Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1888-01-10

ter Mountain and presents an argu
ment favoring consolidation of al
of Idaho and part Of Montana into ,
state. Following are q few of Mr.
Claggett's points:
ain view of all the facts bearing
6poti the question OF state admission
what is the best course fer the PEG.
pie OF Idaho and Montana to take?
Is it best that they should pursue in
dependent lines of action, each one
seeking to accomplish unaided, in its
own way, what both SO ardently de-
sire? Docs not such course threat
en- infinite delay? Is it we'll to be-
tome so absorbed in SINGLE Dues
ton of admission as to ignore tho flu
ture status Of the new state among
Its sisters in the union after its ad-
mission? Conceding that each has
resources sufficient when developed
to make a prosperous state, is 1t not
wise to secure all of the state power
and prosperity that is poss'blep Is
1t not doubly wise TO do so, when
thereby they can escape the uncer-
tain hazard of the future aud bring
speedy fruition TO their hopesp In
short, cannot an issue out OF their diff
hcuities be found in consolidation?
"The political instincts of the peo-
pie are always and everywhere op-
posed to the dismemberment OF states
or the severance of the ties of senti-
inent and interest, which have been
the growth of habit or the product OF
necessity. The business relations of
communities should never be wanton-
ly disturbed Those who have COM
mon past are the best qualified in tho
natural order of things to enjoy flu
ture in common. Long time associa-
ton is sure to breed mutual consider.
alton, unless the association has been
arbitrarily compelled by force, or is
accompanied by warning interests
which cause and perpetuate constant
antagonism.
at is submitted that the true issue
out OF the ENHANCEMENT which en-
velopes state admission is consolida-
ton and not annexation. BY this
means Montana will at once obtain
tho increase in population and
wealth which will enable it to change
its attitude on this question from Pc
tition, almost entreaty, to demand,
while Idaho will secure freedom from
intestine quarrels, and cease to OK
cite the lust for its territory in the
hearts OF its neighbors. Both will
obtain at once the boon OF local self
government.
The boundaries of the proposed
consolidation are as follows:
Commencing at point in the mid
die channel of Snake river, where the
northern boundary line of Oregon in
tersects the same; thence down the
channel of Snake river to a point OPP
posite the mouth of Clearwater river
thence due north to the British pos
sessions, thence east to the thirty
third degree Of longitude from Wash
ington, thence south to the southeast
corner OF the National Park, thence
west TO the Idaho line and follow it
TO the places of beginning.
"The above description of territory
embraces within its limits all of the
old and populous portion of Montana
and the whole of Idaho Its
total area is only slightly Gf at alp
in excess OF the present area OF Mon
tan 1t makes no severance of
business interests and disturbs no
sentiment of affection or association.
"under the close utter dependence
OF mine consumption and farm sup
ply there would be none Of the pc
iiilcal and Legislative friction which
has been the curse OF the Pacific
Coast. Can any good reason be ad-
vanced why those living within the
boundaries above described should
not be welded together into one
homogeneous and powerful state2
THE question of population and
wealth of the proposed state are OF
vital Importance. In that portion of
Montana embraced within its limits
there are about l25,ooo people. 1t
is perfectly safe to say that Idaho has
a population of $1,000. The
proposed state would begin its his
tory with a population Of not less
than 10000, while its wealth even
upon the basis Of the present valua-
ton, with mines exempt from taxa
ton, would be ample 70 support a
state government at lower rate Of