, 1889-04-26
Views of Prominent Citizens on the
Subject.
Free Expressions of Opinion on the
Expressing Topic.
Shall it be State of Wyoming so
Soon as PossibIe7

ent agitation of the question of statehood,
but for my own part, l believe the time
has come when IN earnest and determined
effort should be made for Wyoming's ad-
mission into the Union. If the question
could be considered in the abstract, simply
the choice between a state or territorial
form of government, l presume ninety
nine men out of every hundred would
declare in favor of the former. But the
consideration of the question coupled
with our present condition is a different
matter. five had reason to expect from
future legislatures the same reckless ex-
travagance in the appropriation of public
funds for needless purposes, and the levy
ing of direct taxes to accomplish such
purposes, | should say that such burdens
together with the additiotional cost of
sustaining a state government, would be
more than the people of Wyoming are
prepared at present to undertake; but /
do not anticipate that such will be the
case. l believe that if the administra-
ton of our home affairs were entirely en-
trusted to our own people, there would be
a keener relaxation of personal account
ability than has seemed to exist in the
past The more serious question to be
considered in the calling of the constitu-
ton convention by Governor. Warren is
the possibility of some sections of the
country failing to cooperate. AS / I'M
understand the matter, there Is no au-
thority vested in the governor for such
proposed action. If, however, the gem
eral public sentiment seems to sustain
such a course, and we might confidently
expect full representation from every
county | should strongly endorse such an
an act upon the part of the executive.
The question of expense, it seems 10
me, is a minor one. | have no doubt but
what earnest, intelligent and patriotic
men will offer themselves for seats in the
convention that is to frame tie constitu-
ton of the new state, men who will have
no thought of compensation for their
services or reimbursement for the com
paratiyely trifing Expense entailed upon
them in attending the convention. One
thought which l have not yet seen
touched upon by the numerous gentle
men you have heretofore interviewed
upon this subject, land perhaps it might
be best for it not to appear in the public
press) is the approaching census to be
taken next year. 1 have every conf
dence in the population of the territory
being sufficient to entitle us to admission
by the time such a result can be secured,
based upon the present congressional re-
presentation, but it is more than probable
that text years census will SO increase
the numbers necessary for representation
in congress-, that we might be debarred
for a number of years. But for this last
consideration, l should think it wise
to defer the question of holding a con-
stitutional convention until after theknext
meeting of the legislature, but this and
other considerations have led me to think
it is best to act as promptly as possible in
the matter, and I think therefore it would
be a wise course for Governor Warren to
issue the proposed call.
joseph u. Pratt--Let the governor is
sue a call Tor the selection of delegates
from each county to a constitutional con-
yentlon to convene at the capitol here in
cheyenne on July 4. The president in
MS naugural address clearly indicates his
views upon the question OF statehood for
| NarNA,, EyaJ
territories JHed to govern themselves.
Our DELEGATE In the TACT OF the introduce
non OF the Dill asking tor the admission
oil wyoming INTO the society OF states;
congress Itself In the favorable consider
alton lot the bill; our governor In the
clear and pronounced statements SON
tanned In his late address, the generally
favorable expressions from all parts of
the territory through the press clearly in
dicates that statehood is desired; that it is
important to obtain Tor many and various
reasons TO numerous to assign ID adj