Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 February 1905 — ADMIT TWO STATES. [ARTICLE]

ADMIT TWO STATES.

OKLAHOMA AND NEW MEXICO TO ENTER UNION. Senate Passes Statehood Bill Admitting Oklahoma and Indian Territory a« One State and New Mexico as the Other—Arizona Is Left Ont in Cold. Two more stars were added to the flag by the Senate Tuesday, Oklahoma and Indian Territory, Joined, were admitted as one Slate, and New Mexico ns another. For a long time it locked as if there would Lai only one more star, l’or New Mexico, afte* being admitted, was rejected. Then by some skillful parliamentary practice New Mexico was admitted again, and as soon as the House concurs in the bill as amended and the enabling not takes effect there will be 47 States instead of 45, No action was taken as to Arizona, which will remain under territorial government for a while. After Arizona had been left out as unworthy to enter the Union, presumably because of Mormonism and polygamy within its borders, the Senate passed the Statehood bill. The’ bill admits Oklahoma and Indian Territory under the name of Oklahoma It also admits New Mexico. By the terms of the bill the sale of intoxicating liquors Aiv Oklahoma is forbidden for 21 years. Arizona has her wish and remains a territory instead of being merged into New Mexico. There was no contest worthy the name over admitting Oklahoma with the Indian Territory annexed, but over the admission of New Mexico the struggle was long and fierce. It lasted for nine hours and the end was reached late this evening and then by the close vote of 39 to 38 In favor of the admission of the territory. The fight on-the admission of New Mexico ns a separate State came after New Mexico had been rejected. Mr. Bard, whose amendments admitting New Mexico had been once accepted nnd once rejected, struck out the first sentence, so as to remove the point of order against it, and again offered it. It was adopted. Mr. Kearns of Utah, who had first voted for the amendment and then changed, caused the rejection of New Mexico by a tie vote, voting no on the final ballot.