Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1889-04-26
STATEHOOD.


The statehood question is one that
is now being discussed by everybody.
and Is being turned over and exam
med IN all its phases. There are ad-
vantages and disadvantages that will
come with statehood, and it is well
70 take all into consideration and size
them up, carefully and thoughtfulIy,
before deciding for ourselves whether
we had better remain in Territorial
vassalage few years longer, when
the Territorial population and wealth
Will be considerably greater, or
whether we would fare better bv
joining the sovereign States of the
Union and furnish our own steam to
run the statehood machinery. The
machinery of statehood will accom-
pllsh more in the way of public ma
terial improvement than the machin.
cry of a Territorial 60, ,ernment, in
considering alone the results of the
machinery in their workings, in both
cases. On this point there will be no
differences of opinion. But the cost
of running the machinery is another
consideration not to be overlooked.
Figuring on this question is very
much like a miner calculating the
benefits of reduction works of in
creased capacity, and at the same
time not losing sight of the addition
al cost. He knows that with a mill
of greater capacity than the one he
already has, the results Of the work
of the mill would be greater. Then
he reasons thus: "Will the increased
results be greater than the extra cost?"
Then he stumbles against a doubt,
an uncertainty that sets him to think
ing. He looks at his prospects and
figures somewhat from probabilities
based on indications. He may gain
and he may lose, but if the indica
tions are favorable for gain, be takes
the chances and sails in to improve
his reduction works. The irrigation
problem figures largely in the state
hood question. With the large areas
of sagebrush land of Idaho placed
under irrigation systems within the
next few years, there would be no
fears but the State Of Idaho could
run her machinery with the per cent
of taxation no greater, and perhaps
not SO great, as at present. There is
strong probability of government
aid being extended soon in this di-
rection. One hundred thousand dol
lars is the appropriation that has al
ready been made for surveys, location
of canals. storage reservoir sites, etc
To say nothing about governmental
aid, private enterprise is already a
work in many sections, and the wealth
and population of Idaho will continue
to increase at rapid rate, with sim
ply the unaided enterprise of her cit
izens. The school lands will be quit
a source of revenue. Under stat
government the right to vote TO
President and to elect our own Off
cials, such as are now appointed for US
while it is right all American
would like to exercise, still it is no
as important as some other consldera
tions. 1t would not bring a dolla
into our Golfers, except through an IN
creased and more influential represen
tation in Congress, which is an i'm
portant matter. The Territory
) hampered and handicapped by la'
of Congress fixing narrow bounds
unjust and uncalIed for, over whlc
legislation, that would be fraugt
with beneficial results, dare nc
E step. No county can make apprc
priations for needed improvement
no matter how imperative the dc
mand, if the Indebtedness OF tn
. county exceeds four per cent. OF th
assessed valuation of property With
E the county. Material improvement
is checked in many ways under Te
. ritorial vassalage. With two Senate
and Representative-three votes
q Congress where we now have none
. and the influence of Senator
! Representative over that of a Del
oste with a voice, but no vote-tl
State of Idaho could get approprl
t;ons that it is utterly impossible /
u the greatest statesman in America
y secure, acting in the capacity OF
e Territorial Delegate. The Paoli
Ie coast is sadly in need of greater re
d uosantat;on to carry legislation tn