New Mexico

One of the states of the United States. By act of congress, approved September 9, 1850, the territory of New Mexico was constituted and described. A proviso was annexed that the United States might divide the territory Into two or more, and that when admitted as a state the said territory, or any portion of the same, should be received into the Union with or without slavery, as their constitution might prescribe at the time of admission. Colorado was partly formed from New Mexico in 1861, and in 1863 the entire territory of Arizona, which reduced New Mexico to its present boundaries. By the organic act, tho powers of the territory were lodged in three branches, — tho legislative, executive, and judicial. The operation of this act was suspended until the Texan boundary was agreed upon, when it went into force by proclamation of the president, December 13, 1850. The enabling act for its admission was passed by congress June 30, 1910. The joint resolution for its admission was passed August 21, 1911, to take effect upon proclamation by tho president that certain conditions had been complied with. Tho proclamation was made January C, 1912.

See Pueblo; Territory, 2.