The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1904-07-26
ROHIBITION
STATEHOOD
L Muskogee Ministers Start
Movement to Secure Pro-
hibitiOn When State Gov
ernment is Formed.

The Muskogee Ministers Associa-
has taken the initiative in a
yement to protect the new state
n to be formed here from the curse
Athe saloon. To impress upon the
bple Of the Territory the necessity
intelligent action, and upon CON
IS the righteousness Of the cause,
following suggestions have been
i out:
The Muskogee. Ministers Associa-
n beg leave to make the following
kgestions, namely:
That in every town and commu-
Nv in the Indian Territory a Fed
alton of Churches be organized,
Metings be held and the subject be
bcussed until the people become
bused to the real danger, and as
hi the real hope, OF the situation.
II each such local organization pro
be a corresponding secretary who
sall keep in touch with territorial
eretary as mentioned below.
;. That a territorial convention be
hid, say between now and October l,
orgonize a Territorial Federation
a provide a central working COM
Hlttee which shall establish head
Sarters and employ secretary, who
all, with one or more stenographers,
vote his whole time, II need be, to
Hnducting this campaign, under the
lection Of the central committee,
81 It'll the ensuing session Of congress
Nall have acted or else adjourned.
}. That said convention appoint a
lance committee TO raise funds for
frying on the work. The conven-
IN will, in short, determine all
ltters pertaining to ways and
g bans.
4. That each local church organi-
Stion be entitled to one delegate to
De convention, and pay his expenses
ereto.
B. That petitions for prohibition be
srculated by each pastor or church
sr signatures, and forwarded to the
srritorial secretary for presentation
congress. The convention should,
krhaps, through committee con-
aiming able lawyers, determine the
sst forms for these petitions.
8. That we invite the cooperation
u the w. G. Il. q. and other bodies
i ike purpose throughout the coun-
Fy, especially all organizations in the
territory OF Oklahoma who are work
bg for prohibition statehood.
u. AT all ensuing conferences, pres
yteries, synods, associations, assem-
|lies, conventions and other like
(hr.stian gatherings, let strong reso-
|ltions on the subject be adopted and
|brwarded TO congress through the
erritorial secretary.
is. Let all who have acquaintance
influence, or who have friends in
DE states that have acquaintance or
bnuence, with members or congress,
frite them urging their earnest CO
|reration in our behalf.
y. As ministers and church Officers
h US avoid taking any position on
De question Of single or separate
Iatehood. We want prohibition
tatehood. regardless OF whether sin
De or separate. More specifically, We
iant the present statehood bill
which has passed the house and IS
ow pending in the senatel either sat-
Bfactorily amended or else defeated
a the senate,
We trust that you will take this
natter up with the ministers and
ther prominent Christian workers Of
Sur community, and let US know,
within two weeks If possible, how
on and your associates view H., Also
tate what town. and about what
ate. would best suit you for the ter
itorial convention. OF course, Mus
ogee would pride herself IN welcom-
be the conventions bur it is our wish
o call it where Tie greatest number
rant H. our purpose does not go be-
ond having some part ia merely ini-
iatinQ the movement; the conven-
ion. when assembled. viii constitute
IS own machinery and determine its
Fn plans and purposes
Trnsting 20 have at an early date
i expression Of your earnest interest
ID cooperation. we beg to remain,
Fraternally yours.
J. X. THOMSON,