The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-02-28
session.

Washington. Feb. c5.-The Demo
cratic senatorial caucus has rejected
the twO-state proposition for the al
mission OF new states submitted by the
Republicans. The matter OF further
negotiations was left with the Demo
cratic members OF the committee on
postoficos. which has charge OF the ap-
preparation bin with the statehood
rider. The object is 10 ascertain
whether there is a majority of the SEN
ate willing 10 vote the rider upon the
bill Unless there is an assurance of
success the Democrats Will not vote
FOR the rider The Democrats will not
accept anything on a basis Of two
states
At yesterdays Democratic caucus al
the speakers took positive grounds
against the compromise proposition.
AID several OF them spoke emphatic
ally against the proposition to put the
statehood bin on any o. the appropria-
ton bills as 4 rider. At the same
time they favored placing the future
course OF the party with reference 10
the statehood bill as such. and also
as rider. IN the hands OF the Demo
cratic members Of the committee on
postoEces. y Democratic senator.
who is member OF the committee on
territories. on being asked for a state
ment OF the reasons for rejecting the
compromise proposition. wrote the fol
lowing. which, after submitting it to
several of his colleagues. he gave out
for publication.
The Democratic caucus rejected the
proposed compromise statehood bill
Tor the following reasons: When Ari.
IONA and New Mexico were made ter
ritorios their areas were established
Tor ultimate statehood purposes. and
all the interests and expectations of
the people Of the two territories have
been in anticipation of the two states.
1t would De gross injustice to the peo-
pie OF both 10 join them in one state.
Many Democrats feel that the Re-
publican fight for statehood has not
been sincere. they having used the
statehood bill as a buffer to prevent
trust legislation. For Democrats now
having stood almost a solid BODY for
the admission OF the three territories
to accept the proposed consolidation
would be 10 have placed into the hands
OF the Republican antitrust cabal
The people of Arizona are unani-
mously opposed to consolidation with
New Mexico. and the people OF both
the territories should be consulted.
The provisions In the consolidation
bill for ultimate separate statehood
are snare. The question of separa.
uon into two states must be submitted
10 the voters OF the entire state. and
experience has taught that after the
interests Of any area have been con.
sohdated as 4 single state a majority
cannot be secured for separation
After the adjournment of the eau.
Gus the Democratic members OF the
committee on posto1ces met the Re
publican members of that committee
who have been friendly to statehood
they decided TO ask the chairman OF
the two committees on postofces and
agriculture 20 withdraw the statehood
riders which the committees have
placed on two appropriation bills They
also decided 20 continue the fight for
the omnibus bill as It came from the
mouse without amendment but not to /
antasonize appropriation bills or OK
ecu'ive business with Il.
The Republicans have decided 10
present the compromise bill 70 the
senate.
The indications are very strong
mat the question will receive very |
little If any more consideration during
the session. and even the best friends |
OF statehood generally admit that there |