institu- tions; however, it is my belief that the rate is yet higher than our resources for securing revenue justify, and I respectfully call your attention to the careful consideration of the question of taxation to the end that all interests may bear their share and the revenue of the territory increased sufficiently to allow a material reduction in the rate of taxation.
 The reports of the auditor and tra- surer of June 30, 1904, submitted here with, will show in all detail the receipts and expenditures for the last two years, the measures taken for the care and distribution of the public funds, and the amounts expended for the maintenance of the different institu- tions. I cordially concur in the re- commendation of these officials, and solicit from your honorable bodies a careful perusal and thorough exam ination of these reports. In addition is submitted a supplementary report of the treasurer covering the period from June 30th to Dec 31 1904 which will show you the amount of cash on hand in the treasury and where placed for safe-keeping:
 Below, from the reports of the board of equalization. is given the assessed taxable property of. the territory by iac fnr he ay.' Q0A
 Apache, $1,044, ,645.6O; Cochise, $6,- S5O.132.49; Coconino, $3,240, ,4S3.90; Gila, S1,4S1, ,S27.OO; Graham, $5,OO5. .432.S6; Maricopa, $1O,41S, ,326.OO; Mohave. $1,- OS.689.29; Navajo, $1,262, S2S.97; Pima, $4.1O9, ,463.4O; Pinal, $1,62O. .634.4O; Santa Cruz. $1476, ,29s.s3; Yavapai, $5,973,- OS3.79: Yuma S1 2S2. .7O3.79; total. S45.-