The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-11-21
WILL IT BE BORN?
NEW STATE OF OKLAHOMA MAY
SOON SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY.


the Complete Eclipse of Any influences
They Might Eave In the Formation of
the Constellation of the New State In
stitntIons-They Call Attention to the
Danger-Latest Movement Started
Guthrie, o. T., Nov. 2o.-Tne statehood
egitation is on In fun blast. Not the
least anxious Of those concerned are the
politicians Of the Indian Territory. Ok
lahoma, they believe, is about TO steal a
march on the Indian Territory, by form
ing the state and absorbing the Indian
nations piece-meal.
The renewal of the statehood agitation
was begun at Kingisher, where it has
been decided to call territorial con-
vention. This was followed up quickly
by the editors of the territory, who met
at Hennessey last Monday. The editors
passed this resolution:
Resolved, That we, the Press Asso-
citation ~ Oklahoma territory, in regu-
lar annual session assembled at Hen
nessey, this the 18th day Of November.
1897 favor the immediate creation OF a
state from Oklahoma territory with such
boundaries as congress may determine;
provided, That if such boundaries
shall include Oklahoma and the Indian
territory, the state so created shall exer-
rise neither legislative, judicial or other
control over either Of the five nations
until such nations shall ratify the con-
stitution in such manner as congress
may direct, subject only to the right OF
hny one OF such nations to act singly
On SUCH constitution and thereby be-
come a part Of said state.
Resolved, That we favor the admis-
sion Of such state under the name of the
state Of Oklahoma
AS an indication Of how this is receiv-
ed in the Indian Territory, an editorial
from the Chickasha Record may be CIV
en-. The editor, after quotin the editorial
resolution, says:
THE above resolution can be taken as
true index Of the sentiment Of the peo-
pie and press Of Oklahoma on the ques-
ton of statehood, and should be needed
&c a warning to the people of the In
L
well know that the expressed determina-
ton Of congress is to make but one state
of both territories, and the Oklailomans
are well aware that the Indian Territory
IL the stronger, both in population and
resources of wealth. Hence it is but nat
ursl they Should wish the privilege and
sole power of fixing the constitution,
laws and location OF public buildings, be-
fore the people of the Indian Territory
csn have voice in the matter. Ger
tainly, the Indian Territory would much
prefer 10 foe made a state of itself, and
slow Oklahoma to depart in peace and
worship its own gods in its own way,
but there mas never yet appeared the
slightest hope Of such contamination by
eny expression from congress. State
hood bills in congress. whether by friend
Or foe, have AWAY. included both terri
tories in the one proposed state. Every
intimation from committees or individ-
ual congressman has pointed to that
one conclusion. In the light of such
facts would it not be better for the pep
pie of the Indian Territory to regard this
aOvement Of Oklahoma as menace to
our future rights, and put check on it,
IF possible, at least until there may ap-
pear some hope Of separate statehood.
Read the resolutions carefully and see
Where they place us, and remember
that Oklahoma is Republican and ap-
pe8ling TO a Republican congress and
Republican administration. There IS too
much danger of that policy being car
RED into effect, whether we agree to IL
or not.
NO USE TO TREAT
Another point of view in the Indian
Territory complication is that taken by
TIE editor OF the Muskogee Phoenix,
who says:
mo smicable settlement Of the mud
lied affairs in the Indian Territory can
he arrived ut. Not one of the five tribes
Is willing to treat in a manner satisfac-
tory to the United States, nor will any
IF them make sufficient concession. to
make a treaty advantageous for either
themselves or the whites. The day OF
tne treaty is passed and the Dawes COM
mission, 50 far as the treaty making
part is concerned, can just as well sus-
pend all effort. in that line. There is
but one salvation for the common In
dian now and that is for the United
States congress 10 take the entire mat
ter in charge and legislate effectively.
Further efforts toward trying to en-
courage the Indians to assist in their
OWN savaltion are futile. They are eth
Pr SO completely under the control Of
coIiuptionists or so stolidly Indifferent
to advancement that exertions toward
any change, if made at all. are made in
such way as TO drift their bark further
from the shore. The time has now come
for n malt and the United States. the
boasted guardian and protector Of the
red man, fails in duty and transgresses
the fundamental principle of the highest
law Of both man and God If she does not
sweeping aside every puny obstacle !
in the way Of treaty privileges and vest
"a rights-immediately save for these |
people the reminent of their heritage and |
greater still put them in a position to |
become citizens OF the United States.
The question has now simply resolved |
itself into one Of human rights and the |
needed legislation that will Hberate
thousands OF good, promising citizens |
from the oppression OF handful OF |
corrupt and designing leaders, should be |
effective. swift and sure"
GRIMES ON STATEHOOD.
This week the Kingfisher Press makes |
the following announcement: Hon. |
William Grimes, chairman OF the terri |
to-ial Republican committee, is in favor |
Of statehood. He is also in favor OF an !
orderly agitation Of the question. He |
would like TO see an enabling act for
Oklahoma passed by the session Of con-