The Washington herald., 1907-05-15
Republicans Determine to
Defeat Constitution.
PRESIDENT APPROVES PLAN
Secretary of War Taft VIII Make
Address nt Tulsa June g, 30 Tell
Thinks of Matter Democrats i'm
Control of the Convention.

ChldH HblId ANhdtu Allt tbtl1AlAuA4b1 AtItA4N-
ly adopted there by the constitutional con-
vention, which was Overwhelmingly Dem
ocratic, was discussed yesterday at great
length az a series Of conferences in which
the administration, the Republican Con-
gressiOnal committee and the two Terri
tories that will comprise the new State
were represented Il was decided that
the party in Oklahoma should fight the
constitution at the polls tooth and nail,
and failing to defeat It in that wise. that
President Roosevelt should be strongly
urged to refuse to promulgate the instru-
ment. It is understood that assurances
have been given that the President will
never approve the Oklahoma constitution
in its present form.
Doubt was expressed early in the day
that the representatives OF the party from
Indian Territory and Oklahoma could be
induced to act In unison in their attitude
toward the constitution. The men from
Indian Territory were at first disposed 10
swallow the constitution, expressing the
fear that il 1t failed at this time. thus
necessitating the passage Of a new en-
abling act, that Oklahoma might go It
alone for Statehood and thus leave Indian
Territory out on a limb But these fears
were dissipated, and the Republicans OF
Indian Territory viii conduct a vigorous
aggressive campaign in the proposed new
state, with a view OF defeating the con-
sttution that is 50 objectionable TO them
President in Accord.
James S. Sherman. Of New York. and
Henry G. Loudenslager. Of New Jersey.
chairman and secretary, respectively, Of
the Republican Congressional committee;
Gov FrantZ. Delegate Bird Mcclure,
former Delegate Dennis Flynn. Senator
Curtis, of Kansas. and numerous others
were among those who participated IN the
conferences yesterday Late yesterday
afternoon the party had a talk with Sec
retarv Of War Taft, who will make the
keynote speech Tor the Republicans al
Tulsa, on June c, when the campaign
against the constitution vii be begun.
Last night the visitors discussed the
subject with President Roosevelt He Is
in entire accord with the plan % fight the
constitution. believing. as he does. that II
is objectionable in many respects. and
particularly unjust I'm It's treatment Of the
political rivals OF those who controlled the
convention at which il was adopted by
almost ten 10 one.
Republicans shut Out
Judging from statements made here yes
terday. the oklahoma Democrats con-
Quoted the constitutional convention with
a high hand. They blocked out shoe
string legislative districts in such a way
as to make it impossible for the Republl-
cans ever to elect a United States Sena-
tor. They adopted drastic provisions rela-
tive 10 corporations; so drastic, In fact,
that they were modified later upon re-
Cgpt Of notice that the President would
never approve the constitution If IL came
90 him In the form in which it was first
drafted.
The Republicans Of Oklahoma have the
upper hand in the fight with their Demo
cratic brethren, TT the people there ac-
cept the constitution in August. the Re
pUblicaus may take an appeal % the
President, in which they are assured be-
forehanl that they will be successful
Then it viii be necessary for the twin
Territories 20 once again apply for State
hood. Both Houses Of Congress being Re
publican. an enabling act can be passed
that would tie the hands of the Demo-
Gratis should they again control the sec
oud constitutional convention that would
have 90 be held
Taft TO Defeat Constitution.
In his speech a; Tulsa. in June Secre-
tary Taft VIII probably tell the people Of
Oklahoma just what the administration
thinks Of their proposed constitution.
This is expected % have the effect Of de-
feadng the constitution In that event
Congress will be asked to pass another
enabling act next winter. II the constl-
tuition is adopted by the people then. the
President will doubtless refuse to pro-
mulgate It.
The indications are that Oklahoma and
Indian Territory viii again apply for
Statehood next winter. as they may not be
able 10 qualify under the present enabling
act owing to the bitter feeling that exists.