It must also be remembered that the Gadsden Purchase, with the
portion of New Mexico which it is proposed to include within the
limits of the territory of Arizona, is separated from New Mexico
proper by natural boundries; that it derives no benefit from the
present connection, and that any opposition to the desired
legislation arises from the Mexican population, which fears the
influence of a large American emigration. Moreover, that New
Mexico contains upwards of 200,000 square miles, and that its
organic act provides for its partition; showing clearly that
Congress anticipated, at no remote day, the settlement of the
country by an American population, and its erection into several
territories and states. The only effect of the present connection
of Arizona with New Mexico is to crush out the voice and
sentiment of the American people in the territory; and years of
emigration, under present auspices, would not serve to
counterbalance or equal the influence of the 60,000 Mexican
residents of New Mexico. New Mexico has never encouraged American
population. She is thoroughly Mexican in sentiment, and desires
to remain so.
As a matter of State policy, the organization of Arizona is of
the first importance. Situated between New Mexico and Sonora, it
is possible now to make it a thoroughly American State, which
will constantly exert its influence in both directions, to
nationalize the other two.
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