Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-28
PLEA FOR STATEHOOD
Annual Report of the Governor Of
Arizona Submitted.
He Attacks the Anti-Expansionists of
the East in a Vigorous
Manner.

The annual report of the governor of
Arizona was made public today. During
the year the population of the territory
has increased about 5000, until at present
1t amounts to 100000.
Gov. Murphy makes a spirited plea for
statehood for Arizona, and incidentally
sharply takes to task the men in the east
who oppose expansion. In part he says:
Statehood has been denied TO Arizona
because of sectional prejudice, ignorance.
imaginary partisan policy and pure selfish
ness. The latter reason exists in the fact
that our eastern brethren are unwilling to
divide legislative representation in Con-
gress, they refuse to grant to their brother
Americans of the west, who are their
equals in every respect. the same privileges
under the Constitution which they enjoy
and for which the founders of the republic
fought and bled
Upon reflection, IT is not so very sur
prislng that ignorance and prejudice on
inns question exist in some of the older sec
lions OF the country. The great Webster
with all the power of his mighty eioQuence,
opposed the annexation of California and
declared the country west of the Rocky
mountains to be great waste of shifting
sands, bordered by 5000 miles of bleak UNI
inviting seacoast; and another great New
England Senator-Winthrop- that
tne people ne assumed to represent would
De justified in secession if the louisa ma
purchase were perfected. California is con-
ceded to be one of the greatest and most
valuable states Of the Union. and within
me LOUISIANA purchase there are now
nine great states. besides the Indian terri
tory, Oklahoma, nearly all of Montana
Wyoming and Colorado. Senator Winthrop
opposed. with great vehemence, the annex
atlon or Texas. Time does not seem to
have made our New England brothers
comparatively very much more expansive
and liberal, nor much better informed as
TO the western rights and conditions un-
less the stirring events of the past wear
have opened their eyes
Perhaps, on account of the annexation
of Hawaii and when our national policy is
Ihaliy determined IN regard to the govern
ment or territories acquired as the neces-
sary results Of an unforeseen and unpre-
medltated war, our eastern friends will
realize in some degree the importance and
magnitude of this nation, and be more will
ing. IN order to form a perfect union, es-
tabiish Justice insure domestic tranquility
PROVIDE for the common defense, promote
the general welfare and secure the bless
lngs OF liberty to recognize that other
cltlZens OF the United States are entitled
to be as free as they are, and hold these
truths to be self-evident; that all men are
created equal; that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain fnalienabie
rights; that among these are life, liberty
ana the pursuit of happiness; that to Sc
cure these rights governments are insti-
tuted among men, deriving their just power
from the consent of the governed.
Gov. Murphy recommends the cession of
all the public lands within Arizona to the
territory or state, pending which the terri
tory should be authorized to lease the graz
ing lands; the survey of all lands within
the territory. especially the railroad grants,
for taxing purposes; the establishment of a
mint or assaying office there; amendment of
the act of June q, 1866 as TO right of way
Tor the Atlantic and Pacific Company so as
to permit the taxing of track and super
structures on the right of way; increase of
salaries of the federal judges; creation of
a fifth Judicial district; creation by Con-
gress Of commission for chronological and
archaeological research in Arizona; and a
congressional appropriation to pay the gov
errors and secretaries of territories the
salaries allowed them by law