Arizona republican., 1909-02-16
EXCHANGE OF COURTES|ES BETWEEN LEGISLATORS
President Hunts Reply to a Telegram From President Spiess of the New Mexican Council.

Mexican Council.
 A~few days ago President Hunt of the council received from President Speiss of the legislative council of New Mexico a telegram, the nature of which is set out below. The follow ing reply by letter has just been sent: Hon. Chas. A. Spiess,
 President Legislative Council,
 Santa Flo. Ne-' Mexico
 Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge re- ceipt of your telegraphic communica- tion> of the 11th inst, as follows:
 overwhelming majority of New Mexico legislature by caucus has agreed not to enact any legislation ad- verse or hostile. or which could be considered adverse or hostile to capi- tai or investments, and ask your CO., operation if you agree with us.
 (Signed( 'CHAS. A. SPIESS."
 While 1t is not within my province, as president of the council to say what is or is not the attitude of the Arizona legislature, or what action may or may not be taken by the body of which l have the honor to be a member l can assure you, both as a citizen and as a delegate chosen to represent the people of my county and of the Territory of Arizona, that no legislation hostile" to any legitimate interest, capitalistic or otherwise, will have my encouragement or support. 1 have striven and shall continue to ask and strive only for the enactment of such laws as will insure to the people of my territory, irrespective of class, political utilization or financial station. a full enjoyment of those be- neficent provisions of the Declaration of Independence which have for their basic principle the self-evident fact that all men were created free and equal, and, so far as the formation and enforcement of our laws may ren- der possible, are entitled to equal con sideration and protection.
 Just what may be your interpreta tiOn of adverse or hostile legislation, as it relates to capital or invest ments," I cannot say but from the wording of your telegram I am led to fear that the action of your caucus spells a willing subservience to those self-appointed guardians of the pub lie veal, who, by reason of great wealth, are too often, and to the ever lasting disgrace of our country. pow erful enough to dictate the actions of legislators elected and sworn to repre- sent the whole people.
 I sincerely trust, MT. President, that I have misconstrude your cOmmupica- tion. But I cannot refrain from say ing that down here in Arizona, where we are asking for that which is our just due the right of self government, and striving to show to the congress and to the people of the United States our faith in and our capacity to or ganize and maintain "a government of the people, for the people and by the people" we would think at least twice before placing ourselves on rec ord as being pledged against the en- actment of any legislation which could be considered adverse to cap itaI"
 When we reflect that capital repre- sents but one class. and that a very small class of our citizenship; that the capitalistic idea of proper legislation, of the laws enforcement and of the correct interpretation of what should or should not be considered adverse legislation" has never been marged by a noticeable sympathy for the rights or the welfare of others, We can only conclude that to place our lawmaking body at the disposal of the privileged few would be to brazenly confess, If my venture into the realm of word coinage may be pardoned, Q money archial form of government. incompat- ible with those fundamental principles upon which our forefathers relied for the building of nation wherein every w-abiding citizen might without let or hindrance, enjoy life, lberty and the pursuit of happiness"
 Do not assume that Arizona is an tagonistic to capital Far from it. This territory invites investments, and. while pointing to her mineral laden mountains and fertile valleys as the first and chiefest justification for the invitation, has no hesitancy in adding the assurance that every legit- innate protection which a fair minded and Godfearing people can offer will be extended to those who accept the splendid opportunities abounding with in her borders. But while the inde- pendence of her people maintains and the manhood of her representatives re- mains unpurchasable, the Arizona law will know neither rich nor poor, king or peasant, and those who have or may hereafter invest their millions here will have to content themselves. as well-es~ they can afford to, with statutes moulded with an eye single to the welfare of the whole people.
 Commenting these sentiments to the thoughtful consideration of the "over- whelming majority of your legislative caucus, I have the honor to Subscribe myself, Very truly yours,
 GEO. w P. HUNT President of the Council, Twenty fifth
 Legislative Assembly of Arizona.