Handwritten Congressional resolution by Illinois Congressman William McKendree Springer, one page, 7.25 x 9.25, House of Representatives letterhead, circa late 1880s. Handwritten resolution pertaining to Washington statehood, in part: "Resolved, that it is the sense of this caucus that an enabling act for the territories of Dakota, Montana, Washington & New Mexico should be passed at this session, providing for Constitutional Conventions in each territory, the submission of their Constitutions for ratification or rejection at the November election 1888—substantially as provided in the Bill reported from the Committee on Territories of the House at this session." Docketing on the reverse reads: "This is the resolution, in hand-writing of Hon. Wm. M. Springer, passed by the Democratic Caucus 50th Congress, in accordance which the Dakotas, Montana, and Washington were permitted to become states." In fine condition, with some light soiling and staining. Ultimately enacted on February 22, 1889, the Enabling Act permitted the entrance of Montana and Washington into the United States of America, as well as the splitting of Territory of Dakota into two states: North Dakota and South Dakota.
