The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-01-26
FOR A CONSTITUTION
OKLAHOMA MOVES
Continued from First Page.)

state out of Oklahoma and a second
state out of the Indian TerrtVfy. Dele
| gates from the Chickasaw nation attended
| this convention, the only dramatic Incl
dent of which was the ejectment of Mr..
! Reagan, head of the Chickasaw delegation,
from the hall, and fiery speeches (signify-
! ing nothing )from sleek, white individuals
! claiming Indian blood. This convention
gave full vitality to the single and double
issue. Single statehood had the sentiment
| with it, for the average Oklahoman, then
an early expansionist wanted a "bie
state" At this time the feeling prevailed
| that congress had only to be petitioned
and Oklahoma would be admitted. Con-
| gressionai antagonism was not dreamed
| of. There was some reason for this, too,
! for Governor Steele had a promise from
President Harrison that Oklahoma should
| be admitted as a state. KNOCK and it
! shall be opened unto YOU the speeches
ran, and Oklahoma knocked, and for sin
! gle statehood, the charge accompanying
the single statehood victory that single
statehood, which would throw Oklahoma
City nearer the center of the state and
nearer capital possibilities. was an Okla
hima City victory. This was at one time
| a burning fear with Guthrie, the present
capital
The issue of single and double statehood
was a premature birth. The conditions
| permitted no early solution and de-'sion,
and the issue was worn ont by at . ion
| For SO long as the TnG%i remain in
/ his anomalous condition, without even a
territorial government, in fact without
| any government at all, It was folly to talk
co-partnership with him. Statehood con-
/ ventions We're called, and met. but like
/ the one al Oklahoma City. which ended
| so disgracefully, they resulted in nothing
! but irresolute resolutions.
| One year ago this month. January Il.
1895 a convention was held at Kiughsher
I which took the really first practical step
| towards statehood The men of the terri
tory had closed all negotiations with the
! Indian Territory, which had no right TO
lDegouate whatever, and announced to con-
| gress. via a memorial. that Oklahoma de-
sired 10 he made a state with the Indian
! tribes and their lands added 10 the Okla
homa state from time 70 time. as they de-
| veloped themselves. and a : congress saw
fit In other words. Oklahoma showed the
( Indian Territory off the stage as
prompter would a scene-shifter and told
| him not 10 obstruct the performance until
he was called for.
Congress paid no attention whatever TO
this memorial. with the result that nsw
condition appears in the present conven-
ton. it having developed. in the las; few
weeks. seemingly by magic. that an e7a-
! bling act Is not necessary for the admis-
sion Of a state. that the people OF terri
! tory may form a constitution. slecr soma
tors and congressman. send chem IN Wash
ington and If congress admits them. the
territory becomes a state. The idea is
! growing and unless congress extends a
( warmer hand and acts on OkIanona's
! yearly memorials. two United States sena-
| tors from Oklahoma may appear iu Wash
/ instOn and request room 70 be seated. II
| they should do 50 in a close poli,ieal sit
/ uation. not at all unlikely in the senate
they may get their seats
Properly. Senator Eavens Of Garfield.
deserves credit for this latest movement.
Havens was among those who. by being
educated through a series OF statehood con-
ventions. discovered that memorials %
congress did no good and that other meth
DDS of securing admission 10 the union
must be taken I'D. he thereupon intro
duced a bill in she council Of the present
legislature providing for a constitutional
} convention the coming June which con-
vent.on shall provide q constitution and
under Il two United States senator's. con-
gressmen and state offers. The congress
men and senators viii appear IN Tasnirs-
ton and an exciting time viii follow. II
( the present territorial aG-inLscrat ion
should Dc elected there vii be no contest.
/ II another governor should be elected
( there can be little question tha. the pies
. ent governor. M Barnes would contest
! the recognition q tne new stz.e How
/ ever If me present Hsvens BIZ should hc
! pasSed d he legislature. which 5 likely;