The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-05-15

mensely pleased with Oklahoma ana
thinks the territory a remarkable coah-
try To a representative of the Eagle ne
said: II am certainly charmed with OKLA
homa. Il is my first visit here, but had
never anticipated seeing such state OF
DEVELOPMENT in a territory as has been
shown me daily in Oklahoma. l cannot
predict the future for Oklahoma. 1t is
certainly bright one and the advance
uent in every respect viii be unlimited
Il am for statehood for Oklahoma"
continued Mr. Richardson, and voted
for the omnibus bill in the last session
of congress. I believe the territory IS
entitled TO statehood and should have II
Immediately. I cannot see that the In
dian Territory is ready for statehood
now, and it viii not be in condition for
an enabling act until after 1896. or at
least until those tribal relations have
ceased and lease matters are settled up
1t IS possible that the territory could
then be admitted as Il state without
territorial form OF government 10 begin
with There have been some instances
Of this kind, but my impression IS that
the Indian Territory will get a territorial
form Of government before it is ever ad-
mitced as a state.
Il Will vote for statehood for Oklahoma
at the next session of congress / be-
lieve that a statehood bill Will pass, and
that statehood is an assured thing.
am in favor of admitting the other terri
tories and will support an omnibls bill;
but if bill is introduced for Oklahoma
alone 1 shall certainly take very kindly
lar Of
party.
I'VE have had a continuous ovation in
Oklahoma. and every member of the sec
retarys party has immensely enjoyed
this trip I had not expected TO join the
secretary, but at St Louis he insisted
that | go with him and L have no regrets
that l am here. In fact, 1 would have
regretted it had L missed this tour of
Oklahoma and the Indian Territory"
W. Scott Smith, private secretary TO
Secretary Hitchcock, is newspaper
man of many years experience. In '6S
he was all through the west and the let
ters written by him at that time at
tracted the attention of eastern papers
and he was sent to washington as cor
respondent. For many years he was on
the New York Post, and newspap per men
have a high opinion Of his ability. Mr..
Smith was first with Bliss and then took
the present position with Secretary
Hitchcock He has handled much bust
ness connected with Oklahoma matters
and consequently is familiar with official
affairs in the territory.
Il cannot say too much for Oklahoma
said Mr.. Smith while 1 have known
something Of the west, yet 1 did not
anticipate such rapid development as
has been displayed here. 1t is certainly
remarkable and the future OF the terri
tory is something that no one can sue
cessfully predict"
Congressman William Richardson halls
from Alabama and is not the minority
leader in the house, who is Congressman
J. D. Richardson Of Tennessee. Mr..
Richardson stated that he wished it were
possible to bring congressman to Okla
homa, and if this could be done there
would not be longer question about state
hood for the territory.
number Of Indian agents were here
this morning for a conference with Sec
retary Hitchcock After the conferences
were held Private Secretary Smith said
that the interior department was well
pleased with matters in relation to the
Indian service and that some exception
ally good men were holding places in
oklahoma. The entire party was sur
prised at the Chilocco school, and it is
the impression of the members of the
secretary's party that it is one of the best
Indian schools in the west.
Persons from almost every county in
the territory were here today for the re-
ception to the secretary and party. Many
Of these came here yesterday, remaining
over night. They had expected the see
retary here yesterday afternoon. but
owing to tn Chnocco visit he could not
reach the city in time for public func-
tion. Many visitors came in on morning
trains to pay their respects to Mr.. Hitch
cock and other members of his party.
The Guthrie school children took part
in the reception this afternoon. After
the ward schools We're dismissed the chill
dren came TO the territorial offices to
meet the visitors. The students from the
Guthrie High school were very much in
evidence. and when they appeared before
the secretary the High school yell was
given with all the vigor that students
can muster. The yell resounded through
out the building and the secretary laugh
ed 1t the enthusiasm displayed by the
coming generation Of the territory.
on account Of the business of the morn
ing at the governors $. Office the drive
over the city planned for the visiting
party was postponed. The streets were
very muddy and the drive could hardly
have been an enjoyable one. The day was
a very busy one for Secretary Hitchcock
regardless Of the drive planned.
The members Of the visiting party
were pleased with music given by the
cavalry band The band attracted much
attention and al afternoon across the
street from the secUeetary's Office large
crowd coHgresated to hear the music.
This afternoon. as Secretary Hitchcock
stepped from a carriage to walk up to
the governors Office. a woman on the
street began playing hand organ.
''Neare-. Ny God. to Thee" was the
selection. and the question was asked If
the woman knew Secretary Hitchcock
was coming just at that time.
The reception committee consisted Of
! the following persons: Governor and Mrs.