Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1900-11-08
PUSH SINGLE STATEHOOD
Judge Bradford Has Written
Letter Calling For Action,

widely knowd and influential DEM
ocrat in Indian Territory, has
come out squarely for single state
hood, a union OF Oklahoma and
Indian Territory in one state. The
single statehood sentiment is grow.
ing rapidly in Indian Territory.
Citizens who opposed the idea six
months ago are now advocating it.
In an open letter, Judge Bradford
says:
81 am ready to agree with the
press of the territory that it is
high time that something be done
in the direction of securing legis.
lalion giving us statehood or ter
ritorial government. There never
has been or will be a part of the
United States come into the union
through as many difficulties as the
Indian Territory. 1t is going to
take work and diplomacy to &C.
complish the end during the life
time of the present adult popula-
tion. Some insist that as soon as
the lands are allotted and the In
dian governments pass by opera
ton of the treaties, that statehood
will come at once and alone to the
Indian Territory. II | thought
such a thing was probable, |
would not say what am prepar-
ing to say. Some insist that a
territorial governmen for the In
dian Territory alone is within
reach at the coming session of con-
gress. My judgement is that
n either Of these propositions are
in the range of possibilities.
every time we have journeyed
to Washington in the interest of
the people Of the territory we
have been told to wait until the
conditions are ripe. They tell US
the Dawes commission will soon
allot the lands, and the townsite
co ommissions will survey, appraise
and sell our lots and then we will
have the basis of a revenue to
support a government. They then
proceed to tell us that it is doubt
full, very doubtful, if the senate
will ever consent to making two
states out OF Oklahoma and In
dian Territory. 1t costs but lit
tie more to govern a large wealthy
and populous state than to govern
small one. The tendency of the
age is toward light taxes and low
rates of interest.
MANY reasons are assigned why
the two territories should be made
one state. l have heard these
reasons assigned 30 many times
and their application is so appro-
pirate that | am convinced that
single statehood is inevitable.
We will get little or no relief for
the congested condition Of the
courts until we get counties and
municipal organization. We will
not get counties and thorough mu
nicipal organization until we have
statehood or territorial organiza-
ton.
The thing for us to do is to ask
to be made state or territory with
Oklahoma at the coming session
Of congress. A bill is now pend
ing for statehood for Oklahoma.
Let US ask that the bill be 80
amended as to include the Indian
Territory, if not in full fellowship
now, fix a time when it may be.
come a part Of Oklahoma upon
The happening Of some event, such |
as allotment or some other change
of condition. II is not necessary
that the allotted life time Of the In
dian government should expire in
order to give US government.
my suggestion would be TO en-
act law making every IndiSn a
citizen, citizen of the United
States, that be may participate in
all the preliminary work OF organ
izalion. Making him a citizen OF
the United States would not rob
him Of any Of his rights of prop
erty as an Indian.
"To bring about ibis result | !
now propose that convention be |
called to meet at some central
point 10 be composed Of delegates
from both territories who are
friends 10 single statehood. Lot
the matter be thoroughly discussed
and steps taken to hasten the de-
sired end. This should be done
At once and preparations made TO !