, 1882-12-01
Statehood for Washington.

Weekly OrtgoHia,Ll
\ fresh effort will be made this win
ter to secure the admission of Wash
ington rs a state, Though not the
most populous OF our territories,
Washington has Il more permanent
population and a more stable wealth
tnan any of them. 1t is not doubted
that the population at this time ex-
ceeds 100000, which is more than
double the number that Oregon had
upon her erection into state. 1t is.
in fact, greater number than any of
our new states have had upon their
admission with the exception Of Cali
fornia, The people of Washington
seem to be nearly unanimous in their
desire for admission. Doubtless they
have weighed the matter well, and
are convinced that it would bring
them many advantages to compen-
safe the burdens and responsibilities
it would entail. They are we'll able
to support a state government. The
injustice of a situation which virtual
ly excludes them from u voice in the
general government but still binds
them firmly to obedience, is fully re-
cognized. The form of sending a
delegate to Congress who sits there
without even Il vote, and is unable,
whatever his ability, to obtain for the
large interests he represents the hear
ing which those interests deserve,
naturally dees not satisfy the people,
1t is well enough for an infant terri
tory, but does not suffice great
community like that which has grown
up in this richest and most important
OF the territories of the United States.
Nevada with less than half the popu
lation and not one tenth part of the
business and wealth, moro than a
dozen states with smaller resources,
and several with less brains, have two
senators each and a quota of voting
representatives; while Washington
territory is sort Of begging child,
taking what it can get through the
generosity of voting lawmakers and
without standing to enforce its rights.
Nor is it alone in the matter of rep
resentation among those who make
the laws by which all are governed
that the gross injustice is inflicted
upon the people living under terri
torial form OF government. The rule
has been to appoint the officials of
the territories from the statee, and
their selection has generally been
made from political motives, not for
what they can do while filling an of
fee in territory, but as a reward for
past party services. Important posi-
tions have been given to men I'M
known to the people over whom they
are appointed, men unacquainted with
the wants and circumstances of the
people, and utterly lacking sympathy
or harmony with their habits, Gus
toms and ways. Some of the officials
of Washington territory have made
themselves efficient and popular, while
others, after drawing pay for their
allotted terms, have left the territory
unregretted. "Carpet- baggers" as
Office holders is the rule in all the
territories; and though many Of them
prove to be excellent men, yet the
people would naturally prefer to have
voice in the selection of their own
servrnts.
Oregon is not altogether disinter-
ested in the question of the admis
sion Of her sister into the union. The
interests of the two sections in many
things are common, and the addition
of three more votes to the represen-
tation in Congress from the north Pa
cifc coast would give this part of the
country an influence that would more
frequently make itself felt in legisla-
tive halls of the nation.