The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-12-13
COMMITTEE ~.
IS ADORABLE
Indications Are That State
hood May Come Soon.
TO BE TAKEN UP SOON
Mcclure Urges Committee
Action Before the Holidays
lspeciaI correspondence Of The Eagle.)


Washington, d. c., Dec. From every
indication the committee on territories of
the house of representatives will be
more favorable to the admission of Ok
lahoma as state than was the commit
tee of the last congress. Hamilton of
Michigan is chairman Of the committee
and last year voted for the admission Of
Oklahoma as well as the other territories.
He will again favor the admission of Ok
lahoma and is already on record as to
that feature. IT is expected that the
statehood bill will be taken UP for con-
sideration within short time Delegate
Mcclure is urging that action be taken in
the committee before the holidays. Con-
gress is getting down to regular work
and the organization of committees will
not consume much of the time before the
Christmas recess. The special session was
m aid to statehood. The Mcclure bill
was introduced and the committee on
territories selected before the regular ses-
MON began. Many of the members of the
committee have had an opportunity to
look over the Mcclure bill and are becom-
ting familiar with it's provisions.
One forward step for statehood when
territories committed This is a position
desired by the delegates and only two
delegates were placed on the committee.
Wilson of Arizona is demanding state
hood for his people and he also has po-
sition ON the committee. Rodey Of New
Mexico is not on the committee, but will
work for statehood for his territory.
The Mcclure bill is very similar to the
Flynn bill. 1t is considered fair meas
ure. The bill was endorsed by the Re
publican party Of Oklahoma and there
was hardly anything else Mr. Mcguire
could do but incorporate the important
feature of the former bill in his measure.
There have been several statements in
newspapers outside of Oklahoma and
Kansas to the effect that certain Re
publicans in Oklahoma are Directing to
provisions in the Mcclure bill. The pro-
vision most talked of is the one giving
school land lessees preference right to
purchase school land if the state legisla-
ture authorizes sale of the school land.
While no names have been mentioned, yet
It is understood where the objection
comes from and why the particular pa
pers have taken up this matter. Dele
gate Mcclure states that he feels the
persons Directing, if they are sincere in
their complaints, would appeal to him to
make the desired changes for the better
Sent of his measure.
Commenting on the newspaper reports,
he said:
THE clause referred to is verbatim
copy of the preference right provision in
the Flynn bill. which was up for consid-
GRAFTON last congress. While it is true
that there is some difference between the
old Flynn bill and the new bill, yet the
changes made do not effect the material
provisions in the former bill. Before
making any changes in the statehood bill
d consulted with the leading Republicans
OF the territory. 1 discussed the matter,
4 think, with every member Of the Re-
publican territorial committee, as well
rs others and these men, without excep-
ton, advised the changes. AS far as /
nave heard, every Republican paper in
Oklahoma is for my statehood bill, as
well as q number of conservative Demo-
cratic papers. In fact, 1 have seen no
paper that would assume the RESPONSE
bility of saying that the bill is not fair
10 all concerned.
1.-The measure provides that the legisla-
ture of the future state of Oklahoma
shall determine whether or not it's school
lands shall ever be sold. Under the pro-
visions of the bill not an acre OF that
school land can be disposed of without
the sanction OF the state legislative body.
The bill does provide that in case the Ok
lahoma legislature authorities the scale
of the school land, the lessee shall re-
ceive pay for his improvements. under
lott hp A.
ture may prescribe. There certainly can
not be reasonable objection to this fea-
eure This provision was not part of the
FLYNN bill.
IT observe that a statement was made
that have thrown this matter into poll
sics. In preparing the bill 1 gave politics
no consideration. one way or the other
The school land lessee, as well as the man
residing on his homestead. are all Okla
hornans and should be treated with eaua
FAIRNESS regardless of political prefer
ment.
Il take il that man is not TO he dis
crimtnated against simply because he
leases and makes his home on a quarter
section OF school land. All parties should
be willing TO leave these matters TO tbs
state legislature and this is exactly what
] have done.
..The FLYNN statehood bill was endorsed
BY the Republican party of Oklahoma u
.ts territorial convention last year. Con
sequently l cannot see that the bill in
troduced at this session Of congress needs
any defense from the alleged attacks OF
certain Republicans who voted 10 en-
6orse the Flynn bill. The important pro
visions OF the Flynn bill are now in the
new measure After my party had en-
dorsed the former bill. ii was only FOR
me TO carry out the wishes OF the party
While I have seen statements that OBJ
3ections have been made to the bill. nj
names have been mentioned and l dS
not know 10 whom tn articles refer.
believe that II Republicans are objectins
TO the bin they would not hesitate in stat
irs their complainA 10 me. especial,
is this true IL an objection is made IL
good faith for they would so where :
remedy is 20 be found. Personally.
have heard no complaints and 1 am no.
prepared 10 believe that any eRpuhicar
OF loyalty and good Judgment would 81
70 the opposition press With his com
plant rather than to communicate viii
the author OF the new btu. as such {
couse would cetainly do the patty no goot
and might do it irreparable injury.
The contested election case OF Gross
~. Mcclure viii be taken up next week
The case has been referred 10 elections
conmitte number : of the house anc
this committee viii meet Tuesday. I
Is probable that a decision viii be reach
ed before the Holidays. 1t is certain
that there is absolutely no hope 10