New-York tribune., 1905-02-09
The STATEHOOD QUESTION
Nesg-Merico and 4rizona Might
Wait for a Time.
70 the EDITOR OF The Tribune.

TO the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: The acceptance by the House OF Repre-
ssntatives OF the Statehood bill IN its nresen.
form as passed by the Senate would inevitably
mean the erection Of Arizona into a separate
state. This measure would once for all deter
mine the political divisions OF the United States
After its enactment there would be no chance
for future adjustment OF institutions In the
southwest to suit conditions which are as vet
BY no means definitely determined. Therefore
the plan proposed should have exceedingly care
sul consideration in the House. This is not an
Instance where the legislation Of one year can
correct the mistakes OF the year before What
Is done now viii be final. If in ten wears II is
found that some new Nevadas have been ere
ated whose Senators are the private propertv
OF the railroad lines crossing them or the ex-
ponents of financial heresies. there will be no
remedy.
So far as Oklahoma and Indian Territory are
concerned the bill appears to be satisfactory
Together they will make a compact State OF
reasonable size and ample population The peo-
pie Of Oklahoma are largely native born ana OF
more than average intelligence. The Indians be-
long 10 the civilized tribes. and in the near fut-
ure viii be absorbed into the general body OF our
citizenship. The whites in Indian Territory will
form homogeneous community with those Of
Oklahoma This State would start out with
every prospect Of prosperity and helpful par
tfcipation IN national affairs.
Can this be said Of New-Mexico. or OF Arizona
which is shut out by this bin only 10 make GER
tain its ultimate Statehood with its present
boundaries. whether ii IS ft for that response
biLty or not? Ono may sympathize with the
natural aspiration OF the people of these Terri
tories and not be surprised that they object to
consolidation. The provincial feeling exists IN
every political community. and if it had been
allowed fun sway there never would have been
6 United States For the common good 1t may
be necessary TO disregard that feeling. notwith-
standing friendly disposition to let the present
Inhabitants OF the Southwest determine the po-
utical future OF that region merely according to
their present interests. New-Nexicos percent
age OF HlHeracy is high. Its progress has been
slow. and. Notwithstanding its considerable pop
uIation, It's inability to maintain at a proper
standard lis position as a State is extremely
doubtful. Arizona is more progressive. but it is
not yet proved that Arizona can continue to
maintain a community suitable for Statehood.
It's population Is now. indeed, greater than that
exacted for admission in former times, but, as
the country Is more densely peopled and the
Unit Of representation grows greater. it is right
% set 4 higher standard and strive TO maintain
something Ike equality OF political power be-
tween persons in different States. Irrigation in
Arizona. on which the possibility Of supporting
4ll-4i O Dolg pul depends. IS SUI
the experimental stage and experience shows
that mining is q most uncertain foundation for
2 commonwealth.
The future Of the Southwest is still so prob
ls-natic that II would seem wise, now that Ari-
zona has been left out Of the Statehood bill, 20
eliminate New-Nezico also, and merely admit
one new State at present Those who doubted
the fitness Of Arizona and New-Mexico for sep
srzte Statehood thought it safe to admit their
people as one State. AS that compromise is evil
oently not now acceptable. It would probably be
best TO leave the question open. Perhaps both
Territories IN due time demonstrate the
safety OF separate admission. Perhaps events
ma- show beyond doubt the necessity of consoli-
dstion- Possibly a working arrangement might
hereafter be made to admit one State, with pro-
vision for future division. To that only Office
seekers wanting two government machines could
reasonably object Meanwhile. a snap judgment
in the case Of New-Mexico would prevent future
application Of reason to the problem. and the
House should 80 slow. r. c. z. B.
New-yorl- F7Ho 6 1907