The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-07-31
III.-rHE TERRITORIAL BILLS.

One Of the most important OF the unprivi-
legged committees is the Committee on Terri
tories Its Chairman is tho Hon. Joseph Z.
Washington OF Tennessee. There are fifteen
members OF the committee. The Hon. Tim
othy ]. Campbell is tho New York m embcr. I'm
der tho spur OF Mr. Washington this commit
toe has turned out far moro than the average
amount OF work. Tho Chairman took advan-
tage Of the recognition Of the committee on
suspension day to secure the passage OF bills
admitting New Mexico and Arizona into the
Union. Tho bills admitting these were passed
in the House within an hour and half.
This was great work for Mr.. Washington. 1t
does not convey. however, an adequate iden OF
tho work accomplished by his committee. 1t
has reported q bill to ratify fundn. act of
the Arizona Legislature 1t enables that Ter
ritory to issue five per cont. bonds In lieu OF
scrip. bearing ten per cent. interest. Besides
this. the committee has also reported bill to
ratify the Oklahoma funding act 1t permits
that Territory to fund Its floating debt at six
per cent Oklahoma had no tax levy and no
assessable list when the Territory was organ
lied. The organic act allowed the issue Of
scrip or warrants They have been selling at
discount OF about thirty por cent This
act Will enable the Territory to pay current
expenses. including interest on it's debt, and
Mr. Washington's committee also reported
bill to ratify an act OF tho Utah Legislature
to provide for the Worlds Fair Exhibit The
act had been vetoed by the Governor Gov
errors Of Territories have absolute veto
power. The Legislature. therefore. Ind no
power to overcome his veto. This rendered
Congressional action necessary.
The committee also reported a bill permit
ting local self-fovernment in Utah. This /, u
new departure In legislation. i is IN the ma:
OF tho states. The object OF the committee
". the sGlutGa Of the a
complete harmony with The rest o. the coun-
politics hayo been the great obstacles In the
wa, way OF rh the advancement Of the Terri
eyyory shade OF political opinion in Utah,
IT. Ind rs nSn"sh the conclusion that polygamy
statehood, There was a prejudice In the pub.
adsss sae 81 MsSni Tns
existing In tho Territory. TWAS deemed wise
to put It's people on probation The committee
elect their local officers. without terminatinx
the iurisdictiop q the Federal Government
practcss The os sSsi passed H ths
si, t on a Suspension Dey. It Is u long, step
men It aasI,
seleGted by the people ,fos those appointed by
the tIesident These have usually come from
United statss courts the power to enforce the
laws enacted By Congress to destroy po-
For a long time daily sessions OF the Com
I mittee on TERRITORIES were held. Representa-
regard to Territorial legislation. The argu-
msnts and testimony cover many hundreds Of
closely written pages. They contain fund OF
valuable Information.
Tho committee thoroughly Investigated
every question coming before them. They
the wants and needs Of each Territory. There
was an intention TO unite Oklahoma and the
Indian Territory and admit the TWO as one
vplysd the Violation Of treaties With the dve
siytlizsd tribes ot Indians. and the project mas