The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-08-03
NIckNAMlNG A STATE.
Oklahoma Folks Propose to Take Mat
 ter Into Their Own Hands.

Guthrie, Okla.-Thirty nieknames have already been suggested for the new state of Oklahoma, and two popular voting con- tests are in progress to select the most appropriate title
 Naming the baby isn't In 1t when com pared with the difficulties of choosing 8 title for new state and indications point toward a clash between the packers of the "Ok" State, the Eagle State and the Flag Day State. These three names are lead ing in popularity, with sentiment favoring the first.
 Three classes of names have made their appearances the first abbreviation of the words Oklahoma and Indian Territory, the second name with an Indian flavor, and the third suggestive of the pioneer days.
 Early settlers are unanimous in their demand for such names as the Boomer States, the Sooner State. the "Rustler" State. etc, while newcomers and resi- dents of the cities oppose such titles and declare that progressive Oklahoma must get away from any suggestions of west ern crudeness.
 The women are clamoring for the Flag Day state in view of the fact that the news of the passage of the statehood bill reached Oklahoma at the Flag Day ex- ercises
 Gov Frank Frantz and a majority of the territorial officials are backing the Eagle" state because the President signed the statehood bill with feather taken from an eagle killed in Oklahoma. This type is opposed by many. who say that it is not distinctive of Oklahoma. p.,s- If ..a..ff,e nod man and a feeling that the name Indian Territory should not be entirely forgot ten is responsible for the titles pertain ing to the Indian. A Guthrie attorney suggests the "Pappoose' state, implying as it does a baby state.
 The simple words Indian state and l "Wigwam" state are among the other names which have been offered for adop- tion Opposition to these titles is based on the fact that Oklahoma is no longer the Indians country, but the white mans.
 A Guthrie lawyer suggests the Mar ried" state. implying unity of the two territories and constant increase in pop ulation.
 From an Enid, Okla. politician who was removed from office comes the "Affi- davit" state, suggestive of the many re- cent investigations of federal offices.
 From a western Oklahoma cattleman comes the 'Rustler" state. in defence of which he sends a laboriousy written let ter which concludes: We had to ruste to get here, rustic to stay here and rustic to become state.
 We have red cattle, red hogs, red soil and more red headed women than any state in the union." writes an earnest farmer. "and think the Red state is the best ever.'
 Beaver county being in shape like a handle and the country east forming a cleayer blade. has brought about the suggestion of the ''Cleaver" state, which came from several widely separated sour ces This name is supported on the grounds that it implies the ability to cut through all obstacles and suggests a beef country.
 The Twin" state has its share of packers who seek to maintain the expres- sion the Twin Territories.
 Strangers in Oklahoma remark the fact that the baby Is taking steps to name it. self-an unheard of procedure-and de- clare that the name should come natur- ally in course of time. selected by some dominant characteristic of the Oklahoma people.
 In answer to this statement the Okla homa press replies that the state is a marvel of progress and is entitled to es- tablish a precedent by choosing for itself an appropriate title and not waiti/g for any travellers to dub the state whatever they please.