The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-03-24
JOHNSON
ADVOCATES
C0NVEN TON
Domestic SpelIbinders Favor
Constitutional Convention.
IDEAS MUCH IN LINE
Agrees With Republicans and
Tells His Reasons.
IDEAS MUCH IN LINE

Oklahoma City, o. T, March &c.
Porter Johnson, of this city, one of the
Democratic "spelbinders' Of the terri
tory, is much in favor of a constitutional
convention, believing that it should be
called as soon as possible; and that it
will have the effect of fastening state
hood for Oklahoma. Mr.. Johnson's ideas
are much in line with the views of prom
inent Republicans relative TO a consti-
tutional convention which have been pub
lished in recent issues Of the Eagle. Mr.
johnson says, as follows:
Il ana in favor of constitutional con-
vention, and believe it should be called
at the earliest practical moment, giving
due notice to the people, that there may
be a full, free and fair expression, not on
ly in the selection of delegif,es to the
convention, but upon such questions as
the people may desire to have incorpo-
rated in the constitution. The holding of
g constitutional convention, in advance
of any action by congress. is not unusual.
and was the method adopted by some ten
or twelve territories prior TO their admis-
sion. Such a course has been approved
by the courts and by congress. A con-
representative and properly called, may
be made as operative as though il Were
called in obedience to an act of con-
gress.
Il believe the governor of this terri
tory and the chief justice of the court
OF appeals OF the Indian territory should
appoint q committee representing all par
ties. in both territories, whose dUty-it
would be to call the convention and fix
the time of holding the election of dele
gates and also the representation in the
convention, which should be based upon
population, and designate the time and
place where the convention should be
held" continued Mr.. Johnson.
The convention to adopt it's own rules
for the government of its proceedings
and the election of its officers. The cleo
tion at which the delegates to the con-
vention are TO be chosen should be con-
Quoted as far as practicable in conform
tty with the election laws now in force in
Oklahoma territory, and to avoid fraud,
a special time for registration should be
fixed by the committee. thereby shutting
out the floating, irregular and Illegal
voter. and none be permitted to vote for
delegates to the convention except regis
tered voters. The committee should also
designate the qualifications of voters
This would, as far as possible make the
election fair one, and the delegates
representative Of the people
IF the governor and chief justice re-
fuse 70 act, or cant agree upon q COM
mittee to be selected or the time and
place for holding the election and the
convention, then the executive committee
OF the non-partiSan inter-territorial state
hood committee should take charge of the !
matter and call such an election. with |
the safeguards I have indicated and |
provide for the holding of the conven-
ton.
THE people of this and the Indian ter |
ritories haye repeatedly petitioned con- |
gress to pass an enabling act, providing |
Tor the admission as a state. but with |
out avail; some contending that we were |
not fitted for statehood. others that we |
weer not agreed as to what kind of /
statehood We wanted double or single |
statehood. Others, that Oklahoma was
entitled to statehood. but Indian terri
tory was not prepared for it. 1t is now |
generally conceded that the two terrific
T1es must bee one state. and are fully
qualified to enter the Union as a state.
The holding of a constitutional con-
vention, composed of delegates from
both territories. properly and fairly elect
ca would demonstrate beyond question
what the people want in the wav of
statehood. In such a manner we corId
present to congress such a constitution |
as we want, before congress would place
restrictions upon our wishes and while
congress could modify a constitution so
adopted. II would a least know what the
people want II would lead to an early
settlement of the issue II would be the
united voice Of million people. demand
Ing that they be admitted to ALI the |
rights and privileges of sovereign citizens
IT would be the greatest and most SOL
emn petition ever presented to the Amer
'can congress 1t would accomplish re-
suits. It would be certain and defnita-
II would be conclusive. The voice of the
politician, offfce-holder and CRATER would
De silent In the presence Of such a united
demand 1t is the thing to do. il is prac-
ticai' and at once appeals To every intel
heent citizen as wise course to pursue.
statehood conventions. as heretofore
held. have educated our people at homo
We need no further education In that