Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1911-07-08
BOTH PRAISE SENATOR SMITH
CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE is A
FRIEND OF NEW MEXICO
AND ARIZONA
HE OPPOSES MINORITY REPORT
DELAYS SUBMITTING REsoLU-
TIoN TO SENATE BECAUSE
OF THIS DANGER

That there is much cause for hope
that statehood will be granted New
Mexico during the present extra ses-
sion of congress is the statement of
Ex-Governor George Curry and Chas.
A. Spiess, who have just returned
from Washington, where they worked
energetically and conscientiously for
the admission of this territory into the
Union. Both men state emphatically
that the Flood resolution, as amend
ed by the senate committee on terri
tories, will meet the approval of the
people of New Mexico and should re-
ceive their hearty support. Ex-Gover-
nor Curry and Mr.. Spiess both speak
warmly of Senator William Alden
Smith, chairman of the senate COM
mittee on territories, and say that he
is a strong advocate of early state
hood for New Mexico.
Statehood at this session hinges on
reconciling several of the members
of the senatorial committee to GER
tain portions of the Arizona constitu-
ton which do not meet their approval.
If this can be accomplished New Mex
leo will become state before con-
gTess adiourns. Certain changes may
have to be advocated in the Arizona
constitution before it can meet the
approval of President Taft and some
OF the members of the senate. The
provision for the recall OF the iudi-
CARY is notably repugnant.
Delay undoubtedly was caused by
the actions of Messrs Jones, Hand
and other patriotic" New Mexico
democrats at Washington, according
to the statement of Governor Curry
That the resolution admitting New
Mexico Oh the constitution approved
nv it's people by large majority and
without the amendments would have
been reported and adopted had IT
not heen for the representations OF
the democratic delegation from New
Mexico. lis Ex-Governor Curry's opin-
ion. Ex-Governor Curry was in the
east on a business trip at the begin
ming of the hearings on the constitu
tions of New Mexico and Arizona be
fore the house committee on terri
tories. He went to Washington where
he Joined Judge A. B. Fall. The twC
went before the committee in the in
terest of New Mexico. There they
found ex-senator Blair and Mr.. Nicker
son of the Anti-Saloon league, oppos
ing the admission Of New Mexico
Tney also met A. A. Jones, ]. d. Hand
Fl. B. Ferguson and Judge McGill Il
the committee room. These gentle
ment said they were there for tn
purpose of working for New Mexico
However, they followed these state
ments by making a bitter attack O
the constitution as adopted by tn
people. Their statements were such a
to indicate the inability of New Me-
leo people to govern. themselves.
When the question of amending tn
constitution was brought up Judg
Fall, Ex-Governor Curry and the oil
ers present all insisted that n
amendment affecting elective franchis
or the provisions for schools woul
be tolerated. The Flood resolutio'
as first introduced, provided for
change in the New Mexico constit
ton and would have passed at an ca
lier date but for Interruptions pr
posed and brought UP by Jones az
others. This would have enabled Il
bill to have been placed on the Gale
dar ahead of the reciprocity bill al
practically insured its early passage
The status of the statehood stu
tion is explained in detail by the Il
lowing interviews had today by an Q