The past 100 years

From The Santa Fe New Mexican: Feb. 22, 1918: The New Mexico Central people have definitely stated to local business men that they are going steadily ahead in the work of putting the property in good condition. Traffic arrangements will be made with the D and R.G. and the El Paso and Southwestern roads and through freight will be carried from Colorado points to points in New Mexico and Texas.

Feb. 22, 1968: Santa Fe teachers have issued an ultimatum to Gov. David F. Cargo.

Their representatives voted with the New Mexico Education Association yesterday to demand a special session of the Legislature during the week of March 25, coupled with the threat of a statewide NMEA strike.

The delegates gave Cargo until noon Monday to decide.

Feb. 22, 1993: Last week, Bruce Babbitt, the former governor of Arizona and now the new federal Interior secretary, made the debate over gambling in New Mexico a bit more interesting.

Babbitt said the only way Arizona can keep Indian tribes in that state from opening fullblown casinos would be to ban all forms of what federal law classifies as Class 3 gaming — including horse racing and lotteries.

Presumably, Babbitt’s comments would apply to New Mexico, too. Babbitt is the Clinton administration’s top officials on Indian affairs. If he’s right, then the way is cleared for New Mexico’s tribes to move ahead into video gambling and genuine Las Vegas-style games — regardless of what Gov. Bruce King wants.