Letters from an American February 21, 2026
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Feb 22, 2026 A deep dive into the 1889–1890 scramble to admit western states and how an omnibus bill split Dakota. A look at partisan maneuvering as Republicans rushed new admissions to secure congressional and electoral advantage. Coverage of the 1890 economic slump, public backlash, and how midterm politics and agrarian-populist forces upended expectations.
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Statehood As A Partisan Power Play
- Republicans and Democrats used state admissions to shift national power by choosing which western territories to admit.
- In 1889 Democrats cut a deal admitting Montana and splitting Dakota so Republicans gained three reliably Republican states quickly.
Frank Leslie's Counting New Senators
- Frank Leslie's celebrated the Republican math showing new states would add senators and electors to secure party control.
- In November 1889 Harrison admitted North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington to tip Senate and Electoral College math.
State Admissions Aimed To Protect Tariffs
- Republican leaders expected western state admissions to secure tariff policy by locking in Senate and Electoral College advantages.
- They believed new western Republican states would make the presidency and tariffs safe for 1892.