Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1888-11-21

under exceptionally favorable circum-
stances, and is better one than could
be framed in the haste and excitement
OF another convention called under an
enabling act with the immediate pros.
poet of admission before it. Tho only
article III the constitution unacceptable
to any considerable part of the people Is
the prohibition clause, and this and an.
other article could be amended at any
time by a majority vote of the legisla-
ture and people. There would be as
NJ uch difference OF opinion on this point
in new convention as there was in the
old. Second, it was believed by Gov.
Mellette that she only way absolutely to
ensure the admission OF Dakota was to
do it ct once while il is certain that il
can be done. The republican party is
fully committed TO the policy of justice
90 Dakota. 1t should be done at once be-
fore that issue is confused with others or
weakened by delay. Then the majority
IN the house of representatives is peril
ously small. 1t may not be more than
two or three. II is dangerous to subject
SO slender majority to the chances of
nine months. Several members of the
present house died between the time OF
their election and the meeting OF con.
gress. The enemy is desperate and
conversions are possible. Gov. Mel
lette thought for she good Of the party,
the house should be organized at once
in extra session, contests settled go far
as possible, and south Dakota admitted. !.
A special election in the new state
would add at lesst two more members
to the republican majority in the house
before the regular session in December.
The question was raised whether the
state officers elected three years ego
could properly perform their functions
before the admission OF south Dakota ss
q state. Gov. Mellette was OF the opinion
that they could serve Professionally antil
their successors were elected and quail.
fed. Gen. Harrison seemed to convey
the impression that it would be bettei
to elect fresh officers before admission
though whether this was meant as ad
vice to elect them this winter In tims
for admission in the spring or TO deiel
next fall 10 not quite clear. Gov. Mel
lette came away without any definit,
notion OF the impression male upon tn
ment and without apy sor
tuk uSSuIduCO W buc
of an extra session. He is satisfied tina
Gen Harrison desires to see Dakota di
vided and South Dakota admitted q
soon as it can decently be done, but b
IS och1iEoed that no action will be take
which seems to Gen. Harrison either /
precipitate or imply undue forwardnes
in initiating legislation. He is sure tha
the president-elect will force no polio
, Of his own upon the attention Of oor
gress. On the other hand be feels the
the Dakota question is no new enc an
contemplates no new legiolation: onl
the enactment into measure approve
, by the republican branch OF two COR
, crosses ard only defeated by the demo
Gratis in tie house. 1t is NOT unlikel
, that the ordinary reticence and relnci
!. anee of the president elect to discul
!, questions or policy with his callers WI
: reinforced IN this case by his convietio
!. OF the unsettled state of things In ii
. new house of representatives.. It ma
have seemed to him premature to discu
: the policy of the republican party in
;; congress when the republican msjorii
= = is still disputed by the democrats. An,
Il way; the conference ended without OF
= definite assurances being given, thout
= lit left the strongest conviction in 81