Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-03-16

/ vision was made in the 5th article for
/ the subsequent subdivision of such ter
ritory into States" or what are nov
termed organized territories; and il vas
| therein expressly declared that when
ever any Of the said States have 6O.0OO
/ free inhabitants therein, such State
/ shall be admitted by its de eQates into
the Congress Of the United States. on
an equal footing with the original States
IN all respects whatever, and shall be at
liberty to form permanent constitution
and 81 Ate government
The Act of Congress of Nav 70 1890,
/ establishing government for the terri
tory south of the Ohio river, declared
that the inhabitants IF said territory
Shall enjoy all the privileges set forth
In the ordinance of the late Congress
Tor tie government of the territory
northwest of the Ohio" By common
accei taiion a, the time this Wis re-
garded As a solemn compact with such
territories AS might be organized out
OF the same. of sun able Dimensions for
State, though fewer III number than
those into which the northwest territory
| was tn be subdivided: that each should
be admitted into the Union whenever
Its free inhabitants should number Co.
OF tennessee was under discussion in
Congress-. this construction aud appli-
catioa were given to these clauses by
both the advocates and opponents of
the measure; and, indeed. no one
seemed to regard them in any other
hight.
The act of Congress of August IA,
lo4s, for the government of the Oregon
Territory, employs language even more
explicit and stronger tunn that of the
act for the government of the territory
south of the OHIO. Ii declared that
the Inhabitants Of said territory shall
be entitled to enjoy all and singular
the rights. privileges and advantages
granted and secured to the people of
the territory of the United States north
west OF the river Ohio, by the articles,
OF compact contained III the ordinance
for the government of said territory on
the 18th day of July, 1887" Oregon,
the largest subdivision of this territory,
larger IN area than the proposed State
as soon as she was supposed to have,
and sefOre she actually had, the reQui-
site sixty thousand free inhabitants,"
WAS admitted on February IA, 1859.
lhe friends of her admission, in the
debate In this House, effectually urged
compliance with this compact. Mr..
Stephens, speaking TOR the committee
having charge Of the measure, and its
other promoters, Contended for her ad-
mission under this compact, though il
was generally conceded that her pOpula-
tlon was much below the existing basis
OF Congressional representation.
This compact, made with the people
of the whole of the original Oregon
Territory. for the benefit alike of every
portion of it, in order :" to provide for
the establishment of States and perma-
nent government therein, and for their
admission to a share in tho federal
councils on An equal footing with the
original States, at rs early periods as
may be consistent With the general in
terest," and which WAS to forever re-
main unalterable, unless by common
CONSENT" should be just as available in
behalf of one subdivision of suitable
and convenient size fer State in the
Union as another.
The resources Of the proposed State,
now in the mere infancy of their devel-
Opment, are extensive, rich, varied and
practically inexhaustible. Embrac nR
the largest, finest and most valuable
body of timber now existing in the
United States, if not in the world; vast
areas of the most fertile agricultural
lands. on which are grown with unfail-
ing certainty the most prolific crops of
almost all kinds Of cereals, fruits and
vegetables produced in the temperate
zone; deposits of coal, iron, gold, silver,
copper, marble. granite, limestone, Ryp-
sum of unbOunded extent; favored with
healthful, productive and delightful oil
matte advantages, and UNDERGOING a
steady, increasing and enduring growth
in population, wealth and enterprise, itS
early admission is demanded by every
consideration of public faith. public
policy and public justice.
To that end the amended bill should
be passed without further delay.
Very respectfully,
THos II. BRENTs.