Arizona republican., 1890-06-21
STATEHOOD.

best that the affairs of State should pass into the control of the people direct. We are, however, not so sanguine and enthusiastic over the matter as some of our neighbors, nor do we believe that Statehood will at once relieve our many wants. Nor yet will we become ill- tempered with or abusive of those who differ from us, but we none the less be- lieve that the time has come for State hood.
 In this connection TIE REPUBLICAN is satisfied that Governor Wolhey's posi- ton on the Statehood question has been intentionally misrepresented and is in some quarters seriously misunderstood, notably so by some of the newspapers. The Governor very plainly defines his position on this question in his letter to Hon. B. w. Perkins and which was published in the Prescott JOurnal-Miner in April last:
 In the position occupy have considered it best not to take sides on this question until l had studied it more thoroughly. Had favored it I would have been charged with wanting some higher office. As presented the plain facts as tn statistics, and they do not i'll the imagination of Delegate smith, he charges that am trying to hold on to the office I have the honor to at present fill
 MT. Smith on page 3oS9 of this same record in forms Congress that "I violated the law and my sworn duty in failing to call a constitutional convention" MT. smith knew when he made this statement that acted under the advice of the Attorney General. of July l6, 1ss9 and of the Assistant Attorney General of the Interior of August, 1889, in which General Shields con cludes as follows.
 "lt must therefore follow that the Legislature was not properly in session" after that period, and that during that time it had no power to pass a law providing for the calling of Q consti- tutional convention. In view of this opinion of the Attorney General, 1 do not see that any re- lief can be offered, except by Congress, which has the power to egislate directly for the Terri tories and to remedy the difficulties complained of"
 These above opinions were in answer to my
 letter of June l6, lss9, which is given in full in my annual report, pages IS and l9 Delegate Smith knows of this correspondence and yet he willfully misrepresented me in the matter.
 Just about the time for calling the convention authorized an editorial in the Tucson Citizen, lone of the leading daily papers in the Terri tory), to the effect that if the majority of the county Boards of Supervisors would ask it, would issue proclamation, as had been done in Wyoming, yet not single board acted on this. still stand ready to do so on a request oi the majority say two-thirds of the boards to issue a call for a constitutional convention.
 From this it will be seen that the law department of the United States dis tinctly advised the Governor that the Legislature "during that time had no power to pass law providing for the calling of Constitutional Convention" This opinion the Governor was obliged to respect, especially in view of the large expense that a Convention held under the act would have entailed on the people. That this objection was not against the holding of the Convention, nor against Statehood, is shown by the fact that he announced that he would do as the Governor of Wyoming had done, issue proclamation calling Convention if majority of the Boards of County Supervisors should ask it.
 As we understand it that is his present position, the whole matter thus resting with the individual counties.
 The suggestion of the Governor is the sensible one. It is the correct way to proceed in this matter. It accomplishes what is desired, and that without cost to the Territory and without any addi- tion to our already too heavy taxation.
 The United States now pays for carry ing on the government of the Territory: Governor, judges, secretary, etc., $14,- 600; Legislature and expenses, (bien- nially $22, ,250,) $ll ,l25, or total annual expense of $25,725. On becoming a State the school lands would immedi- ately be ours, and the leasing of these would, it is said, alone yield more than the cost of the government.
 Only those living here realize the vast resources of Arizona. A debt limitation that would be enormous in an old and settled State would be mild here. Increase in valuations and products would far more than compen- sate for the increased interest charges. This means, of course, that money shall be judiciously applied.
 Cheap transportation is what Arizona needs above all other things. It is sui fering for the want of it now. State- hood would more quickly supply this want.
 Here are resources for million peo- pie. No equal area in the world has the min eral wealth Arizona possesses. But few sections surpass her fertile valleys adapted to agriculture and the semi tropical fruits. In the north are inex- forests. In the main these are dormant for want of transportation. Each section is compelled to send away from home for what the other could supply in abundance. Thus our money is taken from within our borders and made to enrich others.
 If Arizona had Senators in the Con- yress of the United States they would nave no difficulty to secure proper legis lation for our arid lands, and instead of | being tied up, as every acre of it now is, t would be opened to the public and 'oon be occupied by an industrious and happy people.
 These and other benefits would follow Statehood. If the Boards of Supervisors will act on the suggestion of the Governor Convention may be held in lmple time to submit the completed work to Q vote of the people for accept