[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 18 (Monday, March 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NEW MEXICO'S CUARTO-CENTENARIO CELEBRATION

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to speak briefly about a 
very special anniversary this year in New Mexico, and to share a 
message from President Clinton to everyone celebrating the state's 
Cuartocentenario.
  The date July 1, 1998, marks 400 years since a small group of Spanish 
pioneers ventured north from Mexico, up the Rio Grande Valley and 
settled in what is now North-Central New Mexico. The settlers, led by 
Don Juan de Onate, established a small mission at the confluence of the 
Rio Chama and the Rio Grande and next to an Indian Pueblo the 
inhabitants called ``Ohke''. The Spanish settlers named their mission 
San Gabriel de los Espanoles.
  This year is not just about recognizing these early Spanish 
settlements, but about celebrating the Hispanic people themselves and 
the many contributions they have made to the history of this continent 
and this country over the last 400 years. Indeed, we can point to all 
aspects of American culture, from literature to sports, and identify 
many Hispanic individuals who have made significant contributions.
  I look forward to celebrating this anniversary and the Hispanic 
culture throughout this year in New Mexico. I ask that a copy of 
President Clinton's message to all who are celebrating this historic 
occasion be printed in the Record.
  The message follows:

                                              The White House,

                                    Washington, February 24, 1998.
       Warm greetings to everyone celebrating New Mexico's 
     Cuartocentenario.
       In 1598, when Juan de Onate led a band of soldiers and 
     Franciscan priests to the land we now know as New Mexico, few 
     could have foreseen the impact of their expedition. The chain 
     of events that would ultimately lead to statehood for New 
     Mexico in 1912 had begun and would change our country 
     forever.
       This year's celebration of the 400th anniversary of New 
     Mexico reminds us all of the long and rich history of this 
     beautiful place. Today's New Mexicans live with that history. 
     The state's original peoples, who are represented by 21 
     pueblos and tribes ranging from Apache to Zuni, would 
     consider four centuries a blink in time, for their ancestors 
     arrived more than 10,000 years ago. And the remains of 
     earlier civilizations can still be seen in New Mexico.
       Our 47th state is a fascinating mixture of old and new, 
     deserts and forests, mountains and valleys, small towns and 
     urban centers, cattle ranches and microprocessor plants, 
     scientists, artists, and farmers. While taking pride in their 
     colorful past, New Mexicans also look to the future with 
     vision and confidence. With a strong dedication to quality 
     education and a clean environment, with thriving agriculture, 
     expanding industry, and a growing, ethnically diverse 
     population, New Mexico is approaching the 21st century with 
     energy and enthusiasm. This milestone anniversary offers a 
     wonderful opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary 
     achievements of New Mexico's people, remembering their 
     accomplishments in the past and celebrating the promise of 
     the future.
       Best wishes to all for a memorable celebration.
     Bill Clinton.

                          ____________________