Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-09
OPPOSED TO UNION
HENRY F. AsHURsT OF ARIZONA
URGES SEPARATE STATEHOOD.

Henry F. Ashurst, one of the delegates
sent here by the people of Arizona to pro-
test against joint statehood, who Is at the
Raleigh, said this morning to Star re-
porter:
"Of all the western states and territories,
with the exceptions of Texas and Cali
fornia, the history of Arizona is easily the
most romantic and the most heroic, for her
history began before the Knickerbocker set
foot on Manhattan Island.
1T grant that affection for and pride In a
particular country may be sentimental. but
he who takes no pride in his nation or his
state is guilty Of negative treason. I con-
fess pride in Arizona. I was born there,
have lived there for thirty years, and they
have been years of peace and happiness.
Educated by Arizona's institutions, honored
by her people and the beneficiary of her
manifold blessings which, with prod1gai
hand, she showers into the lap OF her IN
dustrious children, I would not be human
did I not possess q sentimental love for
Arizona and her identity.
Union Not Desired By Arizona.
Whence comes this demand to join Ari-
zona to New Mexico and thus to cancel our
identity. subvert our social system and
render nugatory all of the sacrifices that
have been made by the early pioneers. who
with an aristocracy of intellect, democ-
racy of heart and imbued with the courage
of Roman tribunes, by privation, self-denial
and the expenditure of much treasure,
have made Arizona land of law and or
der, of prosperity and Of pure delight? This
demand does not come from her citizens;
they do not desire to be joined to New
Mexico as a state. Arizona In the past has
made marvellous progress, and in view OF
her great natural resources an extravagant
nn1I1h mot daCn fho fto
she will make in the future. IL she be not
struck the fatal blow of being forced to
amalgamate with people of different race
and largely different language. The peo-
pie Of Arizona would rather remain terri
tory indefinitely than be everlastingly yoked
to New Mexico and thus be required to
abandon the ideals she is pursuing. AS a
territory no inconveniences are being suf-
fered
Differ With the President.
Arizona has judiciary that is pure.
able, fearless and that does absolute JUS
sce. She has a governor who faithfully
executes her laws, courageously and with
out fear or favor, and these judges and this
governor are appointees of President Roose-
welt. Down In Arizona we admire and re-
spect the President, and while he is cor
rect In his position on almost every public
question, in favorfng joint statehood he
certainly Is under an honest misapprehen-
sion. Arizona spends more money per
capita for the education of her young than
any state in the American Union. Her
bonds, issued at a low rate of interest, are
in active demand and sell above par. She
has her. university. normal schools and
other public Institutions, which have been
erected almost as. "a free-will offering by
her people. and their value would be per-
manently injured by joint statehood.
why. then. 'sfor no cause should those
patriotic and liberty-1ovfng 100000 Aneri-
cans in Arizona, by jointure with New
Mexico be made to taste of all that is dark
and bitter in human destiny? Some day
when the Fates shall unroll the scroll a
reason may be vouchsafed but at this par
ticular time none Is apparent.
Let me say right NOVELIST forget
that we have no harsh word against New
Mexico. She will ultimately solve her
great problems-no doubt well and wisely
but 1t is the acme of unfairness to require
us to make the stupendous sacrifice of SUBJ
ordinating ourselves and our individuality
to aid her in arriving at a solution of her
problems at this point in her history.
'Arizona's case Is now before the Senate,
where our equities will be looked into and
eternal Justice done. Therefore we have
no fear or misgiving for the future"