The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1906-01-02
JONES' LETTER.
In Regard to Statehood and lts Pros
poets.

pSStas
G. G. Jones has issued the following
letter on the statehood situation:
No doubt you arc aware that on De-
cember 6 a large delegation went from
Oklahoma and Indian Territory to WASH
ington. -. G. There were i52 in the del
egation. While It Is not my purpose to
taxe up your time, and mine, in doing
Into details regarding the trip. / wish to
state that this del egation did a wonder
ful amount OF good for statehood for
Oklahoma and Indian Territory. Each
and every member OF the delegation
seemed to have but one object In view
and that was TO work for joint state
hood for Oklahoma and Indian Terri
tory on an equal basis, ana the entire
delegation, with the exception of four or
Ave, was unanimous In the belief and
argument that all local matters and po-
lice regulations should be left to the
people OF the state, after we are admit-
ted into the union. Il other words, let
us mako the laws to govern ourselves,
see that they are executed, and that
people who violate them are punished.
You have. no doubt. learned from the
press that what Is known as tho Hamil-
ton bill Is an omnibus bill. asking for
two states out OF fur territories: Okla
homa and Indian Territory for one state,
New Mexico and Arizona for one state.
Our delegation made no argument what
ever. for or against the admission OF
New Mexico or Arizona, either sepa-
rntely or Jointly but believed It was our
mission to look after the interests OF
Oklahoma and Indian Territory being
nd IN - aa faf
ercnoo whatever &c New Mexico and
Arizona.
While ah OF the firm opinion tsat
Oklahoma and Indian Territory will be
admitted into the union during this ses-
sion OF congress. providing the peopie
Of the two territories keep I'D the nght.
We have the same difficulties to over
come that we have had for the past
four years. and l believe that II every
citizen will do his duty that we will
DO successful In doing this.
Congress adjourned December 81 on
| account OF the holidays. until January
4. and as the statehood bill rs now In
| the hands OF the committee on terrific
| ties of the house, feel quite sure that
they will report the bill out from the
| committee to the whole house early in
January. and II Is of great Importance
for the statehood movement in Oklahoma
ard Indian rerr.ty,y that as large a
delegation - can bo present early in
Jnauary to look after our interests.
There arc many little local matters
In which we are separately Interested
but the paramount question Is to get
Oklahoma and Indian Territory admitte"
into the union as one state at as early
"a date as possible and with that OBJ
ject in view. and realizing the conditions
as do. l would like TO insist upon your
Joining a delegation to go to Washing
ton. leaving here about January 6; and II
II Is impossible for you to go. get some
one as your proxy. You fully realize
that the burden OF this work is on the
executive committee and we should have
at least one delegate from each district,
making in all hfty- three.
| think II would be well for each com
munity to send at least one delegate.
| While I realize that some think that not
much good results from large delegations,
my experience IN this direction convinces
me differently. and. while / realize that
only a few men do the main work, at
tho same time. every person meets some
member Of congress or some one with
whom he Is acouaint, a. either from the
same state. or relatives. or in some way
that has more or less influence and all
; Combined, our efforts viii finally be
crowned with success. Please write me
by return mail and let me have your
views in the matter. Let us keep up
tho fight. You are aware that no terri
I tbry has ever bSen admitted to the
union without a long fought battle, and
when we realize that New Mexico has
been knocking at the door Of the United
states congress for over fifty years,
then we can begin to appreciate the hard
work IN store for us. While no one ques-
tions the right OF oklahoma and Indian
Territory 10 be admitted into the union
stfl conditions. political and otherwise
/ keep US out. BE sure 20 let me hear
from you by return man, for II We get
a delegation TO go about the sixth OF
January we have but little lime TO make
the preparations. expect to go and
do all / can for this grand cause, but
the more that go the more can be done
and the quicker we win be admitted
into the union.
am OF the opinion, without speaking
authoritatively. that we can get rate
on the railroads OF one fare for tbs
round trip-which win be S96.55 from
Oklahoma City-but do not understand
me to say that the roads have promised
this. but | think We can get this rat'
II "a large delegation goes.
Hoping that you had merry Christ
mas ana will have a happy New Year
and thai Oklahoma and Indian Territorl
will be admitted into the union betwceI
now and the fourth OF March l am
Yours very truly, G. G.. Jones,
Chairman joint Statehod Executive
Commfttoe