The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-05
STATEHOOD FOR NEW MEXICO.
Mr.. BRIlInger Says Hearty Welcome
Awaits AdmIttance 20 Union.

Al"W Iut AipA4AtrQAe Jv1uAL
That New Mexico should place herself
In readiness for admission 10 the Union
and that a royal welcome awaits the
future state in Washington. was the
sentiment expressed By Hon. Richard A.
Ballinger. Secretary Of the Interior. who
passed through the city last night en-
route from Phoenix. ArlZ. 10 Santa Fe,
where he VIII spend to-day comforting
with Gov Curry and other officials, leav-
Ing for Washington tonight Nj Bal
linger arrived IN the city on santa Re
train No. s. travelling as the guest OF Ar
thur G. Wells, general superintendent OF
the Santa Re coast lines, IN the latter 8
private car Mr.. Wells had Mr.. Bal
Iinger as his guest from Gallup. where he
met him yesterday noon, IS far as Santa
Re. Mr.. Wells will return 10 Albuquerque
at noon to-day. Mr.. Bailinger was met at
the depot by Delegates w II. Andrews,
Solomon Luna. national committeeman;
Mayor Felix X. Lester, 3. Spitz. presi-
dent Of the Commercial Club: Hon.
Nathan Jana. secretary Of the Territory.
and others Messrs Andrews. Luna. and
Jana Joined the Ballinger party here and
accompanied them 10 Santa Re.
when interviewed by a Morning Jour
nal representative yesterday. Mr.. Bal
linger expressed much regret that he
could not spend several days in New
Mexico.
Il had anticipated remaining ia New
Mexico FOR several days and intended 20
visit the various irrigation prospects. the
Indian schools. and Indian reservations,
and had counted on stopping a day In
Albuquerque said Mr.. Ballinger. "but
important matters have called me 20
Washington and have been compelled 10
see the Territory from the rear end OF
the observation car / have been away
from my Office so long that 81 is i'm
perative that I return Immediately I ex-
pect TO return 10 the Southwest IN De-
cember. however. and win very likely
stop of IN Albuquerque"
When asked for a word on Statehood.
Mr.. Ballinger reiterated TO a certain ex-
tent the utterances OF President Taft
while IN Albuquerque last week. declsr-
ing that a hearty WELCOME was I'm store
for New Mexico on the day she is ad-
mitted 20 the Union Take your time
and come IN right" said the Secretary.
Get yourselves in good shape and come
in with a clean BIN OF health
While AR. Ballinger did not have a
bAea0 oeaA 10 SOY on tile >lhNeiood sllua-
tion bis manner Of saying what he did
say, plainly indicates that he is a good
friend OF both New Mexico and Arizona.
and that he believes the time IS ripe Tor
the admission OF the two Territories
Touching on the various irrigation pro-
jects now under construction In the Ter
ritory. Mr.. Ballinger expressed himsel.
as being satisfied with rhelr progress
The reclamation OF the arid lands Of the
great Southwest country IS naturally the
subject closest 10 the Secretary's heart
/ The irrigation projects are being pushed
20 completion as rapidly as possible with
the funds at our command" said Mr.
Bailinger. The Elephant Butte dam is
coming in for its share Of attention. and
work on IL viii he resumed with energy
Just as soon as the funds are available. 80