Arizona republican., 1907-01-23
S2.1OO,3O2.S6

1t would from this statement appear that the burden I'M
posed upon of the counties would be somewhat heavy
But be remembered that the burden that originally
created by the counties themselves The time of reckoning
and settlement must whether the debtor private
individual public corporations the debt may have been
mproyidently incurred the burden the onerous
But further examination will show that the burden will
in all probability be less than have computed it to be-
based computations the present valuation Of property for
taxation in the several counties upon the undputed valuations
for 1906 1t hardly to be conceived that at least in most
of the counties these valuations will be less during the tentative
period of 20 years that have suggested and in most instances
it NAV confidently be expected that they will be greater and
do become greater the burden will become less used
the figures that have used for illustrative purposes assuming
it to be designed that the debt to be retired IN ~ years
Instead of imposing the fiat rates which have suggested
putatons should be made upon such basis will result
each year equal to oneweneh of the debt to be
tired Thus if during the 20 years the total valuation of
property the Territory should reach S1200000
if does not have all been grievousy mistaken in our
estimates and hopes of the prospective development of the
sources of Territory and will be grevouy disappointed
then the necessary provide the requisite funds for
retiring the Territorial debt will be reduced onehaf to
Al instead of cents And proporOnatey will be the reduc
ton of the rates the several counties and cities.
But the valuations Of property do not increase
we hope and expect that they WILL if it be that
abandon every hope of attaining that proud position of
wealth which will give fair rank among the other
States and of remain they are still
the burden proposed by my suggestion will be little if any
greater than those borne with apparent equanimty SO short
time ago the very last fiscal year of 1905.
restoration of the rates of taxation for 1905 would provide
each year than sufficient retire debt in 20
years. without further increase in the valuation of prop
erty Indeed in probably but single county would the tax
have be raised to that of 1905and in most of them only
relatively small raise-and with reasonable economy and pru
dence the management of both county and Territorial affairs
the rate need be raised ALL and counties
easily be lowered
The fact that engaged in providing for the
payment Of debt not step toward which have yet
taken viii enhance credit will compel respect for where
need favorable consideration, will demonstrate our
ability and inclination discharge sacred public ob
cations in letter and spirit and will afford the best stmuant
CAREFUL prudent honest, efficient and economical admins
traon of public affairs If this should cost effort
and entail sacrifice the good ensuing will be Of ncom-
paraby greater value than any of effort
sacrifice made for it. 1t high time that preparing to
put house order for statehood When that time
the assumption of that dignity will impose upon
responsibilities and obgaonsand it would be fatal to
hopes then we ourselves already burdened beyond any
constitutional limit that would be imposed and beyond the
extent of credit
We have heretofore ignored every constitutional limitation
imposed as to the obligations may assume and
Harrison Act expressly limited Indebtedness per cent
if quite 10 per taxable property when it
upon slight and wholly insufficient pretexts have asked
Congress 10 raise the limit and Congress has compasanty
done
There is a limit however, absolute and wholly ire
ragablA than any constitutional and that is the point Of
exhaustion of credit We have been travelling at
what rapid rate in that direction and always in that direction
Happily have not reached that point but will do
inevitably unless change our direction.