The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1896-01-18
NUMBER FORTY-FIHE.

By the presidents proclamation Utah
becomes an Independent state of this in
dissoluble Union. Forty-fifth in the
order of time, says the Tribune, it is not
an exaggeratIon to say that the new
commonwealth is among the first in
prospects. It possesses an immense ter
Titory, rich and multiiarious resources, a
climate admirably adapted to their de-
Eelopment, an energetic and thrifty peo-
pie to supply the necessary brains and
muscle, strong attractions for capital
and special inducements to immigra-
tion. The population in 1890 was 208,-
600, and is now supposed to be not much
less than 25O,000. Excluding two. for
three of the ''original thirteen" only
four states have entered the Union with
larger population than Utah-Maine,
Wisconsin, South Dakota and Washing
ton-and five of it's predecessors have
fewer Inhabitants today-Neyada, Wy
omIng,. Idaho, Montana and North Da-
kota. Unquestionably, Utah would
have been a state long ago except for it's
peculiar institution" It is interesting
to reflect with what rapidity an obstacle
which only few years ago semed in
Hurmountable has disappeared. The ap-
prehension that political considerations
might at some time avail to procure for
polygamy the permanent protection of a
sovereign state long disturbed many
thoughtful minds. The admission of
Utah to the Union is not now supposed
by anybody to involve the slightest risk
of that misfortune. Its constitution
explicitly forbids plural marriages for
ever, and there is not shadow of rea-
son to doubt either the good faith OF the
people in adopting it or the stability of
the prohibition.
How long the Mormon element will
retain it's supremacy against the influ-
ences proceeding from a rapid growth of
population and corresponding develop
ment of material resources the future
alone can determine. There is no need
for uneaslness on that score. In spite
of its most notorious tenet, the Mormon
faith has at least been compatible with,
If it has not been productive of, some ad-
nirable civil qualities, which have been
uniformly illustrated in the history of
the territory, and which have now found
expression in the constitution of the
state. That instrument in decreeing the
political equality of the sexes is destined
to subject the policy of woman suff-
rage to more important test than it
has had hitherto, but it is not revolu-
tiOnary in any other sense or degree. In
fact, except for the judicial experiment
of trial jnry OF eight persons, three
fourths of whom may render a verdict in
civil, but not in criminal cases, the or
ganic law of Utah is essentially conser-
vative. 1t provides literally for free
school system, but sets strict limit to
state and municipal Indebtedness, gives
meagre salaries though long tenure to
state officers, prohibits trusts, preserves
the forests and defines as crime any
interference with the right to obtain and
enjoy employment. It appears upon
the face of it to provide prudent,
equitable basis for the administration of
public affairs, and is not likely TO need
an unusual amount of revision.
The new state deserves a hearty well
come. 1t is to be regretted that serious
attempt was not made to end the pres
ent discredit and the dismal products
which the degeneration of Nevada has
produced by inducing that state to con-
sent to incorporation with its progress
i've neighbor. OF course Nevada could
not have been coerced into such an ar
rangement, but fair consideration of
its prospective advantages might have
persuaded the people of decaying COM
monweaIth to accept them. But as we
have said before, Utah is not to blame
for the neglect of this opportunity. The
torty-fifth state has amply earned auto
nomy, and We have no doubt will exer-
else it's sovereign powers for the honor
and benefit of all.