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The Los Angeles Times
March 13, 1959
On March 13, 1959, the Los Angeles Times published the following article about the approval by the Congress of the United States of the bill for Hawaiian statehood. Because the article was published shortly after the event took place, it may contain information that has been subsequently revised or updated.
By Robert T. Hartmann
Washington, March 12—Only President Eisenhower's pledged signature stood between Hawaii and its 40-year dream of statehood as Congress approved its admission today.
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The House voted 323 to 89 to adopt the Senate version of the bill passed last night and sent the long-delayed legislation to the White House.
Hawaii will become the 50th state when all the formalities are completed, probably not before fall. Like Alaska, which joined the Union Jan. 7, it will add another star to the American Flag and the 49-star ensign to be officially unfurled over Ft. McHenry for the first time July 4 soon will become a collector's item.
President Eisenhower was reported delighted with the overwhelming House action after two days of debate, but the White House set no date for the signing ceremony. Hawaii's territorial Gov. Quinn arrived in the capital last night for the momentous roll calls which climaxed the Pacific outpost's long fight for full representation.
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The first Hawaiian statehood bill was introduced in 1919 but it and subsequent measures never succeeded in winning passage by both House and Senate.
When Speaker Rayburn announced the final vote, congressmen on both sides of the aisle applauded. Both parties endorsed statehood in their 1956 platforms but most of the last-ditch opposition came from southern Democrats.
“My congratulations to Hawaii,” Rayburn said in a statement swinging his potent support to the bill. “I opposed this in the past when I felt Hawaii was not ready for statehood. Now, however, the situation has changed and I welcome statehood because the territory deserves membership in the Union and will be an asset to the United States.”
Vice-President Nixon issued this statement:
“This is a great day for Hawaii but an even better day for the United States. As one who has long favored statehood for Hawaii, I am particularly pleased today to be able to welcome her as the 50th state in the Union. Hawaii has served a long ‘apprenticeship’ as a territory and has more than met the traditional tests for statehood.
“She has been politely patient with the long delay in attaining the status she so rightly deserves. All of us representing the other 49 states are, I'm sure, happy that we are now able to greet Hawaii as No. 50.”
When the islands elect their first congressional representation, two U.S. senators and one member of the House, the Senate will have an even 100 seats. The House of Representatives will temporarily number 437, but will revert to the 435 limit fixed by law after the 1960 census.
In the next reapportionment, Hawaii might get two seats on the basis of its growing population, currently estimated at 613,000. To avoid argument, statehood backers settled for one to start with.
Hawaii adopted a standby state constitution in 1950 which the current bill approves. It requires the governor to call a primary election with 60 to 90 days after his proclamation that President Eisenhower has notified him of admission. Within 40 days after the primary, Hawaiian voters will choose their senators, congressman and state officials. When these returns are certified to the President, he will proclaim Hawaii the 50th state.
Hawaii and Alaska will each cast three electoral votes for the first time in 1960 for President and Vice-President of the United States.
In today's House vote 203 Democrats and 120 Republicans voted to admit Hawaii, with 65 Democrats and 24 Republicans opposed. The Senate roll call of 76 to 15 was divided with 30 Republicans and 46 Democrats for statehood, one Republican and 14 Democrats against.
While the long-standing racial opposion was muted, opponents this time concentrated on the charge that Hawaii has been infiltrated with Communists and left-wing elements as a result of ILWU leader Harry Bridges' organizing of Hawaiian labor. But Sen. Kuchel (R-Cal.) replied that the Communist problem is world-wide and not unique to Hawaii.
Before final passage the House shouted down an attempt by Rep. W. R. Poage (D-Tex.) to include, eventually, all U.S. Pacific islands in the new state. With similar speed, members steamrollered a New York Republican's (Rep. John Pillion) move to refer the bill back to committee and bury it.
Source: Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1959.
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Territory; United States (Geography)
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