The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-08-28

portunity. This bill provides an enabling
act for the people OF the Territory OF New
Mexico by the terms OF which constitu-
tional convention will be held IN the Terri
tory and q Constitution framed and sub-
mitted 10 the people for their ratification or
rejection. All persons who have resided
within the limits OF the proposed
State for sixty days and are
of the Territory TO vote for Representatives
to the Legislative Assembly are authorized
to vote for delegates TO form the conven-
tion. An aDportionment OF delegates TO
the convention is made by the bill in strict
accordance with the population OF tho
Territory as shown by the last census. The
Governor is authorized TO order an election
the Tuesday after the first Monday IN
November. 1894 The number or delegates
In the Territory is TO be seventy-tve. The
constitutional convention Will assemble at
tho capital of the Territory on the first
Monday of December. 1894. and when as
sembled it shall adopt the Constitution OF
the United States and proceed to the
formation of State Constitution.
The bill specially provides thai
in ell the public schools the English
language shall be taught. Inc Constitu-
tion to be formed shall be submitted 10 the
or rejection at an election to be held in said
Territory on the Tuesday after the nrst
Monday in April. 1895. If msjority or tie
votes cast shall be for the Constitution. the
Governor of the Territory shall certify the
result to the President OF the United
States. who shall then issue his proclama-
tion announcing tho result OF the eiecUon.
aud the State of New Mexico shall then be
deemed admitted into the Union.
Delegate Joseph is fully prepared TO meet
the arguments that have been urgeo
against the admission of New Mexico:
on account of the large proportion OF
Mexican-speaking population. lie says:
Can it be said that native OF New mex
leo who renounced his allegiance 10 the
republic Of Mexico over forty years ago
has less interest in the government OF the
United States. less devotion 10 republican
principles or less fitness for fu!l american
citizenship than O subJect or European
kingdoms who hss within few years lett
his native homes Seventeen years sitter
the Territory became part OF the ODitea
States New Mexico was called on 60 furnish
soldiers to defend the Union. There was
no hesitation In responding to the de-
Thousand soldiers to the Union
during the late war. being more than
were furnished by all the other exfstin
Territories com bined. including the present
States of Nebraska. Nevada. Colorado.
Washington North and South Dakota.
Montana Idah 10 and Wyoming These troops
were in greater part commanded by persons
of Spanish descent and the ranks were
| filled by the Same race, but. although only
seventeen years citizens OF the United
States. the people of the Territory did not
| hesitate to devote themselves TO the inter-
ests of the country as readily as If born
under It's flag. Numerous wealthy citizens
| voluntarily loaned money to the govern
ment. at the outbreak of the war.
| on the request of the military author.
| ities when the United States had
| no funds in the Territory. More than
| thirty years have elapsed since then. and
| yet it 10 said that the people OF New Mexi-
| co are not Americans. Their interest IN
popular government Is not less than tbat
| of citizens of the East. ss may be seen from
| the exercise of the elective franchise. Out
| of q populationN reported 10y the census at
153593 the popular vote for Delegate was
30 355, a proportion of voters rarely exceed.
| cd, and the more remarkable because OF
| the great distances and difficulties IN reach
ing the polls In country not thlokly
settled. The flag of this country
| is large enough TO float alike over
| persons of EngIish and Spanish descent
The principles of the Constitution are
| great enough to command the admiration
| of all lovers of liberty. The people of Ne "
! Mexico are asmuch citiZens of the United
| States as the people of Ohio. Indiana OF
| Illinois. What they desire is to De admit
ted to the full rights of citizenship and al.
| lowed to bear their share of the burdens o1
| the common defense and general welfare.
| IL New Mexico becomes a State her mines
| will be developed, her railroads extended.
| her schools enlarged, and she Will take on
| heraeif q new encouragement for progress.
| When once the natGral resources OF New
| Mexico are developed. the whole Nation
| will wonder that SO rich section of on,
| count try should SO long have remained G
| Territory"