Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1883-02-25
ID a I1X
POST IgTELLIaENCER.
na.rasa asp WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON and Montana are almost
equal. In the matter of politics they
are at opposites. one Territory being
Republican, and the other Democratic.
In the desire for admission to State
hood, they stand on the same PLATFORM
The only real objection to the admss-
sion of Washington comes from the
Democrats, who see in it weakening OF
their own political strength, and an IN
crease of that of their opponents
Thouoh in the minority in Congress
they are able to keep rs out, as a two
thirds vote is required to enact meas
ure admitting US, and that Republicans
cannot command. The political situa-
tion will remain the same were Montana
and Washington simultaneously adj
mitted, in which event no injustice will
be done either party, and the people of
both Territories will be rejoiced. That
the next move will be in this direction
we trust and believe.
To show the feeling entertained IN
Montana upon the question of State ad-
mission, we append the article follow
ing from the Butte Miner, bearing upon
the resolution then before the Legisla-
ture to create constitutional conven-
ton:
The Joint resolutions now pending in
the House, looking to the Incorporation
of Montana into the sIsierhood OF
States, could very properly be passed at
this session of the Legislature, for good
and sufficient reasons. There is no
doubt about the general desire of the
mass of the people of this Territory to
lay aside the baby clothes II has now, or
soon will have, outgrown. We have so
increased in wealth and population that
the expense of maintaining State
Government-of paying legislative ex-
penses and salaries of Governor, Score
tary, and Judges-would be no burden
that would bs felt by the people and
which would not more than be amply
compensated by the satisfaction of
having Officials of our own selection
and of some feeling of dependence up
on the people for continued lease Of
power. Montana has been more fav-
federal officials than perhaps any Terri
tory of the same age; but for the sweet
privilege that might be accorded to
Montana of cleaning out its present iu-
dicial system-district and supreme
courts-the people ought reasonably to
assume almost any burden.
The adoption of State Constitution
Mt this time does not necessarily imply
immediate admission. 1t il not now
probable that Montana would be ad-
mitted as a State during the next Con
gress, unless upon some unforesse
contingency or compromise. We should
put ourselves in state of readiness for
contingencies. II liz certain that admis-
sion cannot precede the adoption Of a
Constitution that must be- Republican
in form. The Territory is in a sufii-
GENTLY healthy financial condition to
assume the expense of preparing that
constitution now. The constitution
adopted will be good to keep until such
time as the robes of Statehood are taken
from the Government closet. and placed
upon our shoulders. The officers elect
ed under the constitution can remain in
state OF mastery inactivity until off
cial life is breathed into their nostrils
through an act of Congress. There
will not he n session of tho Legislature
for two years, and the probability that
Congress will pass an enabling act and
order an election for n Constitutional
Convention for Montana during the in
terval, Is extremely doubtful. So, if
action is delayed now, it will certainly
be three or four years before the Terri
tory can place herself in position to be-
come State.
Neither are the chances for admission
90 indefinite rs they might seem. 9th
or Territories are knocking for admis-
sion, and 1t ia abs0 Ltely certain that
the next Congress, on account Of its
dual political complexion, will not adj
NIT any % them except ON some com
promise or omnibus bill. This ps culiar
condition of things may be Montana's
opportunity. Besides, the great West
and South are anxiously biding their
time to break the backbone Of extreme
protection ideas, and to shift the center
OF political power more To the interior.
The somewhat phenomenal election in
this Territory last fall is no criterion
for the future. Montana, from her DO
sition and the pursuits and character of
her people. can never bow her neck 10
the pernicious doctrine of protection.
A mining population. OF which Montana
must for years contain large element,
has the disoerninent To SEQ and feel the
rank injustice OF compelling them to
pay for the support of industries in the
East. They have nothing 10 protect.
and fail to see the justice II a system
that makes the man in n profitable bus
lness DIVIDE profits with the one in a
losing business. When Montana knocks
OF the door OF Congress the Intelligent
Congressman will know enough 10
know" that 1t will be and remain n
Democratic State, and they will aot 40.
oordingly.
In view of the facts that Montana il
now financially able to assume the
burden OF preparing an organic law;
that 1t Is matter that will have to be
attended to al no distant day; that the
constitution prepared and adQpted will
keep and be good for all time, or until
our industrial and social conditions
shall have demanded q change: that
there II possibility Of admission by
the next Congress: that the people. in
the midst Of corporate influences and
questions relating thereto, demand a
Judiciary with some feeling Of responsi.
Dility To the public; that an executive,
IN the salutary exercise of his powers,
must be confronted with the knowledge
that he Is servant of the people: that
Governments derive their Just powers
from the consent of the governed; and
for divers and sundry other good and
sufficient reasons, the time now seems
rips that the blocking, which has 40
long held US in position while our civil
structure was building, should now be
Knocked away, to allow the ship OF
State to glide forth ON the sea of gov.
ornamental Independence. The vote at
our last election -, 3lS-upon the ac.
cepted ratio Of one voter in seven, would
give us 1853, 36 Of POPULATION. We GER
tainly have higher ratio than one in
four, and certainly have over 10000
people in Montana. The taxable prop
crty last spring was $ss,ali, 3l9 II. and
will certainly be over $5u.00o,O0o before
the preliminary steps for State can
be perfected. A two-mili tax would
yield ample revenue for State, and
leave surplus to throw at birds.
The passenger list Of the Dakota this
trim told the story of the local destina