and villages, 27 had a
population exceeding 2000, and 7 a population of above 5000. The latter
were Denver (133,859), Pueblo (28,137), Colorado Springs (21,085),
Leadville (12,455), Cripple Creek (10,147), Boulder (6150) and Trinidad
(5345). Creede, county-seat of Mineral county, was a phenomenal silver
camp from its discovery in 1891 until 1893; in 1892 it numbered already
7000 inhabitants, but the rapid depreciation of silver soon thereafter
caused most of its mines to be closed, and in 1910 the population was
only 741. Grand Junction (pop. in 1910, 7754) derives importance from
its railway connexions, and from the distribution of the fruit and other
products of the irrigated valley of the Grand river. Roman Catholics are
in the majority among church adherents, and Methodists and Presbyterians
most numerous of the Protestant denominations. The South Ute Indian
Reservation in the south of the state is the home of the Moache, Capote
and Wiminuche Utes, of Shoshonean stock.

_Administration._--The first and only state constitution was adopted in
1876. It requires a separate popular vote on any amendment--though as
many as six may be (since 1900) voted on at one election. Amendments
have been rather freely adopted. The General Assemblies are biennial,
sessions limited to 90 days (45 before 1884); state and county elections
are held at the same time (since 1902). A declared intention to become a
United States citizen ceased in 1902 to be sufficient qualification for
voters, full citizenship (with residence qualifications) being made
requisite. An act of 1909 provides that election campaign expenses shall
be borne "only by the state and by the candidates," and authorized
appropriations for this purpose. Full woman suffrage was adopted in 1893
(by a majority of about 6000 votes). Women have served in the
legislature and in many minor offices; they are not eligible as jurors.
The governor may veto any separate item in an appropriation bill. The
state treasurer and auditor may not hold office during two consecutive
terms. Convicts are deprived of the privilege of citizenship only during
imprisonment. County government is of the commissioner type. There is a
State Voter's League similar to that of Illinois.

In 1907 the total bonded debt of the state was $393,500; the General
Assembly in 1906 authorized the issue of $900,000 worth of bonds to fund
outstanding military certificates of indebtedness incurred in
suppressing insurr