The Central Nevadan. [volume] (Battle Mountain, Nev.) 1885-1907, 1903-11-05
The Birthday of Ne
yada Thirty-nine
Years Ago.

Nevada's birthday was given by Chas.
A. Dana in the New York sun:
Lincoln was supreme politician. He
understood politics because he under
stood human nature. had an ilustra.
ton Of this in the spring Of 1884. The
administration had decided that the
Constitution Of the United States should
be amended so slavery should be pro-
hibited. This was not only change in
our national policy, it was also most
important military measure. 1t was in
tended not merely as a means Of abolish
ing slavery forever, but as a means OF
affecting the judgment and feelings and
anticipations OF those in rebellion. 1t
was believed that such an amendment to
the Constitution would be equivalent to
new armies in the field, that it would be
an intellectual army that would apd to
paralyze the enemy and break the
continuity OF his idea.
In order thus to amend the Constitu-
ton it was necessary first to have the
proposed amendment approved by three
fourths Of the States. When that ques-
ton came to be considered the issue was
seen to be close that one State more was
necessary. The State Of Nevada was
organized aud admitted into the union
for that purpose. ! have sometimes
heard people complain Of Nevada as
superfuous and pretty, not big enough
to be State; but when | hear that CON-
plant always hear Abraham Lincoln
saying. at is easier to admit Nevada
than to raise another million Of soldiers
In March, 1884, the question Of al.
lowing Nevada to form State govern.
ment finally came up in the House OF
Representatives. There was strong op-
position to it. For long time before
hand the question had been canvassed
anxiously. At last, late one afternoon,
President came into my Office, in the
third story Of the War Department. He
used tocome there sometimes rather than
send for me, because to get away from
the crowds in the White House. he
came in and shut the door.
Dana" he said II am very anxious
about this vote. 1t has got to be taken
next week. The time is very short. 1t
is going to be good deal closer than
wish it was
There are plenty OF Democrats who
will vote for it, replied. There is
James E. English, Of Connecticut;
think he is sure, isn't he?" "Oh yes
he is sure ON the merits OF the question"
"Then, said |, there's Sunset Cox, OF
Ohio. How's hep
HE is sure and fearless. But there
are some others that l am not sure
about. There are three that you can
deal with better than anybody else, per-
haps, as you know them all wish you
would send for them"
He told me who they we're; it isn't nec-
essary to repeat the names here. One
man was from New Jersey and two from
New York.
What will they be likely to waut9'
| asked.
81 don't know," said the President.
II don't know 1t makes no difference
though, what they want. Here is the
alternative; that we carry this vote,
or be compelled to raise another million
and don't know how many more men
and fight, no one knows how long. 1t
is question Of three votes or new arm
les.
"well SIR" said 1, "what shall l say to
these gentlemen"
81 don't know" said he. "but whatever
promises you make them will perform" !"
sent for them and saw them one by
one. found that they were afraid OF
their party. They said that fellows in
the party would be down on them. Two
OF them wanted internal revenue collect
or's appointments. "You shall have it."
said. Another one wanted very
important appointment about the Gus.
tom house in New York.
knew the man well whom he wanted
to have appointed. He was Republican
though the Congressman was a Demo
crat. l had served with him In the
Republican county committee Of New
York. The office was worth perhaps
$4,000 year. When the Congressman
stated the case asked him, "Do you
want that?"
"Yes," said he. II understand, OF
course, that you are not saying this on
your own authority"
"Oh no." said 1. II am saying 1t on
the authority of the President"
Well, these men voted that Nevada be
| allowed to form State government and
thus they helped to secure the vote
which was required. The next October
the President signed the proclamation
admitting the State. In the February
following Nevada was one OF the States
which ratified the thirteenth amend