The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1905-01-06
SENATOR MEL SON
FAVORS STATEHOOD
Speaks for the Admission Bills Which
Opponents Seek to Amend

WASHINGTON, d. c., Jan. 5.-The
senate yesterday considered the bill.for
the admission of two states to be COM
posed of Arizona and New Mexico and
Oklahoma and Indian territory A mo-
ton by Mr.. Beveridge to take I'D the
bill prevailed by a two-thirds major
ity. Mr.. Hepburn, who renewed his
effort to get up the pure food bill, voted
with the Democrats on one roll call, but
with this exception the Republicans
voted solidly to proceed with the con-
sideration Of the statehood bill and the
Democrats solidly against that course.
A motion by Mr.. Bate to recommit was
voted down.
Mr.. Nelson spoke in advocacy Of the
bill. Referring especially TO the terri
tories Of Oklahoma and Indian territory
he said they were so constituted as to
be the complement each of the other
Explaining the grant of land for school
land, Mr.. Nelson said the entire state
would get the benefit of the grant to
Oklahoma. He also spoke of the grant
Of 5000, 900 for schools, but said this
was not gratuity, as was suggested
by Mr.. Bate.
Mr.. Foraker and Mr.. Bailey united
in asking questions concerning the pro-
vision referring to the Oklahoma school
lands which had already been granted,
and Mr.. Bailey suggested that it might
lead to future trouble.
Mr.. Nelson said the reiteration was
merely for the purpose of making as
surance doubiy sure. In considering
the bill relating to New Mexico and
Arizona, he quoted statistics to show
that the growth of both territories had
cln o1aa OF II,
estimated the present population of the
two territories at 100000 or less He
admitted that a large percentage OF
the people Of Arizona were Americans.
while many of those Of New Mexico
were Mexicans. He did not admit, how
ever, that a maj ority of the New Mex
leo people were Mexicans, and helalso
commended that there was no real en-
nifty between the two nationalities.
Mr.. Nelson had not concluded when the
senate adjourned out Of respect to the
memory of Representative Mahoney, of
Illinois.
An amendment to the statehood bill
has been introduced by Senator For
aker intended to permit the inhabitants
of either New Mexico or Arizona to re-
jeet the constitution Of the proposed
state to be created by combining the
two territories. The bill as reported
" TIE 3eualS ITO11i 1ne committee on
territories provides that the constitu-
ton shall be submitted to the people
Of the proposed state for its ratifica-
ton or rejection, "and If a majority of
the legal votes cast on that question
shall be for the constitution the said
eanvassing board shall certify the re-
suit to the president OF the United
States" etc. The amendment proposes
that majority of votes must be cast
in leach. Of the territories in order to
ratify the constitution.
Opponents of the statehood bill, that
is. those who advocate the admission
Of the Indian territory and Oklahoma
as one state, but urge that no action
be taken at this time in regard to Ari-
iona and New Mexico, believe that the
Foraker amendment outlines the char
scter Of the contest that will be waged
against statehood legislation. They