The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-08-15
CONFESSION OF WEAKNESS,

It is amusing to Fed the Republican
newspapers of Idaho nowadays, and some
of the Democratic journals are scarcely
less entertaining. The state constitution
has been formulated, and the remarkable
convention which formed the precious
document has gone out of existence; and
now the newspapers favorable to the con-
stitution ana in sympathy with the state
hood movement are working like beavers
to secure the popular approval of the con
stitution. We are told that money will be
raised among the Republicans-and Demo
Gratis are also to be asked to contribute
that s'taking'i orators will be sent into the
field, and most vigorous campaign con-
Quoted. The editors say it would be de-
plorable if the constitution were defeated,
and almost as bad if it received only half
hearted support
This is all very, very funny and suggests
the probability of the lack of harmony
within the borders of our northern neigh
bor If the people of territory are ready
for statehood, and ready to assume the ex-
traordinary duties and responsibilities,
UUGX uO DUb ndNC W OC III sou W A1ONO Ii
the matter. Newspapers do not find it
necessary to ask the masses to act, for
the latter are keen to move, and as
rule are rather more eager than
wise to get rid of the territorial system.
Look at them in Montana, Washington and
the Dakotasl An editor would be laughed
at who requested the people to ask for
i
wonder if the man were insane. The sug-
gestion of sending out campaign orators to
convince the citizens that they should re
quest a state government would be met
with derisiOn.
So, also. with reference to the adoption
of a state constitution. If the document is
at all what it should be, no arguing will he
necessary to induce the people to vote for
it. Is there man in any of our territories
named who doubts that the constitution
will be approved! Is there man who
thinks for moment there will be even in
significant opposition to the constitution! z
To express doubt, the newspapers and
the political leaders to remain silent until
election day, that the constitutions will be
approved by all parties, would be to con-
TESS not only ignorance of the natures and
the ambition of the territorial citizens, but
idiocy as well.
THE HERALD has known all along that the
state movement in Idahowas simply scheme
devised by the politicians for the benefit
of themselves. The people are not inter
ested in the matter. The intelligent ones
among them know that the community is
not large enough, and that it has not suf-
ficient wealth, to undertake the burdens,
duties and responsibilities of carrying on a
state government. The constitution that
has been prepared is also offensive to the
thinking men, who would feel that their
state was disgraced were it to go into the
Union with such scandalous, unrepub-
lican and un-American fundamental law.
The shame, they maintain, would be last
ing.
The anxiety and earnestness of the Re-
publican press and the politicians prove
the truth of all THE HERALD has said con-
corning the statehood scheme. Only the
politicians want state government now,
and seeing the Indifference, if not open
enmity of the people, the schemers fear the
defeat of the project at home, or that it
will go to Washington with such slender
backing that its death will be assured. The
vigorous campaign which is urged is a
confession of weakness and wrong doing,
and gives the entire business away.