The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-12-12

Thus another step has been taken and an
nounced In the direction of Statehood. The
Resolution Of the Legislature authorizing
the election Of members to form Constitu.
ton was succeeded by their election, that by
properly constituted convention which
framed . State Constitution that has now
been ratified by the electors at the polls. So
far as the people Of Montana can 60 in this
matter they have proceeded steadfastly and
with careful elaboration until IL only re-
mains with them for the Constitution which
they have adopted TO be presented to the
President and Congress by their selected
representatives with the petition TO be ad
mitted to the Union Hereunder as State.
The vote on the Constitution shows that
out Of about $1,000 votes polled, only about
10000 are canvassed ~ "for" or against"
the Constitution. This discrepancy may
have arisen from variety Of causes. There
we're many irregular tickets used In the cleo
ti"n and 1t Is improbable oil Of them ems
bodied expression on the Constitution. In
some precincts we know OF, the vote on this
question was thrown out by local canvassers
for what they esteemed valid objections.
Again: there was hesitation by some as to
applying for admission at present, deeming
the assumption Of the burdens Of State pre-
mature, and they contented themselves with
striking out the line "For the Constitution"
We believe the large majority of those OPP.
posed to the Constitution on the ground of
the mine exemption clause voted against"
the Constitution; also, that the Northern
Pacific Railroad Company's influence was
against 1t, - the admiss on OF Montana rs .
State will raise against tha. company impor.
tant issues relating TO taxation, 10 exemption
from which 1t Is secure as long n Montana
remains In Territorial condition.
Notwithstanding all these facts, 1000 out
Of the q 900 electors of Montana recorded
themselves on the subject and 1896 voted
for, TO 1926 against, the Constitution. We
have not the means Of ascertaining the rela-
tive vote In other Territories voting for .
Constitution, but are inclined to the belief
that aside from this vote being determine
ton Of the question, 1t Is . remarkable In.
stance Of popular approval, demonstrating by
q vote Of nearly four 10 one that above ell
the objections to the manifold provisions Of
the particular instrument submitted for rati-
fcation, and to the the instrument a. whole,
the voters Of this Territory appeal to the
powers that be for admission TO the full
rights of American citizens and the endew-
ment Of Montana with the glorious SOW
ereignty Of Statehood.
The outlook for the Immediate consum-
nation Of those aspirations ID not = brilliant
- we could wish. The population Of the
United States and Territories Ii estimated
to be hfty-fvs millisns. At the recent Ma
tional election about ten million votes were
polled. This would, exclusive Of residents
OF Territories and others not permitted to
vote on the Presidency, be in the ratio OF
about five persons 70 each voter. II I've were
allowed the Same ratio on our vote Of 1900
II would indicate population Of 1856, 900, Or
very nearly that established Is the constitu-
ency Of . member Of Congrsss; bat, a. indi-
catsd By The continuous exclusion Of Dakota.