Arizona republican., 1912-07-23
No Trouble About Increas- ing City's Contribution, Not as a Matter of Duty But as One of Public Spirit
J. c. ADAMS TELLS
 THE COMMISSIONER
At a Meeting Yesterday Contract for Enlarging Grand Stand Was Let; Also Concessions Were Awarded

If it is simply a question of rais- ing the S7,5OO which the state fair with which the people of Phoenix should come across" for the fair this year, then the success of the big show is already assured. At a meeting of the commissioners Yester- day afternoon in the office of the secretary in the Phoenix National Bank building a number of the busi- ness men of the city were present and they were unanimous in express ing the conviction that there would not be the semblance of trouble in getting the amount right off the reel. Not only did they express a perfect willingness to contribute themselves but some of them said they would give some time toward helping canvass among their friends and business associates.
 There was a spicy little incident in connection with this matter. too. Some one referred to the fact that certain outside towns had expressed the belief that the people of this city were not contributing quite so libar- ally as they might. J. c. Adams took the floor to make a statement with reference to this matter.
 T am in favor of the business men of this city contributing the sum that has been asked" he said. I feel convinced that we will find that a good investment But I want to say that Phoenix has not been lax in it's contributions This fair is not a Phoenix institution, anyway. and if the legislature desired to do SO it could move the fair to some other city any time it felt so inclined But I want to call attention to the fact that Maricopa county, a farming community, for years has been pay ing taxes on an assessed valuation that is at utter variance with the amounts assessed against property in other counties. With not more than five per cent of the taxable property of the state Maricopa county has been paying twenty per cent of the taxes. And so I say if the mining counties were to contribute for the next twenty years to the success of this fair the account would not then be squared As I said I am in favor of the people of this city coming forward and raising this amount oi money. I look upon it as good in vestment But I also want it under stood that it is not done for the purpose of salving the feelings Ot anybody It is done because we are willing to make the contribution anG want the fair to be a success
 Adams speech made a decided hit and was rOundly applauded.
 A probable program of rather am- bilious proportions was preached by Secretary c. B. Wood in speaking or the question of legislative appropria- tion. In response to a question Inc stated that the appropriation for the present year is $3O.O00 which is slightly lower than usual. Then he called attention to the fact that . larger appropriation, likely $40,00O or S50,00O will be asked the coming year. Just west of the present site of the fair grounds. he aid, is a sec tion of school land; and he thought it possible that at no distant date this land would be leased for a fair grounds. If this be done a genera building will be located there and al other improvements to make the place what it ought ito be for an up-to- date state fair of large proportions The main building, it was stated would cost about $60,OOO and O course there would be other large expenses
 Included in the expenses for tho present year are the building of al addition to the grand stand, which will cost about $3,OOO. The proposa to construct a subway under the rae, tracks has been practically abandon ed. at least for the present year
 Some time was devoted to tn, question of raising the sum of s7.58, in Phoenix this year. Some though 1t should be raised by the fair com mission; but on this proposition MT Keegan and MT. Henderson baked MT. Campbell said he would feel n, embarrassment in helping with tn soliciting but he lacked the time
 It was finally decided that thi matter should be placed in the hand Of Dr. Martin. president of the boar, of trade; MT. Diehl. president of tn Merchants and Manufacturers asso citation; the secretary of the fai commission. and one other person t De appointed by President Campbell
 The amount here mentioned include x2.ooO to be raised for the automo pile races. About $1,200 of this ha already been raised by the board O trade and it was stated the balanc
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