The copper era., 1907-11-28
OKLAHOMA STATE.
Constitution is a Safeguard to the
 Pe0ple.

People.
 Oklahoma has just become the forty-sixth state in the union. This event is being discussed with much interest throughout the west. The past and present conditions in this new Commonwealth are being con- trasted in many quarters, and poli- ticians, manufacturers, cattlemen, farmers and miners are each inter- ested in some phase of it's affairs.
 The new state, which is made up of the territory of Oklahoma and the Indian territory, contains an area of 70 430 square miles. It is, therefore, larger than the states of Ohio and Indiana combined, and will have an estimated population of I,500,OOO, which is greater than that of any one of twenty-three of the states of the union.
 The residents of Oklahoma have desired to enter the combination of States with a constitution that would be not only unlike many others, but also one that would properly safe guard their interests. They have been holding a constitutional con vention with that purpose in view, and the constitution they agreed on has been accepted by the president.
 There have been humorous con- ments because the people of Okla homa discussed so many topics in their constitutional convention and desIred to incorporate so many "planks" in it. Nevertheless, the general opinion will be that they showed excellent judgment.
 The inhabitants of Oklahoma have learned much from the experience of other states. If they, therefore, de- eide that they want sober communities and require prohibition, which was put into the constitution, that is their business. Besides, they have many thousand Indians to whom they do not care to give the privilege of buy ing liquors. The state is, therefore, supposed to be ''dry'' one for tweE- ty-one years.
 Eight per cent. ot the legal voters have the right to propose any legis- lative measure, and fifteen per cent. may propose amendments to the con stitution by petition.
 The referendum may be ordered, except as to laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public hoo1fh HxyG Gua cent. of the legal voters or by the legislature. Referendum petitions must be filed with the secretary of state not more than ninety days after the adjournment of the legis- lature. This provision is also ex- tended to cover municipalities as well as the state.
 This referendum clause in a consti- tuition may sometimes prove of great value. In times of popular excite ment over grave problems which arise in state or municipal affairs, the referendum, if it can be invoked, gives the citizens an opportunity to express their views. Many very ob- laws WOQlQ nC1CI nave been placed on the statute book if the taxpayers could have had voice in the matter through the referen- dunn.
 Manufacturers and miners will be- come more interested in this new state now because it is rich in natural resources and is destined to become very wealthy Commonwealth. The farming lands in some portions are worth S75 per acre, and all the pro- ducts of the temperate zone flourish in every county. The state is full of mineral wealth.
 Politicians are also interested in the state. It is now democratic, but the federal government has much new patronage in it. Federal judges and United States marshals and also 1,500 postmasters are to be appoint ed.-Boston Globe.