New Mexico's Quest for Statehood, 1846-1912

II. First Attempts

TWO provided for New Mexico's incorporation into the Union by stating that it "shall be admitted at the proper time (to be judged of by the Congress of the United States) according to the principles of the constitution."1 With this assurance, several groups in New Mexico began to work for some type of union with the American states. Territorial status seemed most likely, but statehood was not outside the realm of possibility. Numerous and imposing problems were present, however, and would cause endless difficulty for New Mexicans as the years passed. An immediate challenge was presented by military rule. After the peace treaty was ratified,the legality of military control and the civil government established by it was questioned. The Anglo-Americans in New Mexico, particularly , began to protest openly against continuing military control. "There are numerous citizens, native and American[,]who can run affairs here. The army officers recognize no authority but their own . . . ," wrote one prominent citizen of Taos.2 Because Congress was deeply involved in the slavery controversy, no efforts were made to clarify New Mexico's status until Whig Senator John M. Clayton, from the Committee on Territories, reported a bill on July 19, 1848, proposing territorial governments for Oregon, California, and New Mexico. Outspoken Thomas Hart Benton, Democratic senator from Missouri, offered a similarbill on July 31,1848. President Polk apparently agreed with these proposals, for as early as December 7, 1847, he had recommended the "early establishment of territorial governments" in the *3 First Attempts HE TREATY OF GUADALUPE HIDALGO T 14 NEW MEXICO'S QUEST FOR STATEHOOD areas occupied by American forces. Clayton's bill was passed by the Senate on July 26,1848,3 but got no further. At this point, Senator Benton, whose friendliness to New Mexico stemmed from his state's long interest in the Santa Fe trade, offered advice to the people of the territory. In an open letter on August 28, 1848, to the people of California and New Mexico, he suggested that because Congress had failed to act, they might establish governments themselves. " . . . Meet in convention—provide for a cheap and simple government—and take care of yourselvesuntil congress can provide for you."4 Polk was very anxious to organize the new territories but distrusted Benton's motives, feeling he was secretly planning to make his son-in-law, Colonel John C. Fremont, governor of California. The President's cabinet agreed that he should send a messageto the people of California warningthem that such action would be illegal and that they should continue to obey the temporary de facto military government.5 Despite presidential resistance and the opposition of New Mexico's new military and civil governor, Lieutenant Colonel John M. Washington ,6 Benton's suggestion struck a responsive chord among the people. Encouraged by Captain Angeny, now a civilian recently returned from Missouri to persuade New Mexicans to pursue Benton's suggestion, a number of people began to talk in favor of such a course. Donaciano Vigil, who had continued to cling to his authority as civil governor, responded to this sentiment by proclaiming a convention to implement Benton's ideas.7 Accordingly, some of the most influential citizens of the territory met at Santa Fe on October 10, 1848. Historian Ralph Twitchell claims that these delegates were members of the convention to consider annexation to the United States, originally authorized by the short-lived legislative assembly which Price permitted to convene in December, 1847. Although scheduled to meet in February, the group did not convene until this October gathering.8 The Santa Fe Republican disagrees with this report and states that a meeting washeld on February 10,the delegates to the gathering being popularly elected to membership in January.9 Whether these same members comprised the October meeting is not clear, but whatever the method of selection it failed to achieve harmony.The start of the convention was so disrupted by discord that many members withdrew. As described by Spruce M. Baird, a critic from Texas, certain members, "principally if not entirely Mexicans," left for a reason that he could not determine.10 Those who remained chose the intelligent and effective Taos priest, Padre Martinez, as president and J. M. Giddings as clerk. Members of the convention were Francisco Sarracino, a former governor under Mexican rule; Donaciano Vigil; Martinez; Santiago Archuleta; two FIRST ATTEMPTS 15 Anglo attorneys, Elias P. West and...