The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-03-04
STATEHOOD IN SIGHT.
The Seventh Constitutional Convention OF
Utah is inSSession.

The Seventh Constitutional Convention of
Utah is insSession.
SALT LAKE, Utah, March 4-The day
for opening of the constitutional conven-
ton is hailed with delight by the inhab-
itants of this valley, whose aspirations
and constant endeavor for statehood have
extended over a period of more than
forty years
The six previous conventions which
met and did their work adjourned only
to see their hope shattered and statehood
deferred
This convention, unlike the six which
preceded it, enters upon its labors under
the inspiring assurances that statehood
| will speedily follow the completion of its
work
The history of Utah's forty years strug-
gle for statehood is of special interest at
| this time. The struggle began in less
than two years after the settlement of
the Mormon pioneers in Salt Lake val
| ley, the first constitutional convention
| being held early in 1840. After the adop-
| ton of a constitution, an election for the
| provisional government was held and
| Brigham Young was elected governor.
The constitution was forwarded to Wash
ington, and was rejected by congress in
1850.
| Utah was, however, at that time grant
| ed a territorial form of government.
| After lapse of seven years the second
I convention was held and delegates sent
| to Washington to present the petition
and constitution as adopted by congress.
This petition shared the same fate as the
first and it was not until January, 1852,
| that the third convention was called
On January % of thatyea a constitution
was adopted and George Q Cannon and
| w II. Hooper chosen as delegates to
co ngress. On the third of the following
| NJ arch the constitution was almost
unanimously adopted by the people and
Brigham Young was again elected gov
ernor.
| Ten years later on February 10, 1872,
the fourth convention was convened at
Salt Lake city, and organized by the
election of e. NJ. Barnum as president
At this convention a constitution was
agreed upon and forwarded to Washing
ton, but was adversely reported upon by
| the committee to which it was referred
| The fifth constitution was adopted in
1882, and ratified by the people, but again
denied by congress.
Undaunted by continuous disappoint-
ment, the sixth convention met at Salt
Lake City on June 80, 1887. A constitu-
ton was then adopted carrying clause
which declared bigamy and polygamy to
of government Congress having re-
jected this appeal the statehood question
| practically dropped out of sight until
| after the division of the people on
national party lines in 1890.
The recent enabling act provides for
the election of 107 delegates, and they
were elected in November last Owing
to Irregularities in returns from the third
precinct of Salt Lake and judicial de-
AL
from that precinct have not certificates
of election.
In the adoption of constitution pro-
hibition, woman suffrage, mining, irriga-
ton, disposition of the public lands and
legislative apportionmect, are the ques-
tions that will be most prominent before
the convention.
The seventh constitutional convention
was called to order by Delegate Crane at
noon today in the new city and county
building with 102 delegates present,
fifty-seven of whom are Republicans and
forty five Democrats.
Prayer was offered by President
| Woodruff of the Church of Jesus Christ
of the Latter Day Saints.
Secretary c. c. Richards then called
the roll and the oath was administered to
the delegates by Chief Justice Merritt.
A congratulatory address was deliver
ed by Gov. West
A temporary organization was then af-
fected by the election of the following
officers:
| Chairman-James N. KimbalI
Il Secretary-Heber NJ. Wella
SerCeant-at- arms-J. T. Chidester.
The convention then adjourned until to-
morrow and a caucus was Immediately
called for the selection of permanent
officers.
Apostle John Henry Smith of the third
precinct, who has not yet received his