The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-11
OKLAHOMA DE-
 SERVES STATEHOOD
MAJOR SORENESS REPLY TO ADJ
 DRESS OF WELCOME.
In Response to Addresses of Welcome the President of National EditO- rial Association Discusses
 Subjects Near Hearts
 of OklahOmaaa.
Guthrie State Capital.

Guthrie State Capital.
 Statehood for Oklahoma and Indian Territory was discussed yesterday by President W. W. Screws of the Na- tional Editorial Association, in his re- sponse to the address of welcome. His views as to the qualifications of Okla homa for Statehood seem to be those of most members of the National As- sociation and pleased his Oklahoma hearers. Although he has made no in innate study of Indian Territory con 1 ditions, MT. Screws is of the opinion that that territory Is not ready for Statehood. He may revise his views, however. after his trip through the territory next week.
 MT. Screws's response to the welcome addresses follows:
 Our trains were a little late, but you see we are here in full force from ev- cry quarter of the Union, and prepared to do justice to the glorious things prepared for us by those for whom you have so ably and eloquently spoken. Those who so indefatigably urged the claims of Guthrie for our meeting place had so much to say of the warmth of heart of the people who make up tho population of this young giant If u city, and this territory which has sprung full fedgcd upon the public boards prepared for all the honors, dig mites and responsibility of Statehood. In voting to come here. 1t was in the mind of that meeting at St. Louis to help you in your great ambition to have another star named Oklahoma and placed upon the national flag, and you can count upon the aid and influence of the National Editorial Association in your great undertaking. Where. in all history, can be found a greater pro- Rress than that which has marked sv- stav oF khia farFitary from 1880 a the present hour? Vast solitudes, whose silence was only broken by the songs of the birds or the migratory steps of the Indian are now smiling villages with glorious women, lovely children and sturdy, strong armed and big-hearted men. every hour adding to the material growth and honor of our country. History for many pages would have to be searched. and then failure would mark the efforts of those who would be seeking for a parallel case.
 Those who cry expansion and fear that evil will follow every movement to extend American influence, and, If need be, American possession, should statesmanship and patriotism of Thomas Jefferson and those like minded who secured for us the imperial domain, covered by the Louisiana purchase This fair land here was part of that great transaction and 1t Is to the ever lasting honor of those who brought It into the American fold.
 Liberty Loving People.
 That you are a liberty loving people here is demonstrated by the freedom from prejudice which Is manifested ir vour daily walk and life and in many of your laws. Here. you can meet. ir inc space of i've minutes. men from every State of the Union. and those who shed their blood while fighting be- reath the flag or the Union ard those who fought under the aag of the confederacy. Those evil days are forgotten in the earnestness with which the past is placed behind us. and the cheerfulness with which faces are turned to the future.
 have read some of the laws of mary States of the Union, but have never read on the beck of any of them, one which in spirit and letter is like that of one of the statutes of broad-mindec Oklahoma. It was a surprise to ms when one of your prominent citizens