Great Falls tribune., 1889-03-13
STATEHOOD CHAMPIONS.

In an article on statehood Champions"
the Washington Post speaks of the ardu-
Gus labors of Delegates Toole, Voorhees,
and Clifford in accomplishing home rule
for the territories. These delegates en-
countered much opposition in their own
parties, especially among old-time demo-
Gratis, who were incensed at the selfish
ness of the republican senators in ex-
cluding New Mexico, the only one of the
five proposed states that gave democrat
ic majority last year. This circumstance,
combined with the republican expecta-
ton of six senators and four congressman
from the Dakotas and Washington, made
many liberal democrats doubt if they
ought to support the bill. But the per-
suaslen of Messrs. Toole, Voorhees, and
Clifford prevailed and won the day. The
circumstances that led up to this victory
are thus outlined by the POST
"From the beginning of the hours OF
service of these delegates to this time,
the period of the close and of the crown
ing of their labor, they have ceaselessly
and aggressively demanded that the
rights of their people should be no longer
ignored, and have year by year overcome
the passive Indifference and active oppo-
sition which haye obstructed their prog
ress.
$50 much had they accompllsed to-
ward securing a favorable opinion on the
admission question by prominent mem
bers of both houses that Mr.. Voorhees,
after full consultation with Messrs. Toole
and Clifford, realizing that no measure
could secure the necessary support at this
time which did not embrace the interests
OF all the territories, introduced a bill in
the session of the Fiftieth congress, being
the original omnibus bill, and the only
bill up to the 18th day Of February, 1889
which gave the committee on territorie
. jurisdiction of New Mexico, and from
which as basis Mr.. Springer, its chair
man, formulated the bill which has jus
passed.
"Opposition to the admission of New
Mexico was so particularized and obsti
nate-among the republicans Of the sen
ate and house-that no effort could secur
J. favorable consideration of its claims ant
a further advocacy of them would be fata
S to any admission legislation and tn
s bright prospects of all the others be de
e stroyed. On this ground alone, MI
+ Toole and Mr.. Voorhees, were forced t
favor its elimination from the bill.
!. "Mr. Cox of New York, took the boar'
4 and liberal position thus defined tina
: gross injustice should not be done thest
t territories by Withholding from the sen
\ ate any concessions which the democrat
: Of the House could properly make, ant
on this advanced line Of thought ant
statecraft, with his characteristic gallant
ry, eloquence and learning, led the gath
: cred forces to victory.
"By means of the indefatigable labor
and decisive appeals of Mr.. Toole ant
Mr.. Voorhees, to individual democrats
| W0l0 EHuuSCSt w uCSCAlC W VII
senates ultimatum to make Mr. Cox
brilliant leadership, with such able lieu
tenants and coadjutors, irresistible
Without this direct influencing of person
7 al opinion by these gentlemen, the mea'
; ure must at this time have failed.
"During their arduous fight of fo,
+ years, both Mr.. Voorhees, and Mr. Too
c have made able speeches, powerful
y character and effect, especially durir
s. the recent discussion on this measur
n which have demanded and received Il
W complimentary attention Of the press
n the country and which have resultt
es largely in moulding Legislative opini'
III to the end just attained. ..5o
Of