The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-01-17
"OIRT DEFIES THE KING" THEN
SAPOl 10
IS GREATER THAN ROYALTY ITSELF.

passed but awakened inquiry has no,
crystahzed into positive declara ton.
The last convention was inopportune
because while thecall was pending
congressional action interviewed. The
convention was called and the dele
gates elected TO formulate theories.
When they met there was a necessity
for passing on the objective fact of
pending bills in congress. 1t was a
task uncontemplated in the call and
unnecessary for action prematurely.
The time for action for a mass conven-
ton had passed and the question pre-
sented TO the individual voter for solu-
ton. Accidental conditions made the
convention appear 10 base its diSsolu-
tion upon trivial reasons, but a full
discussion Of the question would prob
ably have brought the same results.
The question of state hood for Owla-
homa has passed now from the condi-
ton of agitation to the stage of dis
cussion. 1t is a question in this in
stance complicated in its details be-
cause of the problematica possibilities
of its boundaries Unfortunately these
possibilities are so largely the crea-
lures of theory as to be difficult Of res
olution into palpable facts. But it is
still more unfortunate that the final
solution Is sought more largely from
theoretical conditions than from exis-
ting facts. Distorted as a result might
be, predicated on judicial assumptions
II is still further advanced in danger
by the conflicting personal interests
sought to be secured.
The first and only actual fact, exis-
tent and perceptible.i in the discussion,
Is the territorial condition of Oklaho-
ma, with its present population, boun-
diaries and resources. Were this fact
entirely isolated from possible in
creases of greater acreage. would the
present inhabitants of Oklahoma pre-
fer state to territorial government,
On principals which have governed
like communities in the past the an
swer would be unquestionably, yes,
There would be some opposition. The
primitive man never assumed civiliza-
ton by unanimous vote. The terri
torial man never was gathered under
the aegis of statehood without a re-
monstrating minority. Oklahoma
would emulate its predecessors I'M
doubtedly both in progress and oppo-
sition, but the result would beyond
question be favorable to statehood.
Assuming so much as a verify are
there any real activities of advantage
presented by the opponents OF immed-
late statehood. \ careful dissection
Of their proffered reasons afford no
tangible prospects or possibilities. They
are each and all vague assumptions
based on theories which do not find
support in the logic facts or sus-
tenance in the law Of precedents
The first and principal theory is that
we may ultimately be Joined in state
with the Five Nations. Leaving aside
the question of possible benefits. has
this theory such proba bility OF becom-
ing a fact, as 10 warrant the deferring
of present advantages. by awaiting
results In favor Of this theory no ar
gument has been advanced beyond |
that stage of proof which makes II
more than a distant and indefinitely
Va que Chimera. The Five Nations |
have neither sought for such a union |
nor admitted its possibilities. Beyond !
the voice Of an occasional white man |
crying statehood. In this aboriginal |
wilderness no intimati0n has come 70 I
US that II seeks or would tolerate a /
change. Allied with its immob!ls op-
position is the strong aid OF treaty 4
rights, which will recognize no act OF 1
legisla ton until the court OF last re- 1
sort has given il A construction. /
Coupled with this tribal is ownership OF /
all the lands OF the territory. undispu- |
ted by the national government, which /
II taken would require an apprOpria
ton OF not less than $50 0o0. eo0. an eX- (
pense 50 great that no political admin
istrauon will care 10 incur IL But 1
above and beyond all is a white Popu- I
lation which, IL allowed 20 vote upon
any constitution uniting them with I
Oklahoma. would certainly reject II I
Outside % the ChickasaE Nation the
unison OF the Two territories is repug-
naat 70 the people. Their leading
white men and newspape meet Il
with contempt and treat b. with scoTl-
Upon their acceptance OF Statehood
depends the theory OF = union with
Oklahoma. and that theory today is a
igment OF the Imagination 4 theory |
50 weak and untelsbls as 70 TzrTao-
DO recognition % Oklahoma and Thich
should be 10 basis q orr acceptance
y rejection ot statehood We ask for
bread and chey give us not even a stone
sus its shadow in return n the pres
III condition OF territorial questions
single statehood IS q nocke-y and
It's advocates car give 70