Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1889-05-17
STATEHOOD.
The Great Benefits That Would Follow
Admission-Some Strong Opposition
4anifesting Itself in South Idaho.

The Great Benefits That Would Follow
Admission-Some Strong Opposition
4anifesting Itself in South Idaho.
From the Ceur dAlene SUM-
There are several newspapers in
South Idaho which are opposing
Statehood, principally on the ground
that Idaho has not got the requisite
population, and because it would in
crease taxation. The first ground is
very badly taken. If Idaho had only
100000 inhabitants it should be en-
titled to its political emancipation.
Many of its pioneers have struggled
for rs years to bring it forward to its
present advanced condition, in the
face of every hardship and privation,
toiling like slaves to enrich the ma
ton and pave the way for "the Star
of Empire" They have practically
wrested desert from desolation, and
have grown gray and aged in antici.
patton of the time when they might
also become citizens OF Sovereign
State, with the privilege and right to
vote for President and Vice President
of the United States; to elect Sena-
tors and Representatives to Congress
in order that our various interests
might be fostered, encouraged and
protected; to vote for our own ex-
ecutive and judicial officers, and man.
age and promote our own affairs.
That there would be a slight increase
in taxation may be true, but this
would be trifle compared with the
great benefits that would accrue from
Statehood. Representation in Con-
gress with two Senators and Repre-
sentative would bring US appropria-
tions to clean our rivers, build post
Offices, give us better mail facilities,
reclaim our vast desert, advertise our
endless resources, and protect our
chief industry - mining. Annually
now we are pouring nine millions of
treasure into the nations lap, with the
prospect of increasing it to double the
amount in few years. This needs
close and careful protection. To op.
pose Statehood is to say we do not
want protection, we have no man
hood, we do not want any political
rights, we are unable to govern our.
selves, because every voter in the
Territory may be called upon snnu'
ally to pay 50 cents head more as
taxes! Is it possible that there are
many such sordid and mercenary
creatures in Idaho who would barter
away their vote for President anc
Vice resident for so cents a year
Our voting population may now be
safely put at 10000 ana our taxable
wealth at $3O,OOO,00o, allowing TO
very low property assessment. The
present Territorial tax is So cents OF
every 500, and with All additional II
cents, or 80 cents on every 500, Stat
government would be we'll provided
for. Who would object to paying
such a rate under Statehood? w,
do not think property owner il
North Idaho can be found who woul'
object. Are there many in Sout
Idaho who would object to it? w
think not. The annexation feeling il
North Idaho was by an almost com
mon understanding allowed to die GU
under promise from South Idaho tina
r every effort would be made for speed
5 admission into the Union. Is Sout
Idaho playing the traitor to Nortl
Idaho, that a goodly portion of he
r press should vehemently oppos
!. Statehood? Where is the "nigger i
/, the woodpile?"