Bisbee daily review., 1903-01-02
SCRAP OF NEW
 MEXICO HISTORY
NEW MEXICO WAS A PIONEER IN
 OPPOSITION TO SLAVERY

Territorial GcVernment-Adopte
 Resolutions of Declaration in 1S47 New Mexico was a pioneer in the opposition to slavery in this country even though a majority of the senate. committee on territories says it is an- fit for statehood. As early as 1S4S, the people of New Mexico formally declared thmselves to be in opposition to domestic slavery and in the con vention which was held to petition congress to establish form of civil territorial government. it was ex- pressly stated that the desire of the people of New Mexico was that siav- cry should be prohibited.
 The convention was held at Santa Fe October 10. 1S4S. under procla- mation issued by Governor Vigil. An tonic Jose Martinez of Taos county. was president: J. NJ. Giddings was clerk. Henry Henrie. interpreter. and Thomas White. doorkeeper. ExGov- ernor Francisco Sarrasino, Acting Governor Douaciano Vigil and Messrs. Quiniin and Perea were appointed a committee to prepare a memorial to congress with respect to a territorial organization. The petition presented anu duOpNOd Dg NkAC ~OhfNANAOA 'SS as follows:
 We. the people of New Mexico re- spectfully petition congress for the speedy organization by law of terri torial civil government.
 We respectfully petition congress to establish a government purely civil n it's character.
 We respectfully represent that the organic and statute law promulgated under military orders of September 2. 1S46. with some few alterations, would be acceptable
 We desire that the following offices be filled by appointment of the presi- dent by and with the advice and con sent Of the senate: The governor. sec retary of state. judges, United States attorney and the United States mar shal
 We desire to have all the usual rights of appeal from the courts of the territory to the supreme court of the United States.
 We respectfully, but firmly protest against the dismembeIment of our territory in favor of Texas, or from any, cause
 We do not desire to have domestic slavery within our borders; and until the time shall arrive for admission into the union of states, we desire to be protected by congress against the introduction of slaves into the terri tory
 We desire a local legislature. such as is prescribed by the laws of New Mexico. September P. 1S46, subject to the usual vote of congress.
 We desire that our interests be rep resented by delegate, admitted to a seat in congress.
 Considering that New Mexico has a population of from 75,000 to 100. .O0C we believe our request to be reason able. and we confidently rely on con gress providing New Mexico with laws as liberal as those enjoyed by any of the territories"
 Signed: Antonio J. Martinez, Elias P. West. Juan Perea, Antonio Sais Santiago ArchuIeta. James H. Quinn Manuel A. Otero, Donaciano Vigil Francisco Sayancino, Gregorio Vigil Ramon Luna, Charles Beaubien anC Jose Pley.
 The resolutions were adopted Octo Der 14, 1S48, and copies of the peti ton were sent to Thomas H. BentoI and John M. Claton with the request they represent the interests of tho territory in the United States senate says the Albuquerque Journal Demo crat
 move for state government wal made early in 1850. and in June O that year a legislative assembly. member of congress and state othceri were elected. The state officers quail fled and on July 1 of that year thu legislature met Pending the contro versy consequent upon the attempt tt set the new state government in OF der. and the existing military govern men5. the news arrived of the Ion: expected action of congress grantin; the organic act fo rthe territory o New Mexico in accord with the wishe expressed at the convention held il October. 184S The state movemen was al once dropped and nothing came of it except that William Messervy, who had been elected mem her of congress. was admitted as dele gate and thus became the first dele gate from New Mexico. The organi act became 8 law September 5. 1S5C and under it's provisions, Hon. lame s. CaIhound was inaugurated governo on March 3, 1851.
 -
 rXrHAANE DATE EIXEn