The herald., 1896-06-10
SEEKING STATEHOOD
Arguments for and Against the Admission Of
New Mexico

New Mexico
WASHINGTON, June 9.-Delegate
Catron of New Mexico has reported to
the house from the territories commit
tee. the bill for the admission of the ter
ritory of New Mexico to the sisterhood
OF states. Accompanying the bill Is a
long report submitting reasons why
New Mexico should be admitted into the
union. This report reviews the finan-
cial condition of the territory, speaks of
its resources, based on the figures of
the last census, assumes that it's popula-
tion at this time is not less than 200, 900
and recalls that as far back as the
Forty third congress bill for admis-
sion passed both houses. The senate,
however, made amendments to the bill
at that time and it reached the house too
late in the session to secure action on the
amendments. The report declares the
people desire statehood and the terri,
tory has persistently demanded it; says
the passage of the bill is urged by both
the political parties in the territory;
urges that there appears to be no reason
why congress should longer delay ad-
mission. Under the most adverse circum-
stances, subjected to- the incursions of
nostlle Indians until comparatively re-
cent date, and with foreign capital for
bidden to invest in real property in the
territory. the territory, continues the re-
port has shown to the world a capacity
for progress and she has advanced much
raster than the average ratio of prog
ress in the United States in every ma
terial particular since annexation. 1t is
confidently submitted that New Mexico
has the resources sufficient to guarantee
a stable state.
Other members of the committee have
united in minority report opposed to
the passage of the bill. Apart from the
general opposition to the admission of
10 r.ff, Co. 4 H.
port says:
The specific objections to this pend
ing bill is that it provides for the cleo
t1on of a member of congress, state
officers and legislature which shall elect
two United States senators before the
adoption OF a constitution, the organiza-
tion of state government and the de-
termination of rights of citizenship and
sunrage under their organic law"
The growth of the population in New
Mexico IN numbers has not been, in the
minority's opinion, such as to give
promise or any great increase in the fu-
ture. Ihe report also asserts that if the
were removed it is almost certain the
territory would invite the lawless and
depraved and it would be an impossible
lty 10 execute the laws. And when II is
rurther considered the people them
selves are not homogeneous but are
maze up OF Mexicans, Indians, half
breeds and the balance Americans. in
ABOUT equal proportions, it would not be
even certain that they would make or
seek to make wise laws or would mr.
could enforce them if they were made.
The minority also says that undoubted-
ly the events of the past few years have
called the attention of the American
people to the senate and to the represent
tation in that body of states irrespective
OF IQelr populations Apv ctar, u,I,;oI,
adds to the membership of that body
SO influential in legislation, it declares
should be taken with the greatest care
and deliberation.