The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-08-02


any consideration.
These eight states have had the expert
ence of over a century and are contended
and prosperous They have no burdensome
debts and their rates Of taxation are
among the lowest. Either of them would
resent as absurd and preposterous a pro-
position to merge its identity with other
states and surrender part Of its poiiti-
cal power in the government Nowhere,
except in Oklahoma, have men ever been
found clamoring TO be limited 10 only
half of the political power within their
reach Nowhere, except in Oklahoma.
have men ever disparaged their own
country and paraded weakness and power
ty as an excuse for desiring TO be taken
in and governed and, cared for, by some
body else.
THE STREAGTH OF STATES.
It is Insisted, also, that the two terri
tories would make a stronger state
Stronger In what respect? 1t is true that
there would be more people under a single
government, but their political strength
would be reduced instead of increased.
Instead of four senators to be heard
in the senate, we should have but two. In
stead of the consideration and influence
which an independent state commends in
national and political affairs, we should
be limited in that advantage to that Of
one state instead of two. And so single
statehood would be a scource Of weakness
rather than of strength.
If we are to be an independent power
and should need to be protected from
surrounding enemies-if we might have TO
go TO war for self-preservation or for any
other purpose-then numbers would be
important But as the general govern
ment of all the states determines war and
protects and defends all alike as parts
Of a common country-and as the sover-
eighty of a state Is confined to mere
local affairs-the number Of people within
the limits of a state is not important to
the state. Delaware, Nevada, Vermont
and Rhode Island are as secure in their
protection as New York and Pennsylvania
is. A strength that is not needed, which
brings a weakness that is serious. is not
a strength that should be sought after.
The only advantage that has ever been
urged in favor Of Big Strong State"
is in the matter of expense and taxation
and that we have already shown, has no
substantial foundation and is a delusion
and a snare
THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF
OKLAHOMA
Another consideration of no light i'm
portance and which should be seriously
reflected upon by all citizens of Okla
homa. democrats as well as republicans,
is the effect that single statehood would
have upon the future government Of
Oklahoma. 1t is well understood that a
single state would be strongly democratic.
The Indian Territory would elect senators
and representatives. to the legislature. who
would nearly all be Democrats. while
from Oklahoma the democrats would be
in the minority. Conceding all that Okla
homa democrats hope for, they would
still be greatly outnumbered by those
from the Indian Territory. The newt
able result would be that in party eau
cuses and otherwise, the senators and
representatives from that territory would
control and dictate democrats measures
and policies. Their ideas and desires
would be the rule of the party; and in so
ruling the majority they would
shape legislation and practically govern
both territories. Oklahoma would be
powerless and her school lands would be
disposed of as might best suit the purpo-
ses of the Indian Territory; her public
building lands and funds and her school
funds would be controlled and appropria-
ted by the Indian Territory as it might
determine Oklahoma would, in all re-
ha he IF hat
and would enjoy only so much of her own
property and resources as might be per-
mitted by an interest concerned in bene-
fitting itself. rather than us.
This condition would be unavoidable.
There would be no escape from it and it
presents a strong reason why Oklahoma
should maintain control of her own af-
fairs and hold fast to what belongs to
her-at least until congress requires US
to do otherwise We are pledged TO con-
sent to the right of congress to attach
the Indian Territory in the future and
by the pledge We must stand. if congress
requires IL. But If admitted now
without waiting for the Indian Territory
the affairs of the new state would be so
far fixed and settled before the territory
dangers of single statehood-if it should
finally come-would be avoided. And we
insist that every loyal citizen of Okla
homa should demand statehood at the
earliest possible moment
THE CORRECT POLICY.
In conclusion we desire to say that we
believe that the republican policy as to
statehood is the true policy for the future
interests of Oklahoma; and we urge all
republicans to unite in a vigorous and
energetic support of that policy. The
democratic politicians are ceasing. tireless
and even INSCRIPTIONS in their efforts
Their purpose is political and partisan
and has no concern for the material
interests OF Oklahoma. They desire a
democratic state and are conscious that
they can only secure Il through an al
lance with the Indian Territory and to
this end their expedients are deceptive
and fraudulent and even desperate. Con-
ventions falsely purporting 10 be COM
posed Of representatives OF the people
packed with crowds representing nobody
but the schemers who originated them
have been held and conspicuously parsded
in the newspapers TO deceive and mislead
the country and especially members OF
congress. as 10 the judgment and wishes
Of the people OF Oklahoma And other
similar schemes are announced and being
planned. Equally energetic and active
meSsures-thOugh more truthful and
honest ones-are necessary 10 prevent
material injury - the cause OF state
hood.