Thomas B. Corbett - The Legislative Manual, of the State of Colorado

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1877,
By Thomas B. Corbett ,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

The first edition of the Colorado Legislative Manual is herewith presented. While designed for the use of the General Assembly, it cannot fail to interest all classesthe lawyer, the merchant, the aspirant after political honors, and even the young who are ripening into manhood and soon to share its grave responsibilities. It contains information which cannot be elsewhere acquired without a great expenditure of time and patience, in the examination of records, the reconciliation of numerous discrepancies, the supplement of omissions and the correction of errors. The pre-State history is necessarily brief. Sketches of prominent characters, and comments on events and the acts of individuals are not introduced, for the reason that the period of the narrative should be removed some distance from the present age to secure the historian from undue prejudice and partiality. The settlement of Colorado, now a flourishing State, began scarcely twenty years ago. A sense of propriety, therefore, demands that only a plain, accurate and truthful statement be made of what occurred in connection with that settlement. In the preparation of the Legislative Annals, much labor and care have been expended. The Annals are as complete and correct as it was possible to make them, considering the removals of members from the Territory, the inaccuracy of the records and the imperfection of the journals. To the novice in legislation, the Manual of Customs, Precedents and Forms will prove of great value. I have sought, and indeed have spared no pains nor expense, to make this an improvement upon all other Legislative Manuals yet published.

This Manual will be published biennially with such changes as circumstances may require, and such improvements as experience may suggest. That I am anxious to receive the commendation of an appreciative public, I do not deny, and hope that their fullest sympathy with my effort in this direction will be freely accorded. It is a satisfaction to know, and should beget a praiseworthy pride, that Colorado is not behind any of the oldest, most populous and wealthy States in the character, style and completeness of this publication.

It gives me great pleasure to confess, that from the inception to the completion of this work, I have received much kind and cordial assistance. My warmest thanks and acknowledgments are extended to Robert Berry and William W. Webster, experienced legislators, for their good offices and valuable help. The courtesies of Judge Amos Steck, whose memory of facts, dates and persons deserves special mention, and the kindness of O. J. Goldrick, editor and proprietor of the Rocky Mountain Herald, are here gratefully acknowledged.

Trusting that this work will meet the expectations of the General Assembly, and State at large, I respectfully submit it to their judgment.

T. B. C.

Cession of Louisiana Province and Territorial purchase from Mexicoexpedition of CoronadoUnited States expedition to examine Louisiana Provincebrief history of Kansas to 1861first discovery of Goldtrains of prospectorsfirst settlements in Coloradoearly attempts to organize a Territory and Statefirst representative to Kansas Legislaturevisit of Horace GreeleyProvisional Territorial government organizedpeoples courts and miners courtscondition of affairs in 1860pony express and other events of 1860Territory of Colorado organized.Pages 33-43.

BoundariesGovernor, Secretary, their duties and term of officeLegislaturesuffragejudicial powerelection of delegateSurveyor-General to be appointed.

To provide a temporary governmentto regulate the elective franchisein regard to appropriationscompensation of members and officers of legislature.Pages 44-56.

Provisional government endsfederal officers arriveTerritorial government establishedevents of 1862events of 1863events of 1864Indians punished by Col. Chivingtonrenewal of Indian hostilities in 1865attempt to organize a Stateevents of 1866events of 1867railroads and coloniestemporary division of Republican party in Coloradoenabling act passed.Pages 57-62.

Power to organize a State governmentboundariessuffrageConstitutional ConventionConstitution to be submitted to the people and President to admit the State by proclamationlands and Salt Springs appropriatedthat five per centum of the proceeds of the sales of lands by the United States be paid to the State. Amendment to the Enabling ActConstitutional Convention.Pages 63-67.

Preamblebill of rightsdistribution of powersExecutive DepartmentLieutenant-Governorlegislative departmentjudicial departmentsuffrage and electionsState institutionseducationrevenueofficersimpeachmentscountiescorporationsmining and irrigationmilitiamiscellaneousfuture amendmentsscheduleordinances. Constitution submitted to the peoplevotethe new State admitted. Proclamation of the Presidentparty conventionselection for State officersGeneral Assembly meetGovernors messagegeneral remarks.Pages 67-123.