Page:The New International Encyclopædia 1st ed. v. 19.djvu/911

UTAH. but the conditions are favorable to them, and between 1890 and 1900 there was a great increase in every variety of fruit trees. In the latter year there were 715,778 apple trees, amounting to 40.1 per cent. of the total number of orchard trees. Weber and other northwest counties have the largest number of trees. Probably no State in the Union has a larger average yield per acre for all crops than has Utah.

The following table shows the acreage of the principal crops for the census years indicated:

The plateau region in the eastern half of the State and the valleys of the central region afford sufficient pasturage to support a considerable grazing industry. Every decade since 1850 shows an increase in the number of dairy cows and other cattle, horses, and sheep. Sheep-grazing seems to be assuming the most prominent place. The value of the wool product in 1899 was $2,599,638. The average weight of the fleece increased from 5.0 pounds in 1890 to 6.4 pounds in 1900. The following table shows the number of domestic animals on farms and ranges. In 1890 there were 78,047 head of cattle, 22,243 horses, and 922,730 sheep on ranges which are not included in this table.

. This industry is confined principally to production for the local market. However, there has latterly been a decided growth in the industry, the value of products (including custom work and repairing) having increased from $8,911,047 in 1890 to $21,156,183 in 1900. In the latter year there were 6615 persons engaged in the industry, and the capital invested was $14,650,948. The most important branch is the smelting and refining of lead ore. The flour and grist mill products in 1900 were valued at $1,829,840, the beet-sugar products at $1,037,355, and the butter and cheese at $713,889. Salt, malt liquors, and boots and shoes are other products of some importance. The value of products of railroad construction and repair shops in 1900 was estimated at $1,306,591. A large number of the industries are centred in Salt Lake City, the value of products for that place in 1900 being $6,109,409.

. The Union Pacific was the first railway to enter Utah, and since its advent in 1869 the development of the State has been very rapid. The total railway mileage in 1876 was 500; in 1894, 1347; and in 1902, 1875. The most important railway lines are the Rio Grande Western and the Oregon Short Line, extending north and south through the central part of the State, and the Union

Pacific, passing through the northern portion. There are no navigable streams.

. The history of banking in Utah is very uneventful. Private bankers became active toward 1860, and from 1860 to 1870 some banks were organized under the Territorial law. The first national bank was established in 1872 with Brigham Young as its president. Like all the economic activities of the Mormons, the banks were controlled by the Church authorities, and the high development of mutual confidence which characterizes the members of this faith has saved the banks from crises. Even during the hard times of 1893 the banks of Utah all remained solvent. State banks are more numerous and do a much larger business than the national banks. Savings banks have existed since 1873.

The condition of the banks in 1902 is shown in the following table:

. The Constitution of Utah was adopted by a vote of the people in 1895. An amendment may be proposed in either House, and upon receiving the approval of two-thirds of the members elected to each House, it is submitted to the people, and if a majority of the electors voting thereon approve, it becomes a part of the Constitution. In a similar manner a constitutional convention may be called, but the changes proposed by the convention must be submitted to the people for approval. The suffrage and also the right to hold office are granted to women as well as men. Voters must he citizens twenty-one years of age and have resided in the State one year, in the county four months, and in the precinct sixty days. The Constitution admits of laws requiring of voters a property qualification in order to vote special taxes or create indebtedness. All general elections, except for municipal and school officers, are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Utah sends one member to the National House of Representatives. The capital is Salt Lake City.

. The Legislature meets in biennial sessions, limited to sixty days, except in cases of impeachment. Members receive not more than $4 per day, and mileage limited to ten cents a mile. Representatives are elected for two years and Senators for four years. The latter can never exceed thirty in number, and the former must never be less than twice nor more than three times the number of Senators. The Lower House impeaches and the Senate tries all cases of impeachment.

. The Governor, Secretary, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney-General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction are elected for four years. The Secretary of State and president pro tempore are in the line of succession to the Governorship in ease of vacancy, and serve until a new Governor can be elected at the next general election. The pardoning power, unless otherwise provided for by law, rests with a board