Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1906-01-31
PROPOSED NEW STATE
TO UNITE SOUTHERN CALIFoR-
MIA AND ARIZONA.
The Unique Name Of Calizona Has
Been Suggested by Los An
geles Man-Territory
Involved.

Inc suggestion Of Arizonans and
Los Angelans to segregate the coun-
ties Of southern California, annex the
territory Of Arizona, and form a new
state. having common interests and
claims, has decided merits, well
worthy Of consideration. Such
union, says the Los Angeles News,
was proposed a number Of years ago,
when the division OF California was
urged by many citizens living south
Of the Tehachapel and, If we mistake
not it was W. s. knight, of Los An
geles, who invented the short, eu-
phonious name Of Calizona for the ap-
pellation Of the proposed new state.
In addition to the seven counties
usually classed as southern California
namely, San Diego, Orange. River
side. San Bernardino, Los Angeles,
Ventura and Santa Barbara there are
three others which naturally belong
to this section Of the state-SAn Luis
Obispo, Kern and Inyo. These ten
counties comprise an area of 66,767
square miles, or about two-fifths Of
the state of California. Their popu-
lation, according to the census Of
1900, was 341,645. Adding 80 per
cent. for the average increase in the
last five years certainly moderate
estimate, for Los Angeles alone near.
ly doubled its population in that pc
riod-the present population Of the
ten counties is close to 100000
If to this is added the area Of Ari-
iona, 1890 square miles, and its
census population Of 1900, 122,0S1,
also with 80 per cent. increase,
bringing it up to 18S,640, we shall
have an aggregate population not far
from 65O,0OO with which to start the
new state of Calizona. There were 10
states with less population in 1900.
It is suggested that Los Angeles will
naturally become the capital of the
new state, but there may be other
claimants for that honor. With few
exceptions the state capitals have not
been located at the metropolitan cen
tiers. In the early days Of the repub-
lie there was strong sentiment
against having the political capital in
the commercial metropolis; it was
deemed unwise to have the legislative
halls brought into too close contact
with commercial influences. If that
sentiment should prevail in the new
state the capital might be located at
Pomona or Redlands or Riverside
Either of these towns is easily
reached from all points of the pro
posed new commonwealth!
Calizona's representation in con-
gress would be two United States SEN
ators and three representatives, but
the latter would be increased by one
or two representatives by the census
Of 1901. The two great states Of Cali
fornia and Calizona would then work
effectively together for common inter-
ests, and would WELD much greater
influence than at present In the halls
Of congress and in all national affairs.
The development Of the port Of San
Pedro and Wilmington harbor would
receive a new stimulus. Asiatic Lines
Of steamers would be established and
Los Angeles would become the recog- |
rized emporium Of all the southwest,
with all its magnificent agricultural
and mineral resources and its splendid
commercial possibilities.
Let all sections Of southern Cali
fornia and Arizona make a concerted
effort to create. organize. develop and
perfect the new and imperial state of
CaIizona. Before the next census Il
taken it should be known in all lands
and should be unrivaled in reputation
for climate, scenery, production, rapid
growth and wonderful development.