Bisbee daily review., 1904-09-23
EULOCIzES HON. N. A. SMITH
SPEECH TUCSON FIRST TIME HE HEARD ARizoNAs PLEA FOR STATEHOOD ON THE FLOOR OF THE Hov SEE OF REPRESENTATIVES..

O and with sturdy poise, graceful II 1 ture. easy upon his feet, with blue eyes that blazed under excitement, voice that penetrated to every corner of that great chamber. he immediately gained the attention of the House and galleries. Slowly, deliberately, earn estly he proceeded with his presenta- ton of his case coolly aIgumentative at times. clear cut in the recital Of the facts, fearless and intensely inter- esting in his delineation of the wrongs of his people. eloquent in his portrayal of the possibilities of the future of the country. For more than two hours he held his hearers spellbound. as 1t were, and when at last he closed in magnificent peroration, his compeers gathered around him, profuse with their congratulations and liberal with their enconiums. It was a great speech and a great man. have come to know him since I know him for what he is. Had his lot been cast where the possibilities are greater, the opportunities more propitious, where his merits could have won just reward, he would have been central figure in national esteem. But as it is, there is no man better known II Washington. more highly regarded by his associates, more potent in in- fluence than is my friend and your neighbor the Hon. Marcus A. Smith.
 No new man you might select could gain in ten years service the prestige the influence he now enjoys-prestige and influence that will stand as tower of strength for the progress and growth and development of this Terri tory prestige and influence that will prove potent in defending the splendid interests of this people from the as saults of political demagogues and partisan warped scavengers who would not hesitate to prostitute the wei fare of this Territory to political ad- vantage He IS regarded by the in vestors of the East and the Middle West Gs a safe man who will protect their investments in mine and ranch from the intrigues of schemeing pOliti- clans, and I say to you that one great menace which stands in the way of your growth and development is the specter of statehood with New Mexico. With you it should not be question of party loyalty, but it should be an or ganized, aggressive, unyielding union of men and interests to meet the crisis that is now upon you. No man in Arizona is so well equipped to repre- sent you as is Mark Smith. No other has or within the allotted time can gain the acquaintance that he enjoys and the influence with the pow CTS that must be evoked which he pos sesses. If the union with New Mex ico should spread its blighting curse upon you, it will not only block the wheels of progress, but will turn them backward. Capital would shun in vestment within your borders and your splendid Territory wound become a plague spot upon the face of civiliza tion. Men of capital and enterprise await the issue. The defeat of Smith would give a new impetus to joint Statehood and would sound the death knell to many desirable contemplated investments. So far as I am person | ally concerned, I say to you in al candor, that if 1 thought this detesti ble union possible, I would not only withdraw from this field of opera tions, but would do all in my power tC dissuade others from coming in, be cause in good conscience I would re ' gard an investment here under thost
 conditions as worse than foolhardy
 and the man who would deliberatel.
 lead his friends to invest their none.
 in such field as worse than criminal ''I have shown my confidence in you future in a practical way. Capita that comes through my hands is en
 couraged by the conditions that pre- vail We believe in the intelligence
 and patriotism of your people. w
 believe in the future of your country We believe in the integrity of you
 statesmen. We believe in the baI ren deserts and bleak mountain
 God has hidden power of wealth tha ' persistent, honest endeavor may UT
 cover and turn into the great channel
 of commerce to add to the glory an
 civilization of our common country
 We will stand by you in your legit
 mate enterprises 1haf- of necessit.
 must result in our common profit Let honest citizenship stand befor
 narrow partisanship. let the beaco light of progress illumine our patf way and let desire to promote tn popular welfare be the motive powe to actuate our conduct"
 MT. Rose was given a great ov; tion at the conclusion of his remarks , and his speech being the last on tn , program the meeting adjourned.