Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1889-11-14
JOSEPH ON STATEHOOD.
Our Delegate in Congress will Cooper
ate with the Constitutional Con-
vention's Representatives,
New MexicO's Prospects for Admission
xceIIent-Another Omnibus Bill
to be introduced.

Hon. Anthony Joseph, delegate in con-
gress from New Mexico, was called upon
yesterday by a representative OF the New
MEXICAN and asked to express his views
on the question of New Mexicos admls-
sion as state. 81 have always been OF
one opinion on this subject" said Mr..
Joseph, "and Immediately upon the as
sembling Of congress in December | pro-
pose to RENT oduce my bill asking for the
passage of an enabling act for the
ADMISSION OF NEW MEXICO.
1t has already been tacrtly understood
between the delegates in congress from
the territories of Wyoming, Idaho, Arizo-
ia and New Mexico, that an omnibus bill
for the admission of these four territories
shall be earnetly pushed at the approach
ing session. We have already been prom
ised considerable help by the leading men
of both parties in congress; the most
prominent members Of congress are with
US, and
HAVE PLEDGED THEMSELVES.
| think New MeXico's chances specially
good. Even the late Sunset Cox had
promised to stand by us this time; you
remember he spoke of New Mexico's adj
mission in his dying moments. He
wanted to make reparatiOn to us, for it
was largely through his efforts that New
Mexico was dropped from the list of ter
ritories admitted at the last congress.
"The omnibus bill which it is proposed
to induce will provide for
NEW CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION,
and of course AIRY with it a sufficient APP
preparation OF money to foot the expense
OF It.
Il did not receive copy of the consti-
tuition framed by the recent convention,
and have only read fragments of it, there
lore do not feel qualified to pass jndg-
ment upon it one way or the other, but |
may say that it has been my experience
III congress that the constitution will not
&c ure US admission. Dakota had an eX-
penence from which we of
NEW MEXICO MIGHT TAKE A LESSON
in this matter. Since 1881 Dakota held
two constitutional conventions, and elect,
ed a full set OF state officers, yet congress
would not recognize that action. A con-
stitution, however good it may be, which
has not been ratified by the people, will,
in my opinion, scarcely secure statehood
for us. However, the constitution which
has been framed here will no doubt
have
MOST BENEFICIAL EFFECT
in congress. 1t will serve practically as a
memorial from our people, sho wing that
1000 people, at least, in histerritory de-
nand admission. 1t proves that we are
in earnest in this matter and mean to
! have our rights at the hands of the nation
al government. But if We hope to win
we've got to get together and settle upon
policy among ourselves. AS a party
measure statehood for New Mexico can
| be
SECURED BY NEITHER PARTY.
"The people, regardless OF politics must
join hands. For my part, l am willing
and shall be only too happy to cooperate
with the delegates commissioned by the
president of the recent constitutional con-
venton to advance New MeXicos inter
ests in every way possible at Washington
this winter. II we work in harmony It
will We most excellent effect at the
national capital.
THE TEMPER OF CONGRESS
Is favorable. Both Democrats and Re
publicans will aid us, for many other
leading men have done us injustice in
times past they feel this now and Will
strive to make reparation."