The border vidette., 1906-09-29
Democrat Platform.

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 opposi- tion 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 this purpose we pledge the vote of our party in the coming election. And to secure the defeat of this unholy al- liance, we call with confidence on every true citizen Of Arizona of whatever political party to unite with us m 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 byexercise 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 to separate statehood and we reaffirm 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 n ha porations, without discrimination in favor of anyone whomsoever, so that the wealth of the country may bear it's full proportion of the burdens of gov ernment.
 The Republican National adminis- 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 tEe terri tory 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 position he has so signally honored.