Arizona silver belt., 1906-09-13
Adopted by the Territorial Convention in Session
 at Bisbee
JOINT STATEHOOD OPPOSED
Purpose of the Democratic Party to Maintain the Integrity and Auton- omy of Arizona. Strong Endorse ment of Mark A. Smith.

"Actuated by the plainest dictates of self-interest and, as we believe, by the loftiest motives of patriotism as we'll, we declare again our intense op- position to the union of Arizona and Nsw Mexico into one state.
 "We further proclaim our unswerv- ing purpose to maintain the independ ence, the integrity and autonomy of Arizona by resisting in every legiti- mate way known to free men the effort now being made by designing per sons to join this territory in an unjust, unequal and ruinOus union with the overwhelming population of New Mex leo. and to this purpose we pledge the vote of our party in the coming cleo tion.
 "And to secure the defeat of this unholy alliance, we call with confidence on every true citizen of Arizona of whatever political party, to unite with us in preserving inviolate the laws, customs and institutions of our com, mon~ealth from the exploitation of New Mexico.
 "Under hardships and disadvant- ages unknown to other state builders, the people of Arizona have reared great commonwealth of which they are fond and of which they are justly proud. To them alone is the honor and glory of this achievement.
 "They have by exercise of high civic virtue put into easy and successful operation every energy of great and prosperous state. and they look with natural horror on any proposal to viO- late the promise made by congress to Arizona in our organic act; by uniting them again to New Mexico from which they were, for potent and proper req sons, separated more than forty years ago by the influence and advice of Abraham Lincoln.
 'We are now, by every rule hereto fore invoked, entitled to separate statehood. and we reaffirm our deter imitation to remain yet territory rather than enter into union odious to our state pride and dangerous to the peace and happiness of both terri tories.
 Patriotism demands opposition to joint statehood, and on the broad ground of devotion to our common wealth all political parties can meet, and with one accord save the state.
 We are unalterably opposed to joint statehood between Arizona and New Mexico, and would prefer to re- main territory forever than to accept statehood under such conditions.
 We declare for an honest and equal taxation of all property justly subject to the same, including mines and cor porations, without discrimination in favor of anyone whosoever, so that the wealth of the country may bear it's full proportion of the burdens of government.
 ihC iCPuoiiSaii Hdtioiidt tuiiiiiiiotId- tion, in its pernicious efforts to force Arizona into union with New Mexico. against practically the unanimous pro- test of her people. perpetrated the greatest political crime in the history of our government, and we congratu- late the people of this territory that through the efforts of our distinguished delegate to congress, Hon. Marcus A. Smith, backed by patriotic citizens of the territory, this calamity was averted
 We rejoice in the splendid success of the unbeaten and unbeatable dem ocrat, the Hon. Marcus A. Smith, whose brilliant service in the congress of the United States, is the possession and pride of the whole territory. In spite of treachery and unheard difficult ties, Arizona, under his leadership, still retains her integrity and auton- omy. We appeal to all citizens of the territory, irrespective of party, to lay aside partisan prejudice and join with us on the broad platform of patriotism and love of Arizona, and return him to the nOsition he has sO sipnallv hOnored v