The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1904-07-25
DEMOCRATIC SUCCESS
IN OKLAHOMA

cans nave oDdHuuneo the iutd Vi IAN
ing pronounced stand for anything
Delegate Mcclure. in shaping his plat
form, may have helped himself in
building a personal machine; but he
left his party in very bad way.
The eyolutions of the Republican
party and leaders IN Oklahoma dur
ing the past few years are one Of the
wonders Of the political age The
statehood question. upon which 50
many somersaults have been turned
is one OF the many evidences that the
party has not known where it was
at on any public question that has
come up in the territory, and has been
played as a tool for the personal edi-
fication Of individuals rather than for
definite policy OF any kind, The
history of the Republican party in Ok
lahona is fun of just such instances
as the one enacted at the recent con
vention here, wherein a complete re-
versal OF demands was witnessed in
the statehood matter. For instance:
A few years ago, when Mr. Flynn was
using the party Organization 70 pro
rel himself along, the party was mado
to declare for Tom Reed for presi-
dent, when every other western com
munity had gone on record for Nc
Kinley. This was done because Tom
Reed had promised to see that a tree
homes bill should get past the house
thereby giving Mr. Flynn fresh lease
on congressional life. The trade was
made and carried out notwithstand-
ing the fact that most OF the rank and
file Republicans in the territory we're
favorable to the nomination OF Nc.
Kinley. The party was made second
ary in Importance TO the delegates
personal interests. And It was done
frequently.
Mr.. Mcclure evidently seeks to pur
sue the same course. It is his policy
to become the boss of the organiza-
ticn in the territory, and TO use Il as
he finds Il necessary TO further his
private interests. Consequently, when
the convention met a few weeks ago,
Mr. Mcclure demanded that all form
er declarations on the statehood ques-
tion be blotted out, and bill indors-
ed which, while It provides for single
statehood by joining Oklahoma and
Indian territory. also carries with il
the joining OF New Mexico and Ari.
zona. Furthermore. the bin may re,
ceivc various amendments before it
runs the gauntlet OF congress, and no
doubt viii; which places the Republi.
can party of Oklahoma In the very
peculiar position Of not only turning a
nip-Aop on the statehood question in
general, but of indorsing anything that
may come along in the future, II
certainly would seem that this was a
fitting climax for Oklahoma Republi-
cans on the question of statehood. Ia
say nothing OF the national party ig-
ncring the question.
This endeavor 10 copy from Mr..
Flynn's tactics in the free home mat.
ter will hardly work as WELL for Mt
Mcclure, up TO the time OF the con
vention, was opposed. ostensibly 70 the
essence Of the Hamilton bill. He trie'i
very hard in the committee. by ar
guments of all sorts. 70 prevent =
single statehood bill from being re-
ported. and II vas not until after he
realized that anything else was impos
sihle that he accepted the situation
Then he came home and held con
yention, at which his resolutions dc
clared for the Hamilton bill. His race
on the Hamilton measure will be a
most unique affair, TO say the least
On the other hand, the Democrats
Of Oklahoma have been consistent on
the statehood question as they have
on all other questions. and will he in
a position to command the confidence
and support Of the people, Its post
tion ON statehood agrees with the Ham
Ilton bill insofar as single statehood
is provided; but in the manner an'
method there is a marked difference
which leaves Oklahoma and lndIai
territory dependent for statehood m
on the fortunes OF misfortunes Of tN'
territories far removed by every in
ierest and consideration except tha
they have the common misfortune o
territorial government But Nc
Gulre and his convention swallowed /
all with a gulp Of approval
/ This is enough TO defeat him fo
reelection. even though he had no
manipulated the party in the territor
TO build up a personal machine an
made a monkey Of rs policy IN
Democracy OF Oklahoma viii 20 int