The teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1876-1878, 1876-12-23

EDlroR TsLLER.-I do not often write
correspondence for newspapers, and do not
know that my effusion will be acceptable,
but will try and not violats tho rules Of
fairness in discssion nor offend the delicate
sentiments Of your readers in what l have
to say.
Our people Of this part Of Idaho have in
various ways signified their opinions and
strong wishes upon the question ofannex.
alton to Washington Territory. These op-
inions have been controverted, opposed and
even ridiculed by . portion Of the press of
Idaho and yet 1havs failed to sec that the
arguments in favor of the measure have
ever been answ cred, and that although =
long time has elapsed since the commence.
ment ofthe agitation Of this question yet
I find that with few exceptions among those
whose political aspirations for position
under the government Of Idaho have seem.
ed to warp their judgement, the public SEN
timent Of the people Of North Idaho has
been constantly gaining strength in favor
Of going to Washington. In fact it would
seem that the evils which We suffer in our
present relations force this. sentiment
among the people.
Our Walla Walla neighbors Of the press,
three years ago this Winter seemed hearth
~ to endorse our movement, and the peo-
pie in various assemblages heartily re-
sponded to our wishes by resolntions.s
A sudden change seemed to come over
the Walla Wallis press and they espoused
new love to 60 to Oregon, and sought to
carry the people with them, and did in
part succeed, but have yet failed to see
that the Oregon measure has had any
strong hold upon the people of the section
proposing to 60 to Oregon, or any evil
dences that anything like a majority of that
people would ever vote to 50 to Oregon. The
late vote in Wslla Walls and Columbia
counties on the question of constitution
for the State of Washington was largely in
favor Of that measure. If they had been
determined on going to Oregon, the record
of their vote in favor of : State Constitu-
ton for Washington places them 10 false
position, 20 that infer and think every
man will infer that large major
ity of the people in these two counties dis
claim the Oregon movement.
Now what 10 the result Of thm vote for q
constitution throughout the Territory of
Washington. The official count shows
that out of72s8 votes polled upon the meas.
ure only 1880 were polleds against it, leav-
ing . majority Of 4les in favor. The vote
Was not as full a. for delegate to Congress
which latter was 1904. Now admitting
that every voter had expressed himself on
The State question and that all who did not
Vote had voted against State, even then
he 6698 votes for State won!d have been
majority over all for State of 1902.
which would DO deemed good majority in
my case where less than 10, 900 votes were
'olled. But the presumption is that of tho
'otes not polled, the same ratio would have
'een maintained, and in that case instead
Il 4l6s majority the State question would
ave had 67l2 majority out Of 1904 votes
'olled, or nearly three votes for, to one
gainst tho measure.
Now this result ought to v encouraging
tho people Of Idaho who desire annexa-
ion to Washington. The nearer they sp-
roach 10 State government the mere cor. I
Ain our chances to become part and par
81 Of Washington, for the boundaries Of
DO new State are sure to embrace this DOR.
ION Of 1dshs. Many seem to think tho 3
tate movement in Washington is prema.
nre, do not think 90. 1t will require sew
raj years time to perfect a constitution and
ave it adopted BY the people and make i
ne application to Congress for admission