Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1902-01-22
STATEHOOD HEARING
FOR new MEXICO.
Delegate Rodsy, Hon. Solomon Luna, Major
l|ewsI|yn and Others Make Speeches.
BIG LAND STEALING SCHEME
Congressman Curtis Again lntsrferes In New Mexico
Affars-Marksd Social Attentions TO Mrs. 0tero
and Mrs. Rodsy at the National
Capltal

and Mrs. Rodsy at the National :,
Capital.
Special Correspondence New Mexical
Washington, D. c., Jan. 22-Th
chairman Of the house committee
territories, with the consent of the fu
committee, called a special meeting tc
day for the purpose of hearing argu
ments in favor of statehood for Okla
homa, Arizona and New Mexico.
1t was anticipated that, Arizona an
Oklahoma would be heard first, putin
New Mexico at the foot Of the list a
1t has been always the case formerly
But, such was not the case. Delegat
Rodey went diligently at work to hav
his territory called first, and he sue
ceeded.
When the committee met, Chairman
Knox announced that the gentleman
from New Mexico would be heard first
This fell like a thunder-bo upon Den
mis- Flynn of Oklahoma, and Marl
these two delegates intended to con
sumo all the time allowed, and that
New Mexico would have to wait, al
she has had to do for the past fifty-five
years. But Delegate Rodey obtained
the floor and with his thick Irisf
brogue, in most intelligent and busi.
ness-like manner, presented to the
committee such striking facts that il
carried conviction right to the minds OF
the congressman of the great injustice
that had been done to the good people
of the territory by keeping them out
of the union of states.
The committee gave him close atten-
tion and asked him many plain, prac-
tical questions with regard to the con-
ditions of the territory. In every case
he gave them most satisfactory an
swer. At the conclusion of his argu-
ment he was warmly congratulated by
the several individual members Of the
committee, and by a number of atten-
tive listeners, on the forcible, business
like manner in which he had presented
the cause of New Mexico for statehood.
Delegate Rodey was followed by the
gallant Major w. Fl. H. Llewellyn of
Las Cruces, veteran of Indian and
the Spanish American wars, and dis
trict attorney, in a telling speech as to
the law and order of the territory, the
conviction and punishment of crimi-
nails.
Colonel A. W. Harris came next,
showing UP the mining and industrial
enterprises and their great future de-
velopment in event Of statehood.
Solomon Luna, probably the largest
livestock owner in the territory, made
an earnest and able speech, dwelling
on the live stock interests. He said
that he claimed right to speak in be-
half Of the native citizens of the terri
tory, inasmuch as his ancestors had
located at Los Lunas about 200 years
ago. Although of Spanish origin, Mr.
Luna, in sincere, patriotic words re-
ferred to the brave citizens who enlist
ed with the American forces to fight
Spain. Mr.. Luna, in touching and pa
triotic words referred to the fact, that
his nephew, Captain Max. Luna Of the
Rough Riders, fought with Colonel
Roosevelt in Cuba, and served on the
staff Of General Wood until finally dis
charged with the regiment. That Cap
tain Luna soon thereafter re-enlisted
and went to the Philippines, where he
was serving on the staff Of General
Lawton, and lost his life but a short
time before General Lawton himself
was killed. Mr.. Luna's remarks made
a lasting impression upon the commit
tee.
W. H. Pope, Esq, connected with the
court of private land claims, and l1av-
ing all the facts with regard to land
titles SO well in hand, explained the
many difficulties the people had In se-
curing proper titles to their lands and
the many drawbacks encountered as
territory. His arguments were closely |
listened to and strikingly convincing.
I. M. Bond represented the press. He
said that a united press In New Mexico
voiced the sentiment Of the people in |
advocating statehood-a people who
had been fighting bands Of fierce, hos
tile Indians for the past 200 years, and |
who had paid taxes without any repre-
sentation or protection from the nat
ional government. That, only one law
passed by the territorial legislature
had ever been annulled. That, the peo-
pie were always patriotic and respond
ed to the calls Of the national govern
ment. whether In war or in peace ''Tn |
the Spanish war" he added, New |
Mexico wanted to furnish all the men |
for Roosevelt's Rough Rider regiment
but only five companies were accept
ed" With all these facts before the |
committee, 1t Is not possible for any
other verdict except for statehood.
At the next hearing for New Mexico,
fixed for February Z, before the house |
the entire New Mexico
statehood committee should be here,
and prepared to show proper courte-
sizes to the house and senate commit |
tees on territories, and to other mem-
bers.
Governor otero was q specially irvi-
ted guest to the breakfast at the we'd
ding Of the daughter Of Senator Forak- |
err Governor and Mrs. Otero have had
one continuous round Of invitations
to receptions dinners, theater parties
and other entertainments. They have