The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1880-11-18
State of Dakota.

State of Dakota
The result of the late election is of more
than mere party significance to the cities
ofthe territory. 1t affords the opportuni
ty for the presentation of our claims for
admission as a State. 1t is we'll known
tina, the principal bar to admission hereto
fore was that interposed by Democratic
Congress The fact that our representa-
ton in that body would be unquestionably
Republican was the sole objection, and
would have existed as long as that power
continued or the territory remained repub.
licau
There now is no objection that a con-
sistent or reasonable man can suggest
agai nst the recognition of our claims
We have population far beyond that
other territories had when admitted. We
have a favorable prospect for even doub-
ling that within the next three years,
basing the estimate upon the ratio Of in-
crease during the past eighteen months
, We have wealth, in land aud mines, and
better than all have men within our Dor
ders who have the brain and experience
| to put the new State upon footing that
would speedily develop her resources to
the extent Of her recognition as q power
among her sister States.
With the next Congress it now looks
probable that the democrat majority will
subside to minority, and if so and the
proper steps are taken by the incoming
Territorial Legislature, one of Its first
measures for consdera ion of its regular
session, commencing in 1881. will be as
to admitting Dakota as a State, either as
one with its present poundafies or the d.
vision upon the 10th parrellel, with that
portion south of that line as Dakota, and
the territory north Of that to the British
Possessions as some other or the second
Safe.
We think division the most al visab]e,
and in fact,what the majority wish aud
demand. L he northern people desire it
snd we of the southern portion certainly,
ought to concede it, if it can be called a
concession, il rather Is the lions share as
to affinity and community Of interests
The iron arteries that are stretching ACROSS
this famous agricultural belt will unite US
to the golden fields of the Black Hills, to
which already wo are becoming allied by
our geographical location and business in
terests. Combine tho 1000 population
Of southeastern Dakota with the 5000 OF
the Black Hills portion, and the numeri-
cal aggregate characterized IS the indlvid-
uals composing it, and for enterprise, push
anil skill, will a population base from
states of the great north west.
But little time and the true merits Of
Dakota will be recognized, rival portions
aided by powerful corporations that have
FOR years successfully diverted sttention
and mi grafton from her, have lost their
grip, and the tidal wave is bearing
hither the cream of the masses who are
seeking new homes. With every mile of
iron laid upon the lines that are weaving
network across and along our beauti
full vallies, comes the sturdy settlers who
pillow and plant, dressing the silent prairie
in the habiliaments Of civilization. Al
ready the tide of travel has been diverted
to and through our territory 70 the Hills,
and before January 1892, two railroads
will reach there, and then will be disclos-
ed the inexhaustable wealth Of al Eldora-
do whose infancy has been characterized
by peril, toll and innumerable hardshlps.
But wthal our fair prospects,, we should
tiers for the new state OF affairs. 1t is
great and important step, from Territory
to full ftedged State Wise and prudent
legislation will be required as prelimi-
nary. A committee is to be formed,
which should in fact be the production of
thoughtful and far-seeing men. State in
situations are to be provided for, charita
bic and benevolent, laws mad: that will
carry Us into the new order of things
without conflict. and with a view Of what
is to follow. 1t is not improbable that
the Legislator elect may before their ter N
Of office expires be called upon to elect
two United States Senators, as when
territory presents herself for admission IS
9 State, the expectation, and the necessity
is that she comes prepared with her Con-
stltution, her representation in the U. 8.
Senate and in order for running State
Government at once upon her admission.
Our Capitol question is one also that
will have to be considered. Its removal
from Yankton is only question of time,
its geographical location being the prime
cause. But for one, we do not think it
advisable to agltate that matter until tho
people are prepared to decide upon It's
location Railroad advancements, and by
rival companies will prevent at least all
immediate change, without strenuous op-
position by one or the other. Whether an
effort will be made during tbs forty days
session OF this winter, Is not known, but
as il was not made an issue in the cleo
ton, and the people as a whole are not
prepared or at least not heard from on the
subject. Unless a location can be selected
that of itself would present the argument
in favor. The putting tho Capitol on
wheels at the caprice Of politicians Or
SPECTATORS, to the detrimcnt or ultimate
Inconvenience of the people of the new
State to be, would not be justice and
right! But, whatever the outcome on
that who of our worry people bat will re-
ioice at the bright prospect of soon being
permitted to hail from the great State Of
Dakota?