El Nuevo mexicano., 1916-10-05
High Tribute
BIZ Historian
To Efficiency of
Governor OtcrO

From Col. R. z. TwitcheI1's Lead
ing Facts of New Mexican History")
safely installed in office, occupy
ing quarters in the Old Palace Of
the Governors, the executive miguel
Ia. Otero) Immediately began the in
stitution of reforms in the finances of
the territory and its several counties.
Educated to business methods, a finan-
cier of no mean ability, his efforts
within a brief period were crowned
with pronounced success. Alive to
1.-THE efforts of certain spectators and
owners of great landed interests on
both sides Of the Rio Grande in the
vicinity of Ell Paso, Texas, to commit
the general government to the con-
struction Of an International Dam
and Reservoir in the Valley of the
Rio Grande, a short distance above
the city Of Ell Paso, in the state OF
Texas, Governor Otero addressed a
communication to the Honorable John
Sherman, secretary of state, protest
ing against the execution of a treaty
between the American and Mexican
governments at that time pending or
proposed by the Republic of Mexico.
The protest made by New Mexico's
executive had great force and in a
large prevented the construc-
ton of the dam at that point, result
ing afterwards in the adoption of the
Elephant Butte project by the govern
ment reclamation service, and the de-
livery of a limited amount OF water
from the Rio Grande to lands lying
within the valley Of the Rio Grande,
in the vicinity of Cuidad Juarez, in
the State of Chihuahua. In the course
of two years following his appoint
ment, Governor Otero, ably assisted
by the attorney general Of the terri
tory edward L. Bartlett) and aided
by several legislative enactments, re-
ported the r%efunding of large amounts
of territorial bonded Indebtedness at
lower rates of interest. The same wise
policy was pursued in adjusting the
bonded indebtedness of a number Of
the counties of the territory, particu-
larly those which had defaulted in the
payment Of interest. In this manner
the credit Of the territory was made
stable and that Of the counties re-
stored.
Calling to his aid in the conduct of
his office the business methods with
which he was familiar and in which
he had received a thorough educa-
ton, he accomplished much for the
welfare of New Mexico. To him may
be attributed the establishment of the
Office OF travelling auditor, an official,
whose duties well performed by Gov
ernor Otero's first appointee, have
been responsible for the excellent
condition Of the finances of New Mex
leo and the official conduct of the
revenue collecting officers. The pas
a q of the law creating the office of
Insurance commissioner is attribut-
able to him. During his administra-
ton the growth and prosperity Of
New Mexico were almost phenomenal.
The building of railroads was re-
commenced and capital not only
sought but made extensive invest
ments. The passage of the Reclama-
ton Act by congress and the com
mencement Of construction of the
great governmental irrigation enter
prises in the southwest occurred dur
ing his administration. The several
Legislative assemblies. reposing conf
dence in his recommendations as
voiced, in his several biennial mes
sages, passed many laws beneficial to
the people. Influenced by memorials
and urged in reports to the secretary
of the interior, the congress Of the