Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1878-10-04
Speech of Tom Cation at DAYTON.

The Dayton Ne,os has the following
synopsis Of the speech of N. 7. Cation,
made at Dayton. He favors the annex
alton Of Northern Idaho to Washington,
favors state government, favors the
Constitution prepared by the late con-
vention, and says he shall vote for its
adoption and is teetotally opposed to
Walla Walla and Columbia counties
going to Oregon
Mr.. Cation placed himself squarely on
the platform adopted by the Vancou-
yer Convention and then discussed
the first, second, third and sixth reso-
lntions. He said it had been charged
that, some years ago, he made several
speeches favoring the annexation of
Walla Walla county to Oregon. He
said that, being DESTROYS of enjoying
the benefits growing out of Statehood,
and the tide Of emigration not having
then set in !; and seeing no prospect
that Washington Territory would be
State for long time in the future, he
made speeches as above charged. But
the very arguments he then used in
support of annexation to Oregon are
those he now uses against dismember-
ment. Walla Walla, Columbia and
Whitman counties are filling up with
rapidity scarcely equalled in the annals
OF our nation and he was, therefore,
in favor not only of remaining territor-
tally intact, but of annexing what is
known as the "Pan. Handle" of Idaho.
He also said he was not only in favor
of being admitted as State, at the ear.
Hest moment possible, but in favor of
the Constitution framed by the Conveu-
ton at Walla Walla. 1t has some de-
fects, some Of which were specified
but it has many excellencies, one of
which is that Of economy and, taken
as whole, the speaker thought it a
good one, and hoped it would be adopt
ed. IF, on fair trial, it shall be found
not to work well in some important par.
ticulars, it can be abrogated and new
one adopted instead
Relative to the Northern Pacific Rail
road, be favored an extension of time
for its completion as affording the best
prospects of a speedy connection with
the Sound aud an outlet for our surplus
grain and other products.
He was strongly in favor of the con-
struction of a canal and locks at the
Cascades and The Dalles. In fact he
claimed to be one of the first to make a
move for obtaining an appropriation
from Congress for this purpose. In
proof of this he caused to be read
memorial to Congress, drawn up by
himself while presiding officer OF one OF
the branches Of the Territorial Legisla-
ture. Said memorial sets forth the
great necessity tor the construction of
these works, in comprehensive and
exhaustive array of facts and figures.
After passing both branches of the Leg
isiature Mr.. Cation kept close track OF it
until signed by the governor aud then
he placed it in the hands Of Mr.. NJ Fad
den with the urgent request that he
attend to it Immediately on his arriva
in Washington. That year Congress
granted an appropriation of $4,000
much Of the success being justly due
to the memorial aforesaid.
Relative to the Indian questionable
G. is in favor of breaking up the triba
relations as far as possible, by arrang
ing that all Indians who wish to hold
tract OF land in severalty shall do So
abandoning their wandering habits ant
tilling the soil like white men. Tn
balance Of the Indians he would hav
consolidated and all placed on one res
ervation with military control. TIL
present Indian policy had proved a
entire failure and he was in favor c
its immediate abandonment, and {
adopting the policy indicated brief
above.