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New Mexico Stories
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Second Excerpt from STATEHOOD OF AFFAIRS, an historical novel set in New Mexico
‘Statehood of Affairs’ is an historical novel set in New Mexico at the time of its struggle for statehood. Over the next two weeks we are publishing three excerpts from this newly released book by author Daniel R. Cillis, Ph.D.
Noticing his lack of reaction Adobe says, “You seem to avoid talking about statehood, Colonel.”
Again, the colonel does not react, but finally says, “We both know I am too old to go to Washington. I wish to see you in the Senate.”
“Fine, but what about statehood in general?”
“Adobe, have you ever studied the New Mexico territorial seal?”
“Sure, I’ve seen it, eagles and a Latin motto.”
“Yes. There are two eagles, a Mexican eagle and an American eagle. Do you know which eagle is bigger?”
Adobe knows the colonel likes the Socratic method of asking and answering questions to stimulate thinking and illuminate ideas. He accepts this and plays along.
“I never thought about it that way.”
“The American eagle is clearly bigger. The coat of arms is the Mexican eagle grasping a serpent in its beak and a cactus in its talons. It is shielded by the American eagle with outspread wings grasping arrows in its talons.”
“That’s interesting, Colonel.”
“Interesting and significant—the Mexican eagle is the smaller of the two and watched over by the larger American eagle.”
Following a long silence, Adobe says, “Remarkable, I think it symbolizes the territory’s acceptance of New Mexico’s history, heritage and culture. All of which are part of the new constitution.”
“Some have a different interpretation, Adobe. They see the seal as a war trophy representing the strong-armed change of sovereignty in 1846. The American eagle is dominant, with arrows in its talons, wings widely spread, and piercing vigilant eyes when compared to the Mexican eagle.”
Before Adobe can respond, the colonel smiles and slowly whispers, “Checkmate.”
“Salud, mi compadre,” says Adobe.
About the Author:
Dr. Daniel R. Cillis is a professor at Molloy College in New York where he teaches behavioral science for business. He has taught at the University of New Mexico as an adjunct instructor and was featured in Rio Rancho Magazine. Dr. Cillis has published academic articles on management and leadership, including Intel, New Mexico: Organizational Stakeholder Issues. He is a U.S. Army veteran and lives in New York City and Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Book Reviews:
If you like mystery, romance, history, fiction or non-fiction, Statehood of Affairs has something for you. If you like all of the above, then you hit the jackpot! It even has a little comedy to enhance your reading. An excellent read! You will enjoy taking a journey back to New Mexico’s territorial days for a fascinating account of events leading to New Mexico statehood. New Mexico is celebrating its Centennial anniversary in 2012 and this book is a perfect read for a different view of what might have occurred during that time. A very clever premise by the author! (Statehood of Affairs review from Amazon.com)
Purchasing Statehood of Affairs
Available online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Treasure House Book on the South Plaza in Old Town Albuquerque.
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New Mexico Stories
A series of compelling accounts of life in old New Mexico featuring brief biographies of WOMEN and ARTISTS who were born when New Mexico was a territory and lived to see it become a state, plus vignettes of life experiences as told IN THEIR OWN WORDS.
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