The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1902-07-26
OKLAHOMA in THE
EASTERN STATES
Writer in Chicago News
paper Discusses Imagi-
nary Conditions

congress has delayed action on state
hood until next winter. The impress
sion given by enthusiastic newspapers
and politicians was that immediate ac
ton. probably favorable to the admis-
sion of the territory at least, would be
taken before adjournment. Statehood
means much to many and varied inter
ests IN the territory It means large
profits 10 many, the building of perm
anent state institutions, thus making
and unmabing towns. ana the satisfac-
tion Of the dream Of Independence that
the people naturally entertain.
While the territory is very new, the
first settlement having been made only
thirteen years ago. most Of the resi-
dents have come from states and In
their old homes had larger voice in
public affairs than they do here. This
fact is probably the most important in
the demand for statehood. which de-
raand began before the partakers in
the first opening were under roof.
territorial government with its restyic-
tons and patcrnalism has seemed an
unwarranted interference with the
white mans privileges, hence the cry
for statehood without consideration ef
The real needs of the territory or of
the conditions that may make a less
hasty course preferable, AS with all
western communities, the superficial
view Is eagerly seized upon, and it
must be admitted, with some intoler-
ance Of the opinion Of those who eoun.
sci conversation and the weighing Of
every argument before acting
In material sense the territory is
vel equipped for statehood. Upon
this ground is made the strongest plea
The new school census. which is the
latest estimate OF the population, and
the only one completed since the addi
tion OF the new lands opened last Au
gust. shows an increase in every coun-
ts. and total Of 1909. The usual
multiple used In the west is four.
making in this instance population
os 5S4,i96, even a multiple OF 3i5
shows 5if.f7i The population Of the
now lands. estimated at 10000 must be
added giving a total of at least 570,-
600 The population in 1900 was $685.
33l Today's figure is practically the
same as Colorado's or Washington
while these comparisons will prove in
tsrestlng Florida. 52S,242; Maine
69s.446; New Hampshire, All ,5ss;
Oregon. 1856; Vermont, 34364t. It
is generally admitted that in point Of
population there is ample material for
a state, Ihe people too, are very
large per cent American born ard Of
high class Of intelligence
Oklahoma is advancing in material
things very rapidly The growth OF
the new country where 10000 farms
were opened last fall and this spring,
has been marvellous. Some of the
towns have made progress that has
surprised the promoters themselves. 4
and with populations from 5000 to L.
Oe0 are giving every indication OF a
permanent prosperity. Every quarter
section has & settlers family on it, and
the crops. though put in on sod, are
very good The wheat Of the territory
Is not as good as last year, but there
win be 5000. 900 bushels at least Corn
and fodder crops are excellent and the
cattle interests win prosper There is
no indication of any decrease in the
territory's remarkable rate Of deye-
opment
The assessed valuation of the terri.
tory one year ago was SGO.0OOOOO ON
a basis OF one third to one-fourth real
value. So far as the assessments are
returned for this year they indicate az
lrast S75. 100000 The territorial debt
is only s46b522 OF less than one dollar
per capita. The tax levy is 7la mills
ioi an purposes. The banks at their
latest statement had deposits of sl6.
5o3 0l lo, and more thar I 900 miles Of
roilrad is already built with new
lines being added steadily, increasing
the facilities of every portion Of the
territory for marketing crops. In
churches. towns and others posses (
sicns OF modern civilization there has
been made the progress that might be
expected Of such a cosmopolitan, ener-
setic prosrassiye people.
With these possessions it would be