The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-01-31

I results Of the federal cenSES have settled
that question not only in Oklahoma, but
with the national congress and with the
people Of the United States. With a
population verging on one-half million;
with priperty having real value OF one
hundred and seventy milton dollars, and
rapidly increasing; with all branches Of
trade and business enjoying a nunexamp-
led prosperity; with an agricultural pro-
ductiOn greater tina nhalf a dozen and
more OF the easter ,nstates; with a sys-
TEN Of common schools and higher educa-
tional Institutions, which are the pride
and glory OF all our people; wit ha vast
variety of resources which assures US Of
a magnificent future and with a determ-
ination and purpose to build upon this son
one Of the greatest and grandest COM
monwealths, we take no step in the dark
when we throw off the uncertainties and
fmpediments Of a territorial government,
and step out into the bright sunlight or
a government Of the people, by the peo-
pie, of the state Of Oklahoma.
Il congratulate you. gentlemen of the
| convention, without distinction Of party.
upon this substantial unaniminity among
| our people in demanding prompt action
on the part OF congress to pass an enab-
ling act for Oklahoma at the earliest pos
sible moment.
1.-THE day for argument has passea-the
time for actin has come. Il any argu-
ment We're needed. it could be found in
the splendid report OF the governor Of
/ this territory to the secretary of the in
/ terror. IN which ne sumarises the ele-
ments Of our prosperity. our marvellous
growth, and the conspicuous position we
1 have assumed in a single decade among
the states and territories Of the great
rans-Afississippi region. Never before in
the history of the world has there beeen
such nexhibition Of human energy.
coupled with such magnificent results. as
have been exhibited here A territory
settled in a. day-a state builded in a de-
cade-will be the romance Of the closing
years Of the nineteenth century. It will
present to Prosperity a panorama Of Ame-
rican civilization more glorious than that
Of any other period In the histlry Of the
great republic of the western hemisphere
Truly, the achievements Of peace and civ
ihation are more renowned than those
Of war.
"The question as to what our bound
aries shall be. in connection with the final
destiny of the Indian territory. need not
/ be any impeachment to the prompt adj
mission Of Oklahoma. to statehood Con-
gress viii unquestionably reserve to Itself
4 thepower it now has, odeaI Justly with
the Indian territory when the troubled
conditions which exist there are com
posed when tribal relations areextin-
guished. when the land now held in CONF
mon Is allotted In severalty. and when
a nequitable system Of taxation can be
made possible consistent with theHehts OF
Indians and the exercise Of good faith
on the part Of the United States Okla
homa. IN my judgment win be admitted
to statehood and ought to be admitted
under the conditions set forth In the
Fairbanks bin now pending in the Unit
ed states senate.
In the last analysis believe that the
country OF the five tribes will become
part Of the state Of Oklahoma, and that
Notwithstanding the almost universal or
position that now exists on the part Of
the Indians and the white population re-
Siding there. they viii finally welcome the
union as the best possible solution Of
the complex problems and the conditions
10y which they are environed. This result
IS contemplated by the provisions OF the
Fairbanks bin. by which people Of ok
Iahoma are clothed with the pan0ply Of
immediate statehood. fer which they are
now ready. and u which they are justly
entitled.
Great ln her territorial area. heroic
in her history and purpose, and confident
OF her future, Oklahoma v1l enter the
Union with conditions more fortunate
than ever surrounded the birth 81 am
American state. She VIII take her pIaee
among her sister commonwealth con-
hdant OF her ability To perform wei her
+ part rs one Of The integral sovercizniees
Of the great requisite OF the earth Her
voice IN the councils u the ration VIII
! oe no unlmrortant part % that concensus
I OF opinion wlich establishes p,ibIe poll
( cies ana enacts legislation which mas
prove or resar5 the prosperity ~ the
people IN q word. Oklahoma VIII he
come a state with stalwart American
and independent macleod demanding
+ equal rights Tor al. ard spe1al privileges
+ Tor none
Hon. T. r Fegan, PRESIDENT q the
Guth7ie Ciuh welcomed The delegates to
+ the hosnita,itv % the city and was rs-
snon1ed To in attins terms III Hon. F. r
Gillette. q Ei Reno Col IL T. Ravens
/ az Enid was eieca5 tur,rzry chairman
I and in his sch maae the significant
/ opening faat thls vcal3 p-a2allg Sc r.
last statehood convention Aesi in Ca-
homa