Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1889-01-18
He Advocates the Holding of An
other Constitutional Convention
in South Dakota.
Delegate Clifford Speaks in Favor OF
the Old Constitution-Toole
Speaks for Montana.
Pending Debate the House Adiourns
Before Coming to a Vote on
the Question.
The Bill to be Pushed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. l5.-In the house Mr..
Springer Of Illinois called up as a special
order the senate bill for the admission of
South Dakota and the organization of the
territory of North Dakota. The bill hav-
ing been read in full Mr.. Springer took the
floor in explanation of the measure and i'm
advocacy of the substitute of the .omnibus
bill" which he proposed to offer at the
proper time. He promised his remarks
with the statement that he would endeavor
to secure vote to-day. He sketched
briefly the action of the constitutional con-
ventlon in Dakota in September, 1886,
which formulated constitution for the
state of South Dakota. The constitution
had been submitted to the people and rati-
fed by vote of 25,OOO to 5000, the total
vote being only $1,000, while at that time
there We're 5000 voters in the territory. In
view Of the smallness of the vote he in
sisted that justice to the people of Dakota
required new convention to be held. He
called attention to the various provisions of
the constitution of 1885 which he con-
sidered bore the marks of having been
formulated hastily and argued that they
presented another reason why
NEW CONVENTION SHOULD BE HELD.
He criticized the provisions of the con-
stitution, declaring all the existing ar
chlves, records and books belonging to the
territory of Dakota should belong to the
state of South Dakota. Under that clause
the secretary of state was authorized TO 90
to Bismarck and demand the capital there
OF every scrap of paper and every book be-
longing to the territory.
Mr.. COe Of New York believed congress
had been direlict in regard to the admis-
sion OF Dakota and other territories. He
was in favor of the somnibus billn with
certain amendments, but he was not will
ing to help along through confer
ence between the two houses
OF congress, which would result in
ELEvATING THE TERRITORIES
into the rank of statehood. Every territory
except Utah should he admitted into the
Union when it had the population sufficient
under the law to elect member of con-
gress. Some gentlemen talked about the
annexation of Canada. 1t would be time
enough to oannex Canada when the nebulous
territories put off their rudimentary and
donned habiliments of statehood.
In conclusion Mr.. Cox paid an eloquent
tribute to the great West and was warmly
applauded.
Mr.. Clifford of Dakota defended the CON
stitution adopted by the constitutional con-
vention Of Dakota from the criticisms adj
vanced against it by Mr.. Springer. The
people of Dakota wanted no further vote
upon the question Of division. They would
never accept the admission of Dakota as
one state.
A PLEA FOR MONTANA.
Mr.. ToOle ofiM Montana strenuously advo-
Gated the admission of Montana and IN
weighed against carpet bag authority in the
territories. The Garfield and Cleveland
nistrations promised to relieve the
territories, but both failed. Tradition
said wise men came from the east and his
republican friends determined that history
should repeat itself. Four years ago Mon
tana was entitled to statehood, and the
failure to receive it with the violation
OF the platform concerning federal appoint
meEts In the territories had done much to
bring about the political revolution there
last fall. II he could sound the trumpet
tongue 9 proclamation Of territorial protest
against carpet t-bagism it would be so loud
~ could be heard all over the land. There
was only one remedy for the evil. Another
star on the flag and vote and voice in
. ,o!1. on branches Of congress. Pending
NORTH CAROLINA FIRST TO REPORT.
Before the senate met this morning e. w.
electors, delivered to President pro tenn.
ingalls, the vote cast In that state for Cleve.
land and Thurman. He was the first
messenger g to report. -