El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-08-05

as suggested would be- equitable TO
each of the proposed states. and from
political standpoint, SO far as bring
ing harmony to the different sectional
interests that now are at swords points
on the prohibition and other questions.
such division would meet all exist
ing requirements, 1t is claimed. The
old patriotic and sentimental feeling
that existed for the retention of Texas
as an undivided commonwealth for all
time to come Is rapidly passing away.
This is accounted for by the fact that
during the last several years. there
has been q great influx of new settlers
from other states who do not have the
sentimental reverence for the original
Texas that exists on the part Of many
Of the natives. Then there Is the new
generation even OF the natives who
view the situation in different light
from their forefathers.
Business interests look at the d.
vision propositions from practical
standpoint and they unhesitatingly
say that nothing could be done that
would be of such vast material benefit
to the present area of Texas than to
divide 1t into three or more parts
South Texas people are strong on this
viewpoint Of the situation. 1t is claimed
that by each of these new political
divisions having legislatures and state
administrations in thorough sympathy
with the needs and wishes of the peo-
pie Of their respective commonwealth
laws would be enacted that would en-
courage and bring about wonderful
development of the material resources.
While the northeast division embrac-
ing the dry territory would have the
best of the other Two divisions in point
OF populatioS7and high STANDARD of
agricultural development, 1t is Claimed
that 1t would rot be many years after
the other two new states had been
created until they will have reached
or overtaken the older settled portions
of the present state in these matters.
Many illustrations are cited where the
development in south and west Texas
has been retarded by the failure on
the part of members of the legis-
lature from north and east Texas to
grasp the needs and possibilities of
those more distant regions. Effort
after effort has been made by mem
bers of the Legislature from what was
formerly known as the exclusive ranch |
region of the state to secure legislation /
favorable to their constituents, but !
overpowering opposition on the part |
of the representatives and senators /
from the territory that is supposed TO |
be embraced in the suggested dry |
state defeated the bills.
Picking the capitals.
The present agitation for a division
OF Texas into three new states has
reached that point where suggestions
are being made as 10 what towns
should be selected for the capitals. In
the proposed western division Big
Springs is generally looked upon as
the most logical town in point of geo
he -
the capital. 1t is situated as near the
center of the area to be embraced In
the new state as could be selected, it
Is claimed. 1t is in a region that is
developing very rapidly and holds out
wonderful prospects for the future.
In south Texas it is considered prob
lble that San Antonio would be a can
lidate for the new capital. but its
;laims would perhaps be contested by
owns that are more centrally located
n the prospective political division
from a geographical standpoint the
title town of Ti1den occupies the most =
ogical position for the capital. II is
ituated about 10 miles south of San
Antonio and by the construction of
me or more lines of railway 1t would
'e given outlets to every part of that
state. The ranch territory
f south Texas is being converted into
arms very rapidly. tor the last few
ears it has been the Mecca for thou
ands of home seekers. The Gulf coast
egion and the lower Rio Grande valley
re the scenes Of giant strides in de-
elopment In the prospective dry
tate Austin would perhaps be retained
s the capital Many of the state in
titutions both educa tional and elee-
nosynary are situated here i
Former movements to bring about a /
ivision of Texas failed to receive gen l
raj recognition or encouragement on