Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1888-12-11
STATEHOOD FOR DAKOTA.

some Suggestions of Importance Reta-
tive to Admission.
e. O. johnson in minneapolis Tribune:
There has never been any doubt in the
minda of those who have examined the
Sioux Falls constitution that the docu.
ment was q most excellent one. But, in
view OF the fact that nearly eli admit
that certain changes should now be
made, many have objected to admission
under that fundamental lsw. Those
who favor the Sioux Falls constitution
do 30 mainly because they regard that
as the quickest road to admission
Others have urged that in all probability
admission cannot be gained enough
sooner to make it an object to begin she
state government with O constitution
which Will require amending at the
earliest pcssspic moment. These two
views have been fully discussed and the
objections urged against the constitu-
ticn as it how stands have caused its
friends 20 suggest third course. II is
this: Nothing will be done this winter,
and it may be regarded as doubtful
whether the incoming president will
convene congress in extra session. At
any rate, the constitution even as it now
stands will need to be again submitted
to vote of the people.
The suggestion is shat while the peo-
pie are voting on the name, boundary,
majority representation aud prohibition,
that they also vote on the other changes
which may seem desirable. In order to
bring this about it is recommended that
the delegates to the constitutional con.
vention OF 1885 reassembls, make the
amendments and provide for the sab-
mission OF the amended document to O
vote OF the people and also for the cleo
tlon'of state officers, judges, members
OF congress and legislature. TIE ad.
vantage OF this course will be q gain OF
time. Should there be an extra session
of the fifty-frst congress the govern
mental machinery would be all ready to
GO into operation lust as soon as con-
gress should pass the bill. Should there
be no extra session, the provisional COY.
ernmeut would be ready for the atten-
ton of congress as SOON as that body
will meet in regular session Just one
year hence.
Tnis would seen to be happy
thought. The convention is still living
body and has the power to meet. 1t
can therefore esk the people to express
themselves once more on the constitu-
tion amended aR seems best, and on the
separate clauses. This will fully do
away with the objections to that docu-
ment and at the same time put the new
state in better thape than it would be
as matters now stand. In this way ad-
mission would be gained sooner than
under the Platt bill, and just as soon as
il the Legislature should authorize an
other constitutional convention. This
suggestion is worthy OF tine most care :
fol consideration on the part OF the
people, to the end that the members of
the convention be induced to assemble
and revise the work done in 1885.
There is no chronic opposition to the
Sioux Fails constitution. Those who
re the most strongly in favor OF 80 new
deal simply want such changes made
as have been heretofore suggested. Some
of them also ask that another election OF
state officers be held, and others want
the prohibition clauses voted upon onoe
more. This then is middle ground
upon which all can meet, II Is uudonbt.
edly the key TO the situation. II follow.
ed ont it ought to disarm all further
criticism.
There will nowhere be any opposition
to the election OF officers. as every man
who holds an Office under the provisional
state government has expressed his
willingness to step down and ont, II in
deed all are not already out by oonsti-
tutional Limitation. statehood ia the
one thing needful and no man should
stand in the way of the shortest cut to
statehood. If, however, il should de.
velop that the members OF the consti-
tutional convention are unwilling to
make the change in reference 20 the
Judiciary, salaries. limitation of ofindebted.
ness, etc., then it will be In order iol
the territorial legislstora to provide fol