The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1959-03-19
State Societies

Washington, D. c. boasts of
fifty or so rather unique socle-
ties, known as State Societies
which have varying degrees of
activity and purpose. Former
residents from each of the states
of the Union have formed them
selves into groups with an as
sortment of officials, meeting
places and reasons for meeting.
One thing they have in common
is tremendous amount of 10y
atty for the home state. Ohio
has such a society, and Maxine
and l have attended the Ohio
Society affairs through the years.
A major function of each of the
groups is the selection of the
State Cherry Blossom Princess.
She vies with the Cherry Bios
som Princess from each of the
states for the title Of Cherry
Blossom Queen. The Queen pre-
sides over much Of the festivity
of the cherry blossom season
which is one of the Capitals
great tourist attractions.
Hawaiian Statehood
1t appears that there may be
a new star added to the nations
flag this year as we'll as a new
State Society if the proposal to
admit Hawaii to statehood is
agreed to. The bill to provide for
new state will come before the
Congress in the near future.
Through the years the question
of statehood for Hawaii has been
one that has occupied the center
of the debate arena with argu-
ments pro and con being pressed
with great fervor. 1t does not
appear that there will be much
successful argument against
statehood this year because Of
last years precedent in admitting
Alaska. Those who favor state
hood for Hawaii say that this
island group has demonstrated
through the years its readiness
70 be accepted as an equal part
of our Nation. that it is valu-
able asset to the union Of states
and that it will fortify our posi-
tion in the Pacific and in the
Far Eat. Those who oppose
statehood suggest that this honor
should not be granted to an
insular TERRITORY, that it is not
a cart Of the continent of North
America. that many of its Gus
toms and attitudes are different
from the rest of the nation, that
it will upset the political bal
ance Of the nation and that if is
not economically in a position
Of aesuminp the responsibilities
IF statehood. No longer can the
argument that il IS not contieu-
Gus to the rest Of the union carry
the Influence that it once did
since Alaska surmounted that
obstacle last wear It is interest
inc to note that sentiment in
favor of admission 10 the union
for Hawaii IS becoming rather
~ubstantial This is true not only
IN the nation as whole but |
note that the overwhelming maj
oritv of those who respond to my
QUESTIONABLE favor admission
of the 5nth state to the union.
Diversion Of Water
The perennial Lake MICHIGAN
water diversion bill is scheduled
10 come before Congress shortly
This ic legislation which would
permit the city of CHICAGO to
divert water from Lake Michigan
FOR sanitary purposes and send
the diverted water into the Mis-
sissippi River watershed. This
proposal has been fought with
great fervor through the years
because the ucers of the water
in the Great Lakes and the
riparian owners are jealous GUS
todians Of the water level. The
proposal would have small but
probably rather significant effect
moon the water level in Lake
Erie. 7 believe that the reduction
would be a fraction Of an inch.
The lowering of the Lakes level
DS even d'l li1tiI WoUld DtODdpIN
not be noticed to the unpracticed
eve but the effect of the diver
sion would be noted bv users of
the lake, particularly by shipping
lines passing critical reefs and
shallow channels in the lake svs-
tenn. Oil and coal vessels are
built and loaded according to the
water level at these critical pass
ages. The lowering of the water
level by an inch would reduce
by vast amounts the tonnage
these vessels could carry. Since
the bill has received adverse
treatment in past years the pres
ent proposal is cautious in pro-
viding for only a one year trial
of diversion to the extent of $500
cubic feet per second. 1t will be
vigorously opposed.