Arizona republican., 1906-01-20

out any preparation, a simple resolu- opposed joint statehood to rise. The grand stand rose as one man, and in order to confirm this expression of popular feeling we nassed a. petition through the vast crowd, and inside of thirty minutes secured over 3,100 sig natures to a petition vigorously pro- testing against this union. A careful poll was kept of those who refused to sign and the total number was less than ? per cent of those present.
 ""This petition. in my judgment, fairly represents tne views of the peo- pie of Arizona on this subject. I have the petition with me and shall hope to have the pleasure of presenting it to the house territorial committee, as it is the intention of the peoples dele gates from Arizona now in Washington to ask for a hearng before this com mittee. It has been intimated to us that we may not be granted hearing, but we can not believe such a report, being thoroughly convinced that the American congress believes in fair play.
 "I understand that It has been re- ported that the only real opponents in Arizona to joint statehood are the rail- way and mining companies, and that such interests have been conducting large and corrupt lobby in Washington I know of no such lobby. I do believe, however, that the railroads and min ing companies are opposed to jointur'i, as are all others interested in the ter ritory, and the gentlemen who have come to Washington with me are here to show the feeling that actually exists on the part of the people of our terri tory and we are prepared to prove our statements.
 Personally. I am a strong admirer of President Roosevelt, and have the greatest respect for the hign ideals and earnest purpose of the president, and am quite confident that could he appreciate the real feeling of the peo- pie of Arizona on this subject and un- derstand the actual conditions exist ing, he would never be one to advocate this forced jointure upon us
 J.J. Riggs, of Dos Cabezas, has liv- ed in Arizona since 1877. He served in the legislature and was member of the live stock sanitary board of that territory during the Brodie ad- ministration He is largely interested in cattle and mines.
 "'The demands of Arizona are small" said MT. Riggs. We ask for so little. It cannot be that the Amerl- can congress will refu-e to hear us All that the people of Arizona ask is to be let alone Let US work cut our cwn salvation. The people of Arizona are opposed to being forced into the Union jointly with New Mexico. There is absolutely no question that 95 per cent are unalterably opposed to Il, ana 95 per cent are equally indignant at the effort being made by MT. Bever- idge to have the people of the nortn and the east to believe that the ques- tion has been thoroughly considered
 This is a direct attack on the pride and patriotism of a people who have reclaimed a very large portion of what was at one time considered American desert-of a people who have now in stitutions, both public and private, of which they feel proud, is thoroughly resented by us We know that our ter ritory is entitled to single statehood, but rather than be attached to New Mexico we prefer to remain territory for the present.
 MT w. s. Sturgis, of Pima county Ariz. who has for twenty-siX years re- sided in that territory, joins in the protest against joint statenood. MT Sturgis is the present member HoHl Arizona of the national republican He is also the chairman or the Arizona live stock sanitary board, which is considered by the United States government to have practically the best regulations for the control and development of the cattle industry existing in the United States. Mr. Sturgis said that last week he drove seventy miles from his home in the4 southeast of Tucson Tn or der to catch the train to join the other gentlemen who were going to Wash ington and to make personal and viz orous protest against the proposed join ing of Arizona and New Mexico. For years, as chairman of the live stock sanitary board of his territory, he has been inclose touch with the cattl: in terests, and has q personal acquain-