Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-10-05
OKLAHOMA STATEHOOD.
Delegates Assemble at Purcell, L. T., in
Considerable Force.

Considerable Force.
PURCELL. l. t., Oct 3-The first
statehood convention ever held in the
Indian territory met here Saturday
with 300 delegates present and was
called to order by Hon. Sydney Clark.
W. A. Ledbetter, of Ardmore, was
elected temporary chairman.
James E. Humphrey was elected per
manent chairman, w. A. Ledbetter,
vice president: Henry Bixler, secretary;
Lewis Horn beck, assistant secretary.
The committee on resolutions re-
ported as follows and the same was
unanimously adopted:
Resolved, first, That we favor the passage by
congress of an enabling act empowering con-
Stitutlonal convention to be called creating a
state from the present territory of Oklahoma
and the Indian territory as provided In the
Carey bill
Second-Resolved That as a state created
by the enabling act herein prayed for, would
have within it's boundaries over eco. 600 inhabi-
tants, that it is entitled to three representa-
tives in congress from the separate congress
sonat districts to be established by the consti-
tutional convention of said territory, in accord
ance with the provisions of the statutes of the
United States
Third-Whereas. That portion Of Oklahoma
known the Wichita Kiowa Commanche
and her reservations have been treated for
the United States for two years or more: and.
Whereas A bill is now before congr ess,
offered by-Hon D. T. Flynn. ratifying the
treaties for the purpose of giving these lands TO
civilization; therefore, be it
Resolved That ask congress to at once
pass the bills for the purpose of giving these
lands to civilizations therefore, be it
Resolved That we ask congress to at once to
pass the bill ratifying said treaties opening
said lands to citizens of the United States as
soon as possible
Fourth-Whereas, The present system of
land holding in the Indian territory is unwise,
unequal and unjust to the citizens of the Indian
territory; therefore, be it
Resolved That the convention favors a
change of the land tenure in the Indian terri
tory and favor a just and equal division of the
domain of the entire Indian territory among
the citizens of each nation respectively
Resolved, That each of the civilized tribes
select one delegate to meet with the executive
committee at Oklahoma City, October 10, for
the consideration of matters pertaining to
statehood
Resolved That the secretary be ordered to
have the memorial printed, and copies be sent
to the president of the United States, five to
the secretary Of the interior and one to each
member.
Resolved, That this convention earnestly
petition President Cleveland and his cabinet
to use their influence in behalf of the cause
for the promotion of which we are here as
sembled statehood at the earliest possible
date for Oklahoma and Indian territory as one
state.
A long memorial. showing why the
Indian territory should become part of
the new state, was adopted and ordered
to be transmitted to the president and
congress.
The utmost harmony prevailed. and
after perfecting arrangements to meet
at Oklahoma City, October 10, to dis
cuss matters pertaining to statehood,
the convention adjourned.