47^th Star Blog

Third 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 published three excerpts from this newly released book by author Daniel R. Cillis, Ph.D.

“Welcome, Señor Hietmann.”

“Thank you, President Madero. I am honored to be here and thank you for granting my request on such an important day for you and all of Mexico.”

Hanging above the balcony is the bell that Miguel Hidalgo rang to call for rebellion. It is 11:00 a.m., and with Hietmann standing beside him, President Madero rings the same bell, but this time it is a call to celebration. After the ceremony and a standard political speech, the men retire into the president’s inner office.

“I hope you enjoyed our celebration, Señor Hietmann,” Madero says while pouring fine wine into fine glasses from a silver decanter.

“President Madero, the celebration was inspiring and befitting our meeting. Your nationalistic message to the people is appropriate now that a certain deadline is nearing.”

Suspicious of Hietmann’s motives and playing it close to the vest, Madero says, “Deadline, Señor Hietmann? Perhaps it is not a coincidence that we meet on this day.”

Hietmann smiles,knowing that the irony is not lost on Madero, who needs German political powerto defend against the U.S. Hietmann removes a map from a fine leather case andsays, “Please look at this map.” Madero allows him to continue.

As Hietmann spreadsthe map across the table, the president’s ceremonial Spanish sword in its silver scabbard bangs against the table. Looking down at the map with its wornedges, he says, “President Madero, this is Mexico in the year 1840—before the war and the Mexican Cession.

“Ay Dios mio. Ourlost territories,” Madero whispers.

Hietmann pauses foreffect and continues, “As you know, the border extended far into North America.Mexico included the American territories of New Mexico and Arizona and manystates including California, and, of course, Texas—a particular sore spot for Mexico.”

“This map is quite interesting and thank you for the history lesson, but I don’t know what you expect from this meeting.”

“May I expect areasonable discussion?”

“SeñorHietmann, it is reasonable to say that the war was long ago and those territories have been American states for many years now.”

“All except Arizonaand New Mexico, President Madero. As you know, all former Mexican lands taken by the Americans are now U.S. states except the border territories.”

“That is true, butstill what is there to discuss?”

“We should discussan interesting document that has historic implications. I am referringto Article X of the Treaty of Mesilla.”

“SeñorHietmann, as a student of history, you should know that the treaty containsonly nine articles.”

The president’simpassive tactic does not stop Hietmann, who says, “So we have been led tobelieve, but perhaps there is an elusive tenth article, the so-called RevertDocument.”

“Many articles were annulled.”

“The tenth article as well?”

Realizing thatfurther denial is foolish, Madero empties his glass and says, “Many people think it never really existed.”

Hietmann sips hiswine and waits for more.

“Of course we are aware of the Revert Document, provisons about border territories and the deadline. We know the annulment theory and that American agents destroyed manuscript copies. We are aware of it all,” Madero says forcefully.

“Yes, President Madero, a man in your position would know much of such things.”

“And Mexico is aware of the many historical grievances connected to Amercian aggression, such as the dishonoring of land grants in ceded regions and the disrespect of property rights of former Mexican citizens.”

Feeling that themeeting is going better than expected, Hietmann presses, “President Madero,there is an opportunity for concerned parties. If the Revert Document exists and is discovered, the person presenting it would be in a commanding position. If you were that person, your presidency would be secure for the long term.”

Madero takes exception to the suggestion of a tenuous presidency, finding the Ambassador less than diplomatic. “It is not an opportunity,” he says, “it is a fantasy. At best, the document is missing, and at worst, it never existed. Evenif we can find it and delay statehood, we would not be successful in recapturing our border territories; the Americans will never accept the Revert
Document without a fight.”

“It may not existbecause the Americans destroyed the inconvenient document. Or more accurately, officiallystored manuscript copies may not exist,” Hietmann ventures.

“SeñorHietmann, you are certainty knowledgeable about our history,” says Madero.

“As Ambassador to Mexico, that is part of my professional responsibility.”

Impressed with the German’s knowledge, if not his manners, Madero offers, “While it is true that manuscript copies are rumored to be hidden, we cannot be sure.”

“I did not sayhidden, but of course you are right.”

Both men sense that the time has come to sort fact from legend. One fact is for sure—Arizona and New Mexico are still territories.

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 theUniversity 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 StakeholderIssues. He is a U.S. Army veteran and lives in New York City and RioRancho, 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 NewMexico’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)

Available online at Amazon,  Barnes and Noble, and Treasure House Book on the South Plaza in Old Town Albuquerque.