On the recordJanuary 27, 1867
The following is a copy of the protest alluded to as officially transmitted to me: 'Whereas it is announced in the public prints that it is the intention of Congress to admit Colorado as a State into the Union: Therefore,Resolved by the house of representatives of the Territory, That, representing, as we do, the last and only legal expression of public opinion on this question, we earnestly protest against the passage of a law admitting the State without first having the question submitted to a vote of the people, for the reasons, first, that we have a right to a voice in the selection of the character of our government; second, that we have not a sufficient population to support the expenses of a State government. For these reasons we trust that Congress will not force upon us a government against our will.'
Source
presidency.ucsb.edu
