The copper era and Morenci leader., 1920-10-29
PARKER LANDS ARE HELD FUR SOLDIERS
 AND SAILORS

~ubBeOuyO
 oelI explanatory is the following copy or letter recently sent by Nit Slmms to the Frank Luke Jr. post post or the American legion at Pboe- nlx. It will fully indicate the attitude or the democratic candidate for the Arlzona governoship on the question or land settlement for soldiers and sailors Of the world war This uues- ton mas been repeatedly raised bv republican opponents in the state electlon, and 1t is time that the Ari zona public be given a true perspec- tlve or the. situation. For this reason the following letter $ made public:
 Florence, Ariz., Oct 19 1920 MT. T. E. Burton,
 Frank Luke Jr. Post.
 American Legion,
 Phoenix, Arizona
 My Dear MT Burton: Your letter in which you enclosed a copy of the proposed soldier land bill. finally reached me here, my office in Phoe- nix, in care of which your letter was sent, having made several attempts to deliver the same to me during my trip throughout the southern part of the state. l regret very much this delay and trust you will appreciate that the same was unavoidable under the circumstances
 The proposed law, herein referred to. is very lengthy and somewhat complicated; therefore, I feel that some study should be given it before It IS gwen my approval or d.sapproval
 It sometimes happens that in the heat of political campaign, those who seek office are so overcome by a desire for success that promises are made so extravagant in their nature as to make the fulfillment of these promises impossible. I hope that my desire to be elected governor of Arizona will not become so intense as to influence me to make promise cannot later fulfill. especially as the promise which effects the welfare of a soldier of the late war. shall give the bill in which you are interested my careful considera- tion and in due time reply to your letter of inquiry. In the meantime please be assured of my high annre I ciatfon and of the sefvice you and your comrades rendered to cfviIiza- tion. further assure you that I fully recognize the states and nations obligation for it's service and that I nave always been, now am, and al- ways will be willing to assist you in any way consistent in paying the debt we owe to the ex-soldier. AS an evidence of how we'll appreciate the srvtce rendered to the world by the American soldier ' hand you herewith copy of resolution introduced by me at meeting of the state land de partment held on September 21st. 1920.
 "At a meeting of the state land department held on Tuesday, Sep tember 21st. 1920, at which were pre- sent Nit Simms, secretary of state, Wiley B. Jones, attorney general and Jesse l.. Boyce, state auditor, the Hon. Nit Simms introduced the following resolution, which was passed by the unanimous vote of all members pre- 1 sent.
 RESOLUTION
 Whereas, the department of the interior by decision rendered on the 18th day of Sept. 1920, decreed that title to all school sections 2. 16. 32 and 36 lying within the Parker In alan reservation will vest in the state of Arizona when said reservation has been abandoned and opened for set tlement, and;
 Whereas, by this decision of the department of the interior it is held that state title to all school sections 2, 16 32 and 36 is not effected by the | withdrawal for the Colorado river | Irrigation project of all lands within radius of six miles from the Cobra do river, and;
 Whereas, the school sections ly- ing within the area above described i are available for irrigation and re i clamation under the several propos- ed irrigation projects now under ir- rigation by the United States govern | ment, and:
 Whereas this department recog- nizes the states, obligation to the members of the American legion and | all other soldiers and sailors who rendered service in America during the late war.
 Now therefore, be it resolved that the state land commissioner of the state of Arizona be, and he is here by instructed not to dispose of any of the state land lying within the area 1 above described, including such lands within the Little Colorado river pro- 1 ject, pending the enactent of proper laws under which all soldiers and sailors can,b be given preference right l over all others in acquiring title to these lands by gift, purchase or other- wise.
 With personal regards, am. Yours very truly. | CSigned) MT SIMMS.