Arizona republican., 1901-11-01
ASPIRING TO A STAR.
The Movement in Oklahoma
 for Statehood
It Is Desired That the Indian Territory Join in the Applica- = tion-A Great Convention Next Month.

Guthrie, Okla, Oct. 31.-The single statehood convention at Muskogee, l. T.. on Nov. IA, is a good thing in the estimation of Governor w. M. Jenkins
 of Oklahoma, for it will give the people of Oklahoma and Indian Territory an opportunity to talk over the question
 of statehood. By single statehood is meant the union of the territories in
 one state.
 ''I think the time has come when the people of the two territories should get together and discuss this question of statehood" said Governor Jenkins. l''I believe that Oklahoma can present all
 of the qualifications that congress would ask of a state, but we are not yet admitted. Why? It may be that congress has an idea of making one state of the two territories: and if this
 is the case. Oklahoma and Indian Ter
 ritory should discuss the question.
 have never advocated any particular form of statehood, nor do I now.
 "The holding of the convention at Muskogee will give the people of Okla homa an opportunity to see the Indian 1 Territory and ascertain what they have | to offer us in return for our institutions and wealth. One thing is certain, the discussion of this matter can do no
 harm. and may result in much good for both territories
 Governor Jenkins makes a strong ! showing for statehood for Oklahoma ' in his report just issued and addressed
 to the secretary of the interior. The various arguments which have been presented in previous efforts to secure statehood are set forth in a succinct
 manner, in the hope that Secretary Hitchcock may give the movement his official indorsement in his annual re- port to conugress.
 One of the strongest arguments, from the viewpoint of the number affected. ! is that Oklahoma now has greater population than a,sy one of eight states. Of course this would have little bearing on the matter if there were no other
 considerations, But the people of
 Oklahoma are of the right kind to
 make a state. They are intelligent.
 prosperous and progressive; they are
 home builders; they are patriotic and
 wide awake, and have all the essential
 qualifications for citizenship in the
 federal union
 Any idea that the people of Oklahoma
 are uncouth dwellers in the wilderness
 is dispelled by the showing made re-
 garding the excellent school system Of
 the territory. Educational institutions
 dot the territory from one end to the
 other. and the people take great pride
 in them- Commencement day in
 Oklahoma always draws an immense
 crowd, and the governor is kept busy
 for about three weeks making a tour of the various colleges and universities. ' Governor Jenkins incidentally refers
 to the recent land openings and
 strongly favors the lottery plan, point ing out the fact that everything went off without a hitch and expressing the | hope that the same plan will be adopt
 ed in all future openings of public ! lands.
 l It is probable that the fight for state
 hood will be opened with renewed vigor
 this winter, and that it will succeed if
 it is not loaded down with riders and [ politics. The people feel they are en- i titled to statehood regardless of the political complexion of the territory.