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Show Friday, March 20, 1959 THE UTAH STATESMAN NATION: Washington Roundup by Sen. Wallace F. Bennett Passage of the Hawaiian statehood bill this week came as a real thrill to hundreds of thousands of our living in the Islands. I was happy to be able to . fellow-America- vote for ns it Utah, I think, has much in common with our newest state. For one thing, both Utah and Hawaii had to remain in territorial status for a very long time 46 years for Utah, 59 years for Hawaii. Both states had a particularly difficult time obtaining the blessings of full citizenship, with the light to vote and for that reason perhaps Utahns and Hawaiians may appreciate the privileges of statehood more than they otherwise might. . Utah has another strong tie with Hawaii. In the 1800s the LDS Church began a major missionary effort in the Islands, and this has resulted in many of our citizens visiting the Islands and learning to love them. There are now about 10,000 members of the LDS Church in Hawaii, and now the only church which outnumbers the Mormon Church there is the Roman Catholic Church. Like every new state, Hawaii will find it has some new problems as a result of statehood. But I feel sure that neither the Hawaiians nor the rest of the nation will ever regret the action that has been taken in giving these people the right to rule themselves and to vote for national officials. Particularly important at this time is the effect this action will have on the attitudes of the Asian peoples toward the United States. We have demonstrated the untruth of the Communist charges that we are a colonial power, exploiting the people of Hawaii without giving them equal rights. The actual vote on Hawaiian statehood in bbth the Senate and the House surprised many people. The last time we considered the bill, in 1954, the debate was long and bitter, Tliis time, the bill went through so fast that even the proponents of statehood hardly realized 7ak Jw Qetif what had happened. Ive heard several people specuon when the 50th star will lating be added to the flag. Frankly, nobody knows just yet. Under a law passed several years ago, the new star is added the July 4th following a states admittance, but Hawaii has not yet been actually admitted. After the President signs the bill, a primary election and a general election must be held before the President can proclaim statehood. GOP . . . (Continued from Page 1) . enthusiasm to prepare for ELECTION 1961. Now is the tim to start! So if you havent yet been contacted for your membership . . . yell real loud; some other good Republican is bound to hear you. Dont forget the next general meeting of the Salt Lake County Republican Club Monday evening, April 6, at 7:30 p.m., City Commission Chambers, City-Coun- ty Building. Wman... To each member of the Utah Federation of Women's Republican Clubs the greatest accomplish-lishmeri- ts are brought about by those who look to the future and work on new ideas to build a stronger organization and work in unit. There is strength in numbers. Strong leadership of club presidents plus individual cooper-- . ation, with each individual shouldering her share of the responsibilities bring rewarding results. Our Motto - "A task for every woman and every woman to her task." Have you accepted your assignment on the "LET'S GET TO WORK PROGRAM" CONGRA TULA TIONS . j The Utah Federation of Women's Republican Clubs extend to Mr. Clifton G. M. Kerr, newly appointed Executive Director of the Utah Republican Party organization a; hearty welcome and best wishes for a happy . and successful administration. UTAH FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMENS CLUBS - |