The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1898-12-24
STATEHOOD
Governor Barnes Is Interviewed
On Territorial Matters
in st. Louis.
st. Louis Globe.Democrat.

st. Louis Globe Democrat
"If admitted TO the union at once OF
by the next congress oklahoma would
undoubtedly become q Republican
state" declared Governor Barnes, OF
Oklahoma Territory, at the Planters
yesterday. "Tht sound money aud
protectionist sentiment has grewn
wonderfully In the last few months
among us. Three years ago we had
but three Republicans in the lower
house OF the territorial legislature,
and none at all in the upper whereas.
in the recent election we gave Dennis
Flynn 1900 ma ajority for delegate TO
congress, end the Republicans will
control both branches OF the legisla
ture by good majorities. This result
was brought ABOUT largely by the
great satisfaction of the people with
the administration of President Me-
Kiuley. Our people applauded his
course during the war and are growing
prouder of him every dsy. Then.
agan, the Republican party Of the
territory was well organized and har-
monious in the campaign, while our
opponents were d sorganized and in
harmonious.
If the Republicans in congress are
wise they will act fayorably upon our
request for sta ehood while this senti.
ment prevails and thereby insure two
Repu blcan United States senators and
probably p rmanent control of terri.
torial affairs by Republicans. | know
nothing would be better calculated TO
bring about that result than he graf
itude the people Of Oklahoma will, feel
for any party that gives them state
hood"
Governor Barnes says the people Of
Oklahoma are for statehood on any
terms. For four years they have been
holding conventions and passing reso-
lutions to that end, and they feel that
while congress is blocking out new
territories on the other side OF the
globe, it should not forget the urgent
needs of the oklahomans,
In Gov. Barnes party, which has
been spending several days in ST.
Louis, are a number of distinguished
citizens of the territory, and all of
them are enthusiast advocates OF
immediate statehood. Judge Cunning
ham, the attorney general OF the ter
ritory, is a former cuizen OF Salina,
Kansas, He was appointed by Gov.
Barnes.
Mr.. c. r. Brooks. another men. Der
Of the party, lived in Kentucky up to
the time OF his pointment by Presi-
dent Cleveland as United States dis.
trict attorney for Oklahoma. He is
now a progressive citizen of the terri
tory and has an elegant home in Gu h
rie, where he is engaged in the prac
tice of law
M. l.. Turner, who is native of
Marshfield, Mo-, has the distinction of
being probably the wealthiest men in
Oklahoma. He formerl operated on
the st. Louis board of I ade, then
moved to Washington territory, and
later to Guthrie, .. Il. He has been
territorial treasurer, ara is u big man
in financial affairs of the territory.
Since the Sapulpa branch OF the Frisco
was built M. Turner has obtained a
charter for a new national band at
Oklahoma City, the terminus Of that
road.
Gov. Barnes himself was at one time
a resident OF St Louis, and enjoys
telling how he served as a telegraph
operator in the old Globe Democrat
office. Afterwards he practiced law
for many years In Little Rock and Ft
Smith, Ark When Oklahoma was
opened up he was appointed by Presi-
dent Harrison TO take charge OF the
first land office opened at Guthri'.
The party left last night for Hot
Springs, where they will stay a week
or more.
Seated in an easy chair In the lobby
of the Planters yesterday afternoon
Gov. Barnes entertained a circle Of