The Florence tribune., 1900-09-01
AS TO STATEHOOD.
A Suggestion Submitted Last Week By
 Governor Murphy.
From the Republican,

Governor Murphy, who returned last week from short visit to the coast. was interviewd by a report CT for the Republican on the matter of statehood. The governor makes an attractive suggestion by which long delay and great expense may be avoid ed in the attainment of the end for which Arizonians have been striving.
 Said the governor:
 "Some years ago the legislature of Arizona by enactment authorized at election to be held for delegates to constitutional convention. Delegates were elected, convention regularly held, and constitution framed, which was subsequently, submitted to a vote of the people at an election duly called for the purpose, and adopted by a large majority. A bill passed the house of representatives for the ad- mission of Arizona as a state, predi- cated upon the constitution as framed and adopted by the people of the ter ritory. Objection was made in the senate to certain clauses in the con stitution, and admission was refused by that body.
 'flt is evident that in order to be ac- ceptable to the congress of the United States several changes are necessary in the constitution as adopted. In the main it is satisfactory. l suggest that as the enactment of law for new constitutional convention will take long time and involve considerab ble ex- pense, the different county committees democratic and republican-or, if pre- ferred, the different county conven- tions-each name one delegate to meet in convention at some suitable place in the early future; at which they shall either collectively proceed to revise the constitution formerly adopted, eliminating it's objectionable features, and make such additions as changed conditions require, or, appoint com mittee for the purpose. Or, if it seems more proper, let each territorial con vention appoint a committee of Pevis- ion, which need not comprise too many members. Large bodies gre unwield- ly and ten or dozen could probably render better service than a large number.
 "The work of revision need take but few days, and the new constitution n could be submitted to the people at the general election to be held in Novem- Der, and on their ballots they could vote for or against adoption. If adopted, and acceptable to congress, 8 bill for admission could be very brief. The expense of revision and printing for circulation, which would be slight, would have to be borne by patriotic citizens, at least temporarily, The expense originally incurred in elec- l, amounting to $30,000, will be reim- bursed by congress when the territory is admitted, and on doubt all new ex- penses will be provided for; and those who contribute now will not have to wait long to be repaird.
 "The expeuse of submission to the people would be nothing, as it would form part of the general election. believe much valuable time could be saved in this way, and it would also emphasize our demands for self-gov- ernment. These suggestions are offered for the consideration of the people.
 1.-The contention that an enabling aci must first be passed by congress is moi we'll founded and there are several pre- cedents for admission upon 8 constitu' tion adopted previous to congressiona action. Ex-President Harrison, when 2 senator, said in report upon the ad mission of Dakota:
 "The riget of the people of the terri tory of the United States to form con stitution and state governmentr republi can in form and be admitted into th' union of states, is so self-evident tha it will nos be questioned by any en frightened citizen of auy state providing the requisite conditions for admission heretofore recognized have been com piled with and exist. :"