6th Arizona Territorial Legislature
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The 6th Arizona Territorial Legislative Assembly was a session of the Arizona Territorial Legislature which met in Tucson beginning on January 11, 1871, and ran until February 14, 1871.[1][2] BackgroundAnson P.K. Safford had become Governor of Arizona Territory.[4]
The railroad service within the territory, there was little understanding of the situation on the East Coast of the United States.[5] Unsatisfied with the situation, the territorial government was exerting what influence they possessed to have General George Stoneman (a future Governor of California) replaced as commander of the District of Arizona.[6] Compounding the Indian issue was the presence of Mexican outlaws raiding the territory.[7]
A lingering issue was the status of Pah-Ute County. Created by the 1865 session of the legislature, most of its land had been transferred to Nevada by the U.S. Congress on May 5, 1866.[2] As a result the county was only a fragment of its original size and its status remained uncertain.
Legislative sessionThe session convened on January 11, 1871. To address problems cause by Apache depredations during the preceding two years and special committee was formed to address the issue.[6] Governor's addressThe Governor's address was given on January 14, 1871.[1] He used the speech to label the Apache Wars as the territory's biggest concern,[6] stating "the Apache Indians have never manifested the least disposition to live on terms of peace, until after they have been thoroughly subjugated by military power"[8] The second issue facing the territory was a lack of public schools. While there was a catholic school for girls in Tucson and a private school in Prescott, there were no public schools for the nearly 2,000 children residing in Arizona Territory.[9]
LegislationThe result of the special committee on the Apache issue was creation of a memorial to Congress containing statements from leading citizens and Army officers detailing the situation and requesting additional military presence.[6] Typical of the included testimony was a statement from Governor Stafford reading, "during the year 1870 the Apache Indians have been and are now in more active hostility than at any time since the Territory has been under the American Flag."[5] To address the Governor's call to establish a public education system, a territorial Board of Supervisors in each county to assess property tax of up to US$0.50 per $100 assessed value to finance operation of public schools.[9]
A proposal to create a Pinal County made in response to appeals by residents of Pah-Ute County was repealed returning the remains of the county to Mohave County. Additionally, the seat of Yuma County was moved from La Paz to Arizona City.[11]
Members
Neither Pah-Ute counties were represented at this session.
References
Further reading
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