The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-12-07
TRANSFORM THE TERRITORIES
INTO STATES.

N' "a
some length argues in favor of this PROPOSE
ton. 1t says: Congress ought this winter
to rearrange the boundary lines of the States
and Territories of the Far West. They were
originally fixed in many cases because of
natural boundary lines, like rivers or noun
tain chains. These natural boundaries
amount to nothing any more because railroads
are creeping all over the ranges and spanning
all the rivers. This being the case, the lines
should be Strengthened. OF course, before
State lines can be changed: Bthe States inter-
ested have to give their consent, but this can
be obtained when it can be shown to be the
best thing to do. The eight Western Terri
tories might be squared up and made into
about four States, which might be admitted
at once into the Union, and then only the
Indian Territory and District of Columbia
would be denied Statehood, of all the Union.
No political jealousies ought to stand in the
way of this arrangement, because two of the
States would come iD as Democratic and two
as Republican. The advantages would be
apparent at a glance. Legislation for the
Territories would be removed from Congress;
the people who now reside in the Territories
would become their own managers, and,
moreover, would have not only a voice but a
vote in the councils Of the Nation and in the
selection Of Presidents" There is much to
be said in favor of the I1ybune's theory, but
we fear the day is far distant when it will be
carried into practical effect. How would the
administration find places for the party
workers and faithful henchmen if there were
no Territories to send them to- If the sug-
gestion of the Tribune were put into effect
it would cut off q big slice of patronage and
to that extent weaken the prospects Of the
''ins' to the advantage of the s'outs." This
is the light in which q good partisan Con-
gressmen would look at the matter and with
out regard to the justice of the case would
vote against the measure.
But the proposition to transform the Ter
ritorles into States is certainly founded on
justice. All Of the Territories are now rap
idly increasing in population and as the rail
roads are penetrating them in almost every
direction their progress will be more rapid
in the near future. Even noW, four or per-
haps, six States could be formed out of the
Territories, with sufficient population.
and all else necessary for self gov
eminent. Before many years ell of these
new made commonwealth would occupy
proud places in the Union of States and al
though the last admitted would be by no
means least in importance. Whatever the
policy Of the government may be the time is
not far distant when the wonderful resources
and rapid development of the West will force
recognition at the hands Of Congress and
Stateship will be readily conferred on many
Of the Territories, among the number the
grandest Territory Of them all, Montana.
The Territorial governments are not in
strict accordance with the spirit Of our insti-
tutions. The civil and judicial officers are
appointed by the President, and in too many
instances the appointments are made more
with reference to the party service rendered
by the applicant than his qualifications for
position. Not only have We no voice in the
selection Of the Chief Magistrate but are
compelled to bow to the behests of whatever
Territorial officers he may see fit to send QUE
here from Ohio, or some other favored State.
We are virtually ruled by satraps of the adj
mlnlstration just as the Persian provinces
were. The rule is not as rigorous, perhaps,
but the principle is the same. If the Terri
tories are to be maintained greater political
powers should be conferred upon them.
They should have a voice il the selection Of
the President and be permitted to select their
oWn officers. The better way, however,
would be to form them into States as rapidly
as their development and population would
admit. The people Of the Territories are sg
capable Of self government and of maintain
ing the dignity of Stateship as the denizens
Of little Rhode Island or Alabama. Why
should Dakota, with q population of 200, 900,
be refused admission as a State? WIZ
could not Montana, even, with q population
Of 30, 900, which will be trebled inside If
maintain q state government and take
her place as one Of the Sovereign CONNIE o.
r. The day is not far distant
when our people will be laundering at the
doors Of Congress for the right OF managing
their own affairs, for the right Of self gov
eminent; but unless q change Of sentiment
occurs in the East it is hardly probable that
their plea will be granted IS soon as justice
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