Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1890-03-28
STATE PROSPECTS FOB NEW MEXICO.

We will say in the outstart that its
prospects for the near future are poor.
AS nelghbor we would be glad to see
that territory admitted to the union. 1t
would be benefit to it and its industries.
1t would benefit Colorado, since We could
RELY OIL its senators to stand With us in AL
matters where the east domineers over
the west. Tie balance Of senatorial
power is too far east OF the Mississippi.
However, the territory has 10 show to
yet mo Jne union at, the present session
ui congress. What it il merely All ell
aiding act, that its people may vote upon
the very good constitution that Was agreed
upon by its convention in September last.
lhe 50th congress rejected their overtures
ior admission on the ground OF lack OF
education among the people. Native
Mexicans speaking the spanish language
had represented the territory so long in
congress that the eastern members looked
upon the territory as u sort of new Spain
| in the vest and were cautious about TAX
ing it in OH equal terms. That prejudice is
| last dying down.
TIE territory now has sufficient NUN.
hers of people to entitle it to admission.
The large registration showed nearly So
| UU0 voters. The present estimate OF
population, which is no doubt correct, is
2UU, 900. The last session of the terri
toilal legislature provided for the holding
OF constitutional convention. The body
convened on the first Montay o Septenl-
Der last. 1t included many OF the best
men of the territory. 1t drafted con-
stilution mich contains many of the bt st
features which have been adopted by the
new states. 1t made ample provision
for "a system Of pnblic education. That
constitution has not yet been submitted to
ii popular vote. But it has been LAID be-
fore congress as evidence OF What the
people Of that territory desire. They now
want all enabling act, 30 that they can
vote Oh the adoption Of this constitution.
Among the benefits which the people
Of that territory expect to derive from ad-
mission to the union is the large grant of
pubic lands TOR educational purposes.
he agricultural college already estab-
lished would be entitled to 100 acres
uf land ior each senator and representa-
i've in congress, or to $4,000 acres in all.
II is possible that under the enabling act
Il new constitution will be framed, or the
present one modified in some respects.
But the people of that territory in the
last few years have been earnest y ut work
to remove the stigma OF illiteracy. They
have done some good work. The pros
pe' t now ID that congress will pass al en-
aiding act during the present session, and
that at the following one New Mexico
will present constitution adopted by the
people, and will soon afterward De ad-
United into the union. 1t has been a
long probation. But that has been nee
essary because OF the condition of the ter
rltory with respect to education and other
important public interests.
We should dislike to see New Mexico
kept out OF tue union much longer. 1t has
the making OF gram good state, with re-
sources equal to many of the best. 1t has
gold aud silver, iron and copper in great
abundance. IL has vast territory for graz
ing, commencing at the anow-cspped hills
in the north and extending well down to-
ward the tropics. Its opportunity for fruit
growing and agriculture is almost UNI
bounded. Its valleys are wide and it,
streams are numerous. 1t should and
soon will become state of the union. All
hail New Mexlco!-Denver Field and
Farm.
Our contemporary starts out rather
gloomily, but comes round all right to-
ward the latter end. Our chances for ad.
mission are much better than they were q
week ago, and are constantly improving
'Long live the state of New Mexicov