Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1881-03-17
ashington Letter.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,

Washington, d. G. Feb'y 81 1881
Hon. ALoNzo LELAND, DEAR SIR
Your favor Of the 2Sth ult., witt
enclosed copy of the TELLER, after
some delay, has been received | hao
previously received from Boise City
information of the vote by the Idaho
House of representatives. | am in
full accord with you in the object te
be accomplished, although we may diff
Ter in the means to be used in secur
ing the desired end l need not pre-
sent arguments to prove the correct
ness of the views we have in common
But | cannot think it fair to the PEG
pie who are now part of Idaho and
whom we would incorporate within the
state limits of Washington to deny to
them q voice in the selection of the
first senators, one of VIII ON may hold
a tenure from that first election for
the term of six years. Neither do
think it fair to the people of what will
upon our admission be eastern Wash
inSton, that part of that people shall
be denied representation in the first
state legislature. l cannot concur
that a new convention, or a change in
the present constitution in respect to
legislative apportionment would in
any manner endanger the proposed
state boundaries, unless which | dc
not believe-the people of Washing ION
territory have changed their views and
are now opposed to the acquisition of
part Of Idaho. If such change has
come, it would be used against the adj
mission of the state in its present sta
tus, and it would defeat the admission.
Again, denial to any portion of our
proposed citizens of the right to be rep
resented in just proportion to their
numbers, would awaken the suspicion
that selfish purposes were attempting
nefarious ends, and would defeat the
admission of the state, even if that
were the only objection. Any dis
reimbursement, therefore would be ia
tai to admission, for it is indefensable,
One strong hope of the admission Of
the new state is based upon the repub-
licanism of and fair distribution of DO
litical power under our constitution.
Exclude any considerable portion Of
our people from voice in the first
Legislature that is to elect it's first SEN
ator and every democrat in House and
Senate would charge upon the republi
cans disposition to defraud them by
denying to their sections voice, and
Republicans would not, / opine, will
lingly, give it support. In this case,
] am opposed to denying to any sec.
ton its just represents ton in the first
Legislature.
LIST; Because it is unjust to deny
them their rights.
2nd Because any attempt in tina,
direction is sure defeat.
am fully committed to the inclu
sion Of North Idaho within the limits
of the proposed State, and would no,
willingly endanger that project. But
until our constitution is amended by 8
provision for more equal apportion
ment of members of our first Legislature
| doubt both the propriety and tn,
possibility of our admission under it
Should | feel constrained to introduc;
an enabling bill for that purpose,
should certainly conform the bounda
ries as defined in our present constitu
ton, and in my pending bill for ad
mission. You may rest assured shall
"stand pat" on that. In all these mat
tiers, however, l wish to be fully ad
vised and to be guided by the dicta
tons of wisdom and justice.
| With many thanks to you for you
carefully considered letter, and regret
ting that we differ in the manner O
securing the accomplishment of an oh
ject in the desirabliness of which W,
agree, with the highest esteem and con
sideration, I am,
Yours very truly,
| THOS. II. BRENTS.