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Newspaper
Cheyenne Weekly Sun
Location
Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
Date
Oct 31, 1889
Page
4
A large gathering at the Opera House showcased support for Wyoming's statehood with speeches by J Y Cowhick and Judge Fisher. The event featured a band, numerous officers, and a call to adopt a constitution, highlighting Wyoming’s transition from territory to statehood and the community’s optimism for dignity, economy, and prosperity.
General Thompson captivates audience with a forceful call to embrace statehood. He cites a prepared constitution protecting public welfare, but notes objections focus on potential tax burdens. He compares territorial taxation with constitutional limits, citing county taxes at 42 mills and state and city caps. The speaker highlights Wyoming figures, discussing past deficits and revenue gaps.
A speaker argued the constitution would curb reckless public spending and debt, citing Albany as an example of excess under territorial government. He claimed $45,514 annual overspend and county debt of $417,900 could not occur under the constitution, calling it safer, freer, and financially sound. The talk ended with a plea to voters, and a band played as a letter from Bishop Burke was noted absent.
Bishop Burke declines to attend the meeting to advocate ratification but expresses strong support for the constitution. He believes it will benefit Wyoming by admitting it as a state, attracting capital, developing mining and agriculture, creating jobs, and increasing citizenship privileges. He notes potential amendments could fix faults and envisions a prosperous commonwealth.
Hon J W Lacey writes to the committee urging adoption of the proposed constitution to secure admission as a state He asserts admission depends on the vote for the constitution and warns against any hint of non admission He supports the instrument overall noting desired changes and omissions but favors ratification for orderly government and citizen rights
The speaker Rev. S. A. Bright urged unity and progress as the west expands under the Rockies. He highlighted Wyoming’s literacy record, mandatory schooling, and called female suffrage a milestone akin to independence and emancipation, predicting sweeping future changes.
The speaker urged that Wyoming’s constitution would free women from coast to coast, ending territorial vassalage and placing the state on a grand platform of a free commonwealth. Rev A C Campbell was humorously introduced as Rev A Campbell, eliciting laughter.
A C Campbell argues statehood will unlock wealth and population growth for Wyoming, claiming capital and prosperity depend on adopting the constitution. He cites Colorado’s rapid development post statehood and urges a yes vote, while defending woman’s suffrage and educational qualification provisions as benefits for the people.
Rev Mather Nugent delivered his first public platform address urging active statehood support. He likened the constitution to a stepping stone and urged clerical voices to serve the state, arguing that adopting statehood would elevate Wyoming to the next rung on the ladder.
A speaker warned that a young maid faced social ruin if rejected, then recounted a Chicago lady worth five million who refused a Wyoming loan as unsafe. He argued progress requires statehood, noting insurance hesitation in territories and similar views in the old world, and urged Unity for adopting the constitution.
Judge Carey delivered the closing speech praising Wyoming statehood. He used figures showing wealth and population advantages versus admitted states and argued state government would be cheaper. He urged ratification of the constitution and said Laramie County could sustain a state government, with an adjournment to meet again November 4.
Thomas Bros of Cheyenne take over the Cheyenne Quarantine Yards and plan a major beef and sheep fattening operation. They move 360 cattle and 2,000 sheep from Pole Bear and Horse creeks to new feeding yards on Seventeenth Street. The firm’s market on Seventeenth Street and contracts with Fort Laramie and A. Gilchrist's herd bolster a growing wholesale trade. The Thomas Bros extensive operations include T.T. Woollens & Co. and Hyde House, with a strong presence in hides and furs. The JIM herd on Bear and Horse creeks supplies beef, while grain and fruit trades expand to neighboring towns. Note: ad claims a remedy offer from Mat McCabe for bloody flux, invoking Chamberlain's Colic Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy.
Assistant General Manager Cummings, riding east in a special car, stopped in Cheyenne. He confirmed contracts for the Northwestern and Union Pacific combine, said reports are substantially correct, and noted there is no official New York statement beyond possible accuracy. He praised Wyoming's constitution but warned about corporate provisions. He favored statehood and more railroad business.
Yesterday the eastbound passenger section led by Engineer Furness collided with a westbound freight about four miles east of the city. Conductor Smith, in charge of the freight with Michael Lyons as engineer, caused no fatalities though both trains and several cars were damaged. It is believed Smith misunderstood orders to let both sections pass Archer. No injuries were reported.
Reports from Douglas Creek are encouraging with about sixty men at work. Miners are in demand at good wages and laborers are wanted. New locations and renewed operations expand as Florence preparations and Keystone ore dumps signal forthcoming stamp mill operation, boosting Lara mie City and Wyoming’s mineral wealth.
A report says the identity of the man found murdered near Douglas has been partly ascertained and a clue to the assassin found. The coroner’s notification and inquest are urged, condemning Eng Usher’s authority as improper and likening it to Tommy T.–Lusk Aerald.
Reform advocates argue openness about railway wrecks reveals lessons and prompts safer practice. The old policy of hiding information is condemned as unwise, with full disclosure seen as preferable to guesswork by the public and press.
Laramie Glass Works affairs were turned to L. C. Hanks for final settlement after a Friday night fire. Assets including glass on hand coal and soda are expected to cover all obligations. Local citizens urge a board of trade inquiry amid claims workers sold to a glass trust.
Union Pacific shop plans reflecting recent changes were presented to the city council and approved at a special meeting. Engineer Appleton said the viaduct plans cannot be finished in under three weeks, with an assistant from Omaha expected to help soon. May or Riner will travel to Omaha to confer on speedy construction.
The preliminary examination of E. J. Healy known as Tex was scheduled in Sundance yesterday. He is charged with complicity in the spring theft of Henry Weare s horses. Three other suspects remain jailed in Sundance on similar charges.
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