Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1911-10-21
ARCHBISHOP ]. B. PITIVAL
HEAD OF CATHOLIC CHURCH IN
NEW MEXICO IS INTERESTED
IN ELECTION
FOR WELFARE or THE STATE
SAYS " NEW MEXICO WOULD
PROGRESS SHE SHOULD RE.
JEcT AMENDMENT.

| The Most Rev. ]. B. Pitaval, d. ID.
archbishop of Santa Fe, who has bee,
abroad this summer and is staying IL
New York City till the middle of Nov
ember, has sent the following com
munication to New Mexico:
"Of all the news that reached me
during my absence from New Mexico
the one announcing that statehood
had been granted was the most pleas
ing to me. Congress and the presi-
dent of the United States have at last
performed an act of tardy justice to
the inhabitants of New Mexico. 1t
behooves us to justify the confidence
placed in us by meeting the respon-
sibilities of statehood wisely and con.
scientiously.
Though no human instrument can
lay claim to absolute perfection, the
comprehensive, broad minded, conser-
vatie and wise constitution of New
Mexico augurs we'll for the future of
the new state. Only when the foun-
dation of a building is good and deep
and broad and strong, is it possible to
rear fine, substantial and lasting
superstructure. /, therefore. regret
very much that in the coming elec-
ton the question is placed before the
voters whether we afe to have foun-
dation, fundamental law for all. For
law that can be changed every year
at every election by a simple major
ity of votes, cast at a given election
cannot be dignified with the name OF
A feeling of confidence
and security, this essential prerequi-
site to a healthy and lasting and all
prosperity, will not be en-
geRdered If the fleeting waves of ev-
cry whim and passing fad and fancy
are permitted to wash away the foun-
dation and send the whole edifice tot
tering to the ground.
If our present constitution should
prove faulty or inadequate, or ifl
changing conditions should make al
change of the constitution really ad- |
visable, 1t can be changed and will be
changed, as provided in the present
constitution. But only real advant- |
age to the commonwealth as whole
would induce a change, whilst, il the |
amendment should obtain a |
in the coming election, our
constitution would change vita every
changing majority and with every |
changing party coming into power.
The constitution would be made the
'ootball of every political demogogue
and every fanatical fadist-
"Diverging interests of the different
sections Of the country and scf differ
mt classes Of people inhabiting our
'tate could never be permanently
'econciled. and a constant state of
POLITICAL unrest and turmoil would be
he consequence That, however, Is
lot exactly what New Mexico stands
a need Of just at the present time.
Stability. confidence and sense
# security is needed above all, If
tatehood is to be coincident with an
development of our vast
atural resources, followed by gener-
j prosperity for every class Of peo.
lie Of our new stzte. 1t is not q ques-
ion of politics lor Of party, and am
that they who share my
onvietions in this matter win not on
: cast their ballot. irrespective of par
: affiliations, for the stability OF cur
fundamental law, but will also try to !
nlighten others. Ii
1t is not my wont TO appear in
rint. but the vital Importance Of this ,
latter and my ardent desire for the /
elfare, the progress and prosperity &
New Mexico have induced me to {
lake an exception this time and to !
IN these few lines"