21st Arizona Territorial Legislature

The address was given by Governor Murphy on January 22, 1901.[1] The latest census data showed the territorial population had doubled during the 1890s to 122,212.[8] High on the governor's list of changes was a revision to the territorial property tax system that utilized low assessed values combined with high tax rates. As an example, a mine valued at US$100 million may have an assessed value of only US$2&million. This allowed mine owners to reap large profits while paying relatively small tax bills.[8]

On other concerns, Murphy wanted new reservoirs to be constructed to provide water for additional agricultural use. Toward this end he recommended supply canals be built to Indian reservations. This would allow the territory's indigenous population, with the possible exception of the Navajo, to become self-sufficient farmers and no longer need assistance from Federal agencies.[9] Additionally the governor desired legislation to encourage additional railroad construction and development of new industries in the territory.[10] Finally, Murphy asked for a new territorial prison to be constructed as a replacement for Yuma Territorial Prison.[11]

The proposed legal code revision authorized by the previous session was accepted and enacted into law with only minor modifications.[3] The pension for Charles Debrille Poston was also increased from the US$25/month authorized by the previous session to US$35/month.[12] No action was taken upon the governor's recommendation to modify the territorial property tax. A twelve-year tax exemption for factories that processed sugar beets and a ten-year tax exemption to railroads that constructed at least 10 miles (16 km) of new track annually were however granted.[11] Preferring to update to replacement of the territorial prison, the session passed a special levy of 3.5¢ per $100 value over the governor's veto to fund prison renovations.[11]

The session repealed a poll tax and implemented the local option for sale of alcoholic beverages.[11] The session authorized organization of the Arizona Rangers with the new police force allowed to have one captain, one sergeant, and twelve privates.[13] Territorial support for the national guard, cut by the previous session, was restored.[14] A 10-year ban on shooting antelope was passed.[4]

In other matters, Hail to Arizona! The Sun-Kissed Land was selected as the territorial anthem and the saguaro (cereus giganteus) blossom was selected to be the territorial flower.[4] County supervisors were granted the authority to choose their county's commissioner of immigration.[4] An appropriation of US$20,000 for a territorial exhibition at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. Other appropriations included US$3000 for the Pioneer Historical Society to replace the funds that were misappropriated by Fred G. Hughes and a $1,500/year stipend for the territorial governor in addition to his normal salary.[4] Finally the session created a new proposed state constitution based upon the document produced by an 1891 constitutional convention.[4]