Year: 1877

be closed at least one day prior to the election.

 The law for taking the census should be changed by placing the duty of se- lecting Census Marshalls in the hands of one man, who should be held re- sponsible for the taking of a fair and just census throughout the entire Terri tory. As the law now stands local -l- valry is liable to lead to wrong and dissatisfaction. Every possible en- couragement should be given to immi- grafton, and l believe it would be a just and salutaTy law to exempt, to a limited amount, all heads of families from taxation during the first years residence

 The law imposing a tax on ores should be amended so as to more clearly define the portion to be paid into the Territorial Treasury, and also the portion to be paid into the proper County Treasury.

 The law for canvassing votes should be more clearly defined and guards should be provided to prevent the can wasting officer or officers from throw ing out honest votes upon frivolous technicalities.

 The law providing for the appoint ment of Notaries Public should be so amended as to establish a uniform official seal, and the appointments should be limited to such number in each of the counties as may be found necessary for the convenience of the people.

 CONCLUSION.

 This being the last message 1 shall deliver to the Legislature of Arizona, 1 desire to embrace thIs opportunity to return my grateful thanks to the people of the Territory for the generous sup port 1 have received at their hands. When 1 assumed the duties of my of flee, nearly eight years ago, l found the Territory overrun with hostile Apa- ches and marauding bands of robbers committing frequent depredations ad- jacent to the Sonora line. The laws of the Territory were in confusion and no attempt was made to yield a uni form obedience to them. The TerritO- ry was considerably in debt

 The people were in poverty and dis tress. 4 general gloom seemed to Overspread the land and no one knew how soon his turn would come to fol- low his brother, neighbor or friend to an untimely and bloody grave By the strong arms and stout hearts of our people great changes have been made Now, with very few exceptions, we are on terms of perfect peace with the Apache Indians, our border for the past three years has been almost en- tirely secure from marauding bands, a uniform and willing obedience is given to our laws, we are out of debt. except for building a Penitentiary, and have a surplus on hand.

 Every district in the Territory where there are sufficient children is supplied with a good free school Many school houses have been erected that would do credit 10 the older States, and peace, prosperity and cOntentment reign throughout the Territory. With out assuming to arrOgate to myself any credit for these great and beneficial changes, 1 may be permitted to say that 1 have faithfully sought to do my

 q duty to the Territory and to all its pe0- pie. has been my endeavor to suppress wrong regardless of fear or favor, and to sustain right at all hazards, and if in the accomplishment of this object l have erred l believe I can safely say it has been an error of judgment and not of design.

 Gentlemen of the Legislative Assem- ply, the legislation for this Territory is now placed in your hands Let each member examine his own heart and see if he approaches the work with a view so to legislate as to add to the prosperity of the whole Territory. Cast aside all contention and strife and let calm judgment and charity to one another be your rule of action, and when you have finished your labOrs may you be able to return to the peo- pie and receive from them the praise of having been faithful servants.

 A. P. K. SAFFORD. Executive Office, Tucson, January l, 1877.