A Bill (H.R. 12543) "to enable the people of Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico to form constitutions and State governments," was introduced in the House of Representatives by Hon. William S. Knox of Massachusetts, and referred to the Committee on Territories, March 14, 1902; reported favorably from the committee, by Mr. Knox, April 1, 1902; passed May 9, 1902. In the Senate, referred to Committee on Territories, May 12, 1902; reported back from the committee, with amendments, by Hon. Knute Nelson of Minnesota, December 3, 1902; debated and request made by Hon. M. S. Quay of Pennsylvania for unanimous consent for a vote, defeated by the objection of Hon. Albert J. Beveridge of Indiana, March 2, 1903.
- After the Knox statehood bill for Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico passed the House in 1902 and was defeated in the Senate through the efforts of Senator Beveridge of Indiana, Senator Beveridge and colleagues visited Arizona, inspected the Territory from the windows of their Pullman, saw the bad and overlooked the good, and carried back to Washington the report that Arizona was not ready for statehood.
- In October, 1903, a party of Congressmen was brought to Arizona by William Randolph Hearst, then a member of Congress. The report of this party was favorable.