Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1906-10-03
TURN down
GOOD MEN
WHO REFUSE TO ACCEPT MAN
DATES OF PROHIBITIONISTS.
PREMIUM ON EVERYBODY
Rather Than Men of Merit in the
Constitutional Convention of
the New State.

Contributed,
The broadest education, the utmos,
integrity, and the most tar-reaching
experience in public affairs would no
too strongly equip Il man for the vast
ly responsible duties of delegate to
the convention to form constitution
for the state Of Oklahoma.
The making Of this constitutiol
will be not only for the safety and
durability of the commonwealth itself.
but ii should serve as a model for the
older states. One mistake IN the con-
structiOn might be q vital blow to /,
strength, and produce evils that n
quarter Of 4 century Of endeavof
could not overcome. Once made, the
constitution should be sacred, its pro.
Visions not to be trilled with BY sub
.lecting them to frequent amendment
Naturally, the qualifications of the
men who shall frame the constitution
are Of the first consideration. A can
dldatc for constitutional delegate
should not be a nan of one idea nor
# man of many parts, should IN,
lScfulneSs be sacrificed by defeating
his election because hc refuses to obey
the demands of any person Or any or
ganizati0n.
1t is here that the injustice and the
anfairness of prohibition advocates
grows plainest. The latter have de-
clarcI by resolution IN their state or
galnHation that al candidates who do
no. PROMISE to work toi ,ir direct M
sertion OF a prohibition plank in the
constitution shall be blackllsted ard
their pomination and election de-
teated.
The Democrats of Oklahoma doubt.
less would be pleased to have a man
with the gifts of William j. Bryan in
the constitutional convention, and TIE
Republicans of Oklahoma would be no
less pleased if they would be repre-.
sented by the equal of Theodore
Roosevelt. Yet it is possible that
both Mr.. Bryan and President Roosc-
welt might be opposed from principle
10 constitutional prohibition or prefer
other ways to control the liquor traf-
iic in the state.
What would happen to such men if
they were subjected to the demands of
the prohibitionistsl
Though each possessed ali Of one
hundred qualifications essential 10
their absolute fitness as constitutional
delegates, and they should refuse tJ
pledge themselves to constitutional
prohibition, they would be fought, and
possibly defeated, by the prohibition
lists for this refusal. In other words,
the men who could best serve all Nc
people must yield to the demands of
certain organization. And the lalter
might be only balance of power in
voting, instead of u majority on y
strong minority,
Now observe another phase Of Inc
question. Ambition to sit in the con
stitutional convention moves weak, III
efficient men, and political pirates nnd
irlcksters rs forcefully as It does men
of laudablc character and acknowlcd.
Yed ability. Incompetent and ignoran,
delegates would be as dangerous tai
the making Of the constitution as
would boodlers and corruptlonists. II
is not unreasonable nor beyond expert
oene in Oklahoma anJ other states -
assert that the weak men would gladli
and willingly accede to such demands
as are proposed by the prohihitlonisI
10 get votes for their election.
The views expressed heer are held
by hundreds of persons in sympathy
with the cause of temperance. The"
believe they are giving higher scr
vice to the future state in maintaining
his position than are the advocates
Of constitutional prohibition in pursu'
ing course that disregards a square
deal, subjects the entire constitution
70 their own peculiar views, places q
premium on incompetency and black
lists men Of the very highest attain
ments and moral worth for the single
reason that the latter are unwilling tt
make pledge contrary to their homes
convictions.
The people of Oklahoma will not
permit themselves to be sewed up in
sack by the advocates of constitution
al prohibition nor by the advocates of
any other issue wherein any voter
would be deprived of hi sright to east
his ballot without coercion, and at the
expense of the entire constitution and
the general welfare Of this state.
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