The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-13
ONE REACT|ONARY;
OTHER PROGRESSIVE
Democratic Arizona Has All
Modern Conveniences" in
Its Fundamental Law
NEW MEXICO DECIDEDLY
SAFE AND SANE"
Republican Senate Leaders
Believe Their Majority viii
be Temporarily Increased
By Arlzona's Delay


WASHINGTON, d. c., Dec, ia
Republican Senate leaders to-day are
trading upon the prospect of New
Mexico with a reactionary Constftu-
ton winning, and ARIZONA with pro-
gressiye Constitution losing the strug-
gle for immediate Statehood. AS New
Mexico lis Republican and Arizona is
Democratic, they predict that the
prospective Republican majority of
eight in the Senate VIII ne changed
to ten before next December.
New Mexico will have It's Cunstitu-
ton in the hands of President Taft
for approval by the middle of Feb
ruary. Arizona cannot get the result
OF the vote on it's Constitution TO
Washington before Congress adJourns
March 4. Approval Of the Constitu-
ton OF New Mexico by the President
in the latter part eff February and the
failure on the part OF Congress to dis
approve % the document VIII enable
the people OF the Territory to organ
ize as a State and send TWO Senators
and two Representatives to Congress
next winter Many New Aexicans are
optimistic enough to predict that their
star witi go into the flag on July !.
1911.
Delegations from the Territories
were present In the White House when
President Taft signed the Statehood
enabling acts passed by Congress. and
his parting message to them was an
eAhortation that they urge their pee
pile ITO make safe and sane Consti-
tutions
New Mexico safe and Sane"
New Mexico constructed expedt-
tiousiy a Constitution with none of
the progressive ideas which have been
adopted hy many States and which
caused such reactionary yells OF rage
when the Oklahoma Constitution ar
rived in Washington for approval
There ~ no hint of such things as
nominations by popular vote. the re-
cali. the initiative or the referendum.
SO far as the newer principles OF
government are concerned. ii was
said DAY. the Consultation is i4ut
only safe and sane. bat inacuous,
Opposition may he based. however.
on other featuresJof the Constitution.
particularly sections providing for the
payment Of certain bonds ot ancient
lineage al doubtful origin. The Dem
ocrats too. may try TO block action
until two Democratic Senators can
come from Arizona 10 match the Re
publicans from New Mexico The
New Mexico Constitution will he sub
mitted to popular vote an election on
January al.
Arizors constitutionA convention
produc ed a document considered by a
ma lority Of the delegates TO be In
line with the most enlightened ideas
OF government. II required much
time 10 thresh over modern reforms
and that was the reason the ConSti-
tuition viii not be ready for the pres
ent session OF Congress. Ii will be
submitted to the people GA February
3. and viii reach President Taft dur
ing the congressional recess, and Con-
grcss will be given "a chance to dis
approve at Ghe next session. Leaders
IN Congress ard some ~ the White
"a authorities, believe the Ari-
zona Constitution will receive Mr.
Tafts approval 4 progressive sec
ton that provides for the recall from
ortice by popular vote of judges who
offend ii majority OF the men in the
State or districts in which they were
elected Is said 10 be certain to receive
Mr.. Taft's disapproval
Provisions OF .srixona's Constitution.
Provisions Of the Arizona Consti-
IA include the initiative and ref
erendum; recall OF any public official
whether elected or appointed; an ad-
vfsory note on candidate for United
States Senator at the general election
preceding the time for the selection
of a Senator: nomination Of all can
didates for State. county and city Of
fees. for United States Senators and
Representatives at direct primary
elections: widows owning not over
$4,000 worth OF property are to have
$1,000 worth exempt from taxation:
issues OF corporation bonds OF stocks,
unless made In return for value ac-
tual1y received. shall be void: State
corporation commission IL created
with wide powers and eight hours
shall be legal days work by, or
on behalf OF tho State or any politi-
cal subdivision OF the State.