The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1885-12-18
STATEHOOD.


as State has remained for some time In
allegiance owing to the conditions precedent
thereto and the change Of national admins
trations. On February 9th, 1884, after four
weeks session, the Constitutional Conven-
ton of Montana, elected TO draft Constitu-
ton for the proposed State, having per-
formed that duty adjourned. The Constitu-
ton was submitted to the people of Montana
at the ensuing general election and the Con-
sthution ratified by majority Of nearly
four TO one in poll Of $1,000 votes. Had
1t not been for en- exceptional clause In re-
lation to the taxation Of mines, which
ELECTED some opposition, the vote would
have been almost unanimous In favor Of the
Constitution. As an entirety, We believe
now, as on Its adoption, that 1t Is better
Constitution than any State or Territory
was ever admitted under, and every condi-
ton 10 favor of Statehood existing at its
adoption has since more forcibly demon
strated the desirability Of Montana being
admitted as q State Hereunder.
1t was contemplated by the Convention,
and a committee therefor was appointed,
that the Constitution, If ratified, should be
presented 10 the President of the United
States in the winter Of 1884 and his ap-
proval solicited In transmitting the applica'
ton of Montana for Statehood to the Con-
cress of the United States. In view of the
change Of national administration, the bur
den of duties resting on the new Executive,
and the expiration of q Congress, it was
deemed best TO defer the application until
this session.
Delegate Toole now writes that be be-
lieves the Constitution and application for
admission should be submitted TO the Presi-
dent at an early day and bill for admission
introduced when he transmits the applica'
tion TO Congress. In this we heartily con-
cur. Montana should be State. We have
been ward of the government long enough
II has been the policy OF the United States
TO admit Territories TO Statehood when the
area of territory, the number, character and
stability of Its people, and Its revenues
warrant the same. There can be but one
question raised on these pre-requisites-that
of population-and this we believe census
would demonstrate as emitting the Terri
tory 20 representation In Congress on the
ratio established. The committee consist.
ing of Hons. J. K. Toole, j. E. Galloway
w. Y. Pemberton, w. Fl. Hunt and Walter
Cooper, to whom was relegated the duty oil
preparing the Address with the Constitution
reported that the cost of maintaining State
government would not exceed the present
cost of m maintaining Territorial government
more than $4,000 per annum, and that the
500 miles of Northern Pacific railroad
exempted while Montana remains Terri
tory, but taxable when Montana becomes
State, would alone pay in taxation more
than the increased expenses of Statehood
Be that as 1t may, it were better Montana
should pay the additional amount than
remain Territory. II Is unnecessary here
TO present any argument for Statehood
Our people understand too we'll the condi'
tions, the indignities, the deprivations Of
Territorial citizenship, and have the worthy
aspiration to attain the benefits and dignitie:
Of Statehood. In three times seven years
we have earned place in the roll of States
and as full citizens. 1t seems now thai
Montana may be accorded admission as
political balance for Dakota, but whether
that shall be or not, 1t is proper that Mon
tanA shall stand at the door Of the Nation
and claim her rights. This at least can be
done, and this 1t is proposed to do.
The committee to present the Constitution
consists of the President Of the Convention
w. A. Clark, the Governor of Montana
Samuel T. Hauser, the Delegate In Congress
Joseph K. Toole, p. w. Meadow, X. O.
Hickman, w. ]. Mccormick, James II. Mills
Joseph A. Browne, w. II. Hunt, and Z. W
Tooe. 1t is anticipated this committee will
be requested to assemble at Washington In
January next, present the matter to the
President, and make an earnest effort te
secure the favorable consideration Of Con