The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1890-06-14

"Bitter Greek" StateSmanship,

The article entitled "Gone by the
Board" which we reprin: from the
Salt Lake Herald, is IN the main
suggestive and sensible. The friends
of immediate statehood, and those
who believe that the time has not
yet arrived for that measure, will
differ on the Herald's argument and
conclusions, but it is evident that
the wheels have been blocked in the
u. S. Senate, and that the bill is in
peril. We do not concur, how
ever, in the belief that the bill is
irrecoverably lost. The extreme
partisanship shown at Washington
on many recent matters, is proof
enough OF a disposition to use all
the means available to secure the
permanent ascendency of the au-
thorities now in power. That the
admission of Idaho would aid this
object appears to be the belief at
Washington, whether founded on
fact or not. We shall not be dis
appointed if they act on that prop
osition; but until the silver matter
is finally settled we need expect
nothing for statehood. There is a
grand contest going on in Congress,
and both sides have gotten their
war paint on, with hot blood behind
it. Western votes mean silver and
lead votes. The exclusive champi-
ons of gold have no use for them
at present. They will not admit
Idaho until the free coinage of silver
Is determined one way or the other.
The fight is stubborn and selfish on
both sides, and neither will yield
any advantages to the other. Con-
gress usually adjourns by the first
Of July, or soon after, and the term
is growing short-very short. 1t
is doubtful whether this metallic
agitation may not consume the re-
lnainder of the session. Even if it
does not, there are many other
measures before the Senate that are
likely to bring about jam near the
close that may squeeze out the pro-
posed state, although a majority of
the members desire a different re-
suit. We concur with the Herald
in the belief that the census returns
taken this month, will be unfavor-
able to statehood. The friends of
speedy admission have been over
sanguine in their estimates of the
population of Idaho Territory.
There is no lasting advantage in
delusive exaggerations. The figures
will officially speak for themselves
soon and authoritatively. If they
are to be taken into consideration
in the U. S. Senate in determining
the fate of this measure, they are
not likely to substantiate the ex.
travagant statements that have been
made, even in high quarters, by
men evidently more eager for Off
cial positions than accurate in their
mathematics. The territory is grow
ing, and generally prosperous. 1t
has good and a safe future. The
people are generally hopeful and
confident. Many portions of the
territory are just now especially
active and developing a new and
better aspect. There would be some
advantages in statehood in the way
of securing foreign capital for min
ing investments here; but with or
without state government Idaho
will survive and prosper. The time
is not remote when the millionaire
magnates referred to by the Herald,
will have to receive the company OF
two Senators from Idaho, whether
''rowdy" or gilt-edged. Let them
do justice to silver, and restore it
to the position it held in 1872, and
the "Bitter Creek Statesmen" of
Idaho will continue to manage
their own affairs satisfactorily to
themselves if not to the Washing
ten Politicana,