Year: 1866

UhS UoVH allO"cu, CoHBTcbS ls SuppOheu
to have permitted il on the grounds of
some high public necessity, and under
circumstances which have promised
thatitwould rapidly disappear through
the growth and development of ne W
ly admitted State. Thus, in regard to
the several States in what was former
ly called the Northwest territory, ly-
ing East of the Mississippi, their rapid
advance in population rendered il GER
tain that States admitted with only one
or two Representatives in Congress
would in very short period be enti-
tied TO a great increase of representa-
tion.


So when California was admitted on
the ground of commercial and political
exigencies, it was well forescon that
that State was destined to become a
great, prosperous and important min
ing and commercial community. In
the case of Colorado | am not aware
that any national exigency, either of a
political or commercial nature, requires
a departure from the law of equality
which has been SO generally adhered
to in our history.


If the information submitted in con.
nection with this bill is reliable, Colo
rado, instead of increasing, has declin-
ed in population. At an election for
members of territorial legislature,
held in 1861, 10, $50 votes were cast. At
the election before mentioned, in 1864,
the number was 6,192, while at the re
gular election held in 1865, which is,as-
sumed for basis OF legislative action
at this time, the aggregate number
of the votes was 5,905


Sincerely anxious for the welfare
and prosperity of every territory and
State, as well as for the prosperity and
welfare of the whole Union, l regret
this apparent decline Of population in
Colorado, bat it is manifest that it is
due to emigration which is going on
from that territory into other regions
within the United States, which either
are in fact, or are believed by the in
habitants of Colorado to be richer in
mineral wealth and agricultural! re-
sources If Colorado has not really
declined in population, another census
or another election under the authori
ty,of Congress would place the ques-
ton beyond doubt, and cause but little
delay in the natural reception of the
territory as State, if desired by the
people. The tenor of these objections
furnishes the reply which may be ex.
pected to an argument in favor Of the
measure derived from the enabling act
which was passed by Congress on the
2lst day of March, 1864, although Con.
gress then supposed the condition of
the Territory was such as to warrant
its admission asa State.


The result of two years experience
shows that every reason which existed
for the institution Of a Territorial in
stead of a State government, in Colora-
do at its first organization, still con-
tnucs in force; the condition of the



Union at the present moment is calcu.
lated to inspire caution in regard to
the admission of rev States.


Eleven of the old States have been
for some time, and still remain, unre-
presented in Congress, 1t is a common
interest of the States, as well those re-
presented as those unrepresented, that
the integrity and harmony ofthc Union
should bo restored as completely as
possible, so that all those who are ex-
.pccted to bear the burdens of the Fed
eral Government shall be consulted
concerning the admission ofncwStates,
and that in the mean timc, no new
States shall be permitted and unneces-
sarily admitted TO u participation in
the political power which the Federal
Government wields, not the benefit OF
any individual States or section, but for
the common safety, welfare and happi-
ness of the whole country.


ANDREW JOHNSON.