The border vidette., 1906-10-06
Democrat Platform.

Actuated by the plainest dictates of
self-interest and, as we believe by the
loftiest motives of patriotism as well,
we declare again our intense opposi-
ton TO the union of Arizona with
New Mexico into one state We
further proclaim our unswerving pur-
pose to maintain the independence,
the integrity and autonomy of Arizona
by resisting in every legitimate way
known to free men the effort now be-
ing made by designing persons to join
this Territory in an unjust, unequal
and ruinous union with the overwhelm-
ing population of New Mexico, and to
party in the coming election. And to
secure the defeat of this unholy al
lance, we call with conf dence on every
true citizen of Arizona of whatever
political party to unite with us IN
preserving inviolate the laws, customs
and institutions of our commonwealth
from the exploitation of New Mexico.
Under hardships and disadvantages
unknown to other state builders the
people of Arizona have reared a great
commonwealth of which they are justly
proud. To them alone is the honor
and glory of this achievement. They
have by exercise of high civic virtues
put into easy and successful operation
every energy of great and prosperous
state; and they look with natural
horror on any proposal to violate 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 reasons,
separated more than forty years ago by
the influence and advice of Abraham
Lincoln.
We are now. by every rule heretofore
invoked, entitled 20 separate stateho ood
and we reafiirm our determination to
remain yet territory rather than
enter into union odious to our state
pride and dangerous to the peace and
happiness of both territories
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 remain a
territory forever than to accept state
hood under such conditions.
We declare for an honest and equal
taxation of all property justly subject
to the same, including mine. and cor
porations, without discrimination in
favor of anyone whomsoever, so that
the wealth of the country may bear its
full proportion of the burdens of gov
ernment.
The Republican National admins
tration, in its perLicious 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 congratulate
the people of this territory that through
the efforts of our distinguished dele
gate to Congress, Hon Marcus a. Smith
backed by the patriotic citizens of the
territory. this calamity was averted.
We rejoice in the splendid success of
the unbeaten and unbeatable Demo
crat, 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 trcachery and unheard of difficulties
Arizona. under his leadership, still re-
tains her integrity and autonomy.
We appeal to all citizens of the terri
tory irrespective Cf 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
position he has so signally honored.