PREFACE.

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 classes—the 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.