The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1903-06-18
Clifford L. Jackson on Statehood.
Editor Oklahoman:

the single state convention callea
to meet at Shawnee the early
part Of this month should call
constitutional convention for tus
future state to be formed out of
the Indian and Oklahoma Terri
tories. | have been away from
my Office most of the time since
its receipt or ! would have re-
piled at an earlier date.
Under the conditions that exist
in this country today, do not
believe that this course will
expedite matters to any great
extent, but am inclined to the
view that it would tend to create
possible differences and dissen.
tions amongst those who under
existing conditions are willing to
do all they can to secure state.
hood at the very earliest moment,
and take their chances on having
the future state adopt policies in
accordance with their individual
ideas.
| believe that the great mass Of
the people Of two Territories
who do not expect to hold politi
cal ofiices. are in favor OF one
state for the two, but these are
the people whom it is always
hardest to get to take any interest
in affairs of this kind. There are
a great many people in this terri
tory who are in favor Of separate
state for it independent Of Okla
homa. and are willing to support
any measure or movement that
will give them any hope OF
ultimately attaining that end, and
they will do all that they can to
SOW seeds OF discord among the
followers Of movement for a
Constitutional convention, as well
as do all they can 70 thwart the
adoption Of constitution after il
is formed
Ny own judgment is that
politics and sectionalism have
boin definitely and finally deter
mined that ultimately there shall
be only one state for these two
territories, and the only practical
thing for US to do is to bring
about an early creation Of state
government, out of which will
grow settled conditions absolutely
necessary to the full development
OF the wonderful resources OF this
country.
The question of statehood in
any form is aot so much discussed
10 this section OF the country as IL
was when Congress was in session
aud the danger growing out Of the
omnibus bill seemed about TO
engulf US. Our farmers and our
merchants are all busy now, but
il the winter when Congress cou-
venes again and the statehood
legislation is introduced into The
Senate and House as it will be,
and the partisans in the move
ment TO absorb into the state Of
I Oklahoma portions Of the Indian
Territory from time TO time, be-
come active our people will be-
come aroused a. the attempt to
force upon them this vicious
legislation, and then we will have
no trouble in having one or more
conventions which will be a
repetition of the last Oklahoma
City single statehood convention.
think that We should continue
to sgi,ats the question, but do not
think that we should attempt to
hold constitutional convention
ul authorized to do 50 by Con-
gress.
The five tribe couotry must
have statehood aud have it at
once to enable US 10 improve our
towns and cities and get school
facilities throughout our territory
and bring to US the great possibil-
tiles which would be ours under
a fair form Of government, and
there is. in my opinion, no valid
reason for Congress delaying the
settlement Of thi- question.