Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1884-07-03
= ----l-------,'----l------'-
OUR OELu0ATU,


Lately there has been rumors circula'.
ed indicating dissatisfaction among the
people Of North idaho in regard to the
work accomplished by our Delegate in
Congress. For what purpose or in whose
interest these insinuating remarks are made
has not yet been made known. In our
last issue We published letter in which
. statement was made which was not
complimentary to Mr. Singiser. That
letter was not published because we en-
dorsed its sentiments, but because our
columns are kept open to the public,
wherein the free expression of the people
may be given at all times But before
We condemn our Delegate for what he
has not done, let us look at what he has
accomplished and see if there is any rcas-
enable grounds for complaint. When
Mr.. Singiscr came before the convention
called for the purpose Of selecting Del
egats from North Idaho, he promised
that he would do all he could to bring
about the annexation of this section of
the Territory to Washington Territory
After making this pledge he entered the
campaign in Southern Idaho and whel.
ever he spoke he advocated the theory
OF division Of the Territory. Upon
this platform he was elected, and we be-
lieve that be entered the halls of Con
gross intent upon keeping bis pledge.
Although other Delegates have tried to
have congress take some action in this
matter, and failed, yet it must be said to
the credit Of Mr.. Singiser that bills pro.
viding for annexation have not only been
introduced into both houses Of Congress
and referred to its committees respective
y, but have been iavorably reported upon
BY those committees, which is nearly
equivalent to enactment. And the only
question now is, so far as annexation is
concerned, whether or not Congress will
admit Washington Territory as State
this session. As the leading parties are
somewhat afraid that by admitting a new
State into the Union one might gam
some advantage over the other, ii is not
impossible that further action in regard
% these bills will be postponed until after
easetior. In that event al this work
must BE- done over again. But let us
remember that someone should have the
credit for what has been accomplished.
Tho next and al important feature for
Northern Idaho is the throwing open to
settlement Of the Mes Perez reservation.
Everyone in this section has cherished
. hope that some action might be taken
which would cause tho many thousand
acres Of land upon the reservation which
has been unoccupied for 20 many years,
% b thrown open to settlement. Moth
Ing would add more to our material de-
velopment, or be more beneficial to the
Indians themselves. The impoesibility
Of securing the passage Of bill only ap-
plicable to this reservation is perhaps
accosnsed for by the introduction Of a
general bill applicable to all reservations,
which provides that the President may,
in his discretion, cause reservations to be
thrown open to settlement. If this is
ths cause then al the pledges to us by
oar Delegate have been fulfilled as far as
possible. We do not write to prejudice
the interests Of anyone who may wish to
become candidate, but simply, rs we
believe, in justice to our Delegate. As
We have often stated We are in favor oil
the man who can best represent the in
Esests Of Northern Idaho. Party pref.
srencs has but little 10 do with the ma |
kcsial development Of this section of the
Territory and should not be taken into
consideration when there are 80 many
measures essential to our progress. We
'elieve that BY united vote, regardless
t party distinctions, our interests can be
,est suservcd.