Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-05-24
CHARIEsToWN, THURSDAY, NAY "a, 1866

of the ncwly admitted State. Thus, IN regard
.otbe several States in what was formerly called
the " Northwest Territory, lying east OF the
Mississippi the rapid advancement in popula-
ton rendered it certain that States admitted
with only one or two Representatives IN Con-
grcss would in very short period he entitled ia
a great increase or Representations So when CALI
fornia was admitted on the ground Of CONNER
cial and political exi.ences, it was we'll iorcseen
that that State was destined rapidly TO become
a great prosperous mining and commercial com-
munitv In the case Of Colorado | am not
aware that any rational exigency, either ol a
political or commercial nature, requires de-
parturc from the law of equality. which has
been so generally adhered to in our history.
If information submitted in connection with
this bill is reliable Colorado, instead of increas-
ing has declined in population. AT an elcc-
ton for members of Territorial Legislature
held in 1861, 10, $50 votes were cast. AT the
election before mentioned, in 1864, the number
of votes cast was s, 1872; while at the irregular
election held in 1865, which is assumed as a
basis for legislative action at this time, the aS-
gregatc of votes was 5,905 Sincerely anxious
for the welfare and prosperity of every Terri
tory and State, as well as for The prosperity and
welfare of the whole Union, regret this APP
parent decline of population in Colorado, but 1t
is manifest that it is due to emigration, which
is going out from that Territory into other re-
gions within the United States, which either
are in fact, or arc believed By the inhabitants
of Colorado to be, richer in mineral wealth and
agricultural resources.
Ii however, Colorado has not really declined
=. L. or
ton under the authority of Congress would place
the question beyond doubt, and cause but little
DELAY in the ultimate admission of the Territory
as a State, if desired by the people. The tenor
of these objections furnishes the reply which
may be expected to an argumentin favor OF the
measure, derived from the enabling act which
was passed by Congress on the 2lst day OF
March, 1864. Although Congress then sup
posed that the condition Of the Territory was
such, as to warrant its admission as State, the
result of two years experience shows that every
reason which hexisted for the institution OF Ter
ritorial instead of State government IN Color
ado, at its first organization, still continues IN
force.
The condition Of the Union at the. present
moment is calculated 10 inspire caution IN re-
gard to the admission of new States. Eleven
of the old States have been for some time, and
still remain, unrepresented in Congress. 1t is
common interest of all the States, as well those
represented as those unrepresented, that the In
tegrity and harmony Of the Union should be re-
stored as completely as possible, that all those
who are expected to bear the burthens OF the
federal government shall be consulted concern
ing the admission Of new States, and that in the
meantime no new State shall be prematurely
and unnecessarily admitted to participation
in the political power which the federal govern
ment wields-not for the benefit of any indi-
vidual State or section, but for the common
safety, welfare and happiness Of the whole
country aH
ANDREW JOHNSON.
Washington, D. G., May Is, 1866.