As the population increased, protection of life and property was felt as the special need. Animated, therefore, by a common desire to establish security, prevent and punish crime, the new settlers called a public meeting. The meeting was held November 6, 1858, in the settlement of Auraria, containing at that time about 200 inhabitants. The assembly, though composed of immigrants from different states, acted as citizens of Kansas territory. Out of the Pike’s Peak country, as that part of the Rocky Mountains, and the plains around their base, were called, they formed a county, defined its limits, and named it Arapahoe, from a neighboring tribe of Indians. They also declared Auraria to be the county seat. They then proceeded to elect a delegate to Congress and a representative to the Kansas Legislature. H. J. Graham was chosen delegate, and A. J. Smith representative. This action of the assembly manifested a rare spirit of enterprise in politics. They declare a district of Kansas to be a county, and depute one of their number to the legislature with credentials of his election, and petitions that the county be established, and their representative be received. At the same time a delegate is dispatched to Congress with instructions to have the county converted into a territory. The delegate of _Kansas_ Territory would be duly recognized and admitted to a seat in Congress. But to the delegate of Arapahoe county no such recognition or position would be tendered. His labors would be confined to the advocacy of the petitions and claims of the people he represented before committees, or with individual members of the House or Senate. Nevertheless, Mr. Graham hurried to Washington, impelled by the delusive hope that his mission would be successful, and that he would enjoy the honors and emoluments of territorial delegate. The people of Arapahoe county were 700 miles distant from Leavenworth, the capital of Kansas, without railroads or telegraphs, and with immense uninhabited plains lying between them and the territorial authorities. They, therefore, naturally desired to have the territory of Kansas divided, and the western part organized into a new territory. This arrangement, if consummated, would place the country on a stable footing. Peace and order would be maintained, the general prosperity promoted, while Congress and the nation would be directly acquainted with the growth, prospects and necessities of the country. Mr. Graham exerted himself to prevail on Congress to respect the petition of his constituents, but his efforts proved unsuccessful. Their representative, A. J. Smith, succeeded in his mission, had Arapahoe county confirmed, but was not admitted as a member of the Kansas legislature.