Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1907-11-29
OKLAHOMANS ARE
ALWAYS BOOSTING
Ex-Governor l.. Bradford Prince Talks
Interestingly of His Recent Visit
to Muskogee.

/
A representative Of the New Mexi
can took advantage of the holiday
yesterday to have an interview with
Hon. L. Bradford Prince, relative to
his recent experiences in Oklahoma.
ut Is very interesting thing" said
the ex-governor, ito be present at the
birth of a new state; especially for us
who have so long hoped for similar
good fortune. The president signed
the proclamation on Saturday and the
Trans Mississippi Congress opened on
Tuesday morning; so that we were
practically present at the opening of
1.-THE new era. Many officers were still
vacant as appointments were not yet
made, but the confusion from this and
the financial depression, had no effect
on the spirits of the people. They
were all buoyant, confident and full of
faith In the future. Everyone was re-
jolcing and cheer was on every
tongue. The feeling of Joy that at last
they had self-government and the Ger.
tainty that great improvement and
prosperity would Immediately follow,
were universal.
"The governor, both senators and
many leading men were present and
made speeches. The senators certainly
present picturesque appearance, one
being partly of Choctaw blood and the
other totally blind. Both are eloquent
speakers and will quickly make their
mark in Washington; the Indian Is
very forcible in his manner and
should think was a man of strong
passions, but kept we'll under control.
| happened to- see a good deal of them
and both expressed their happiness
that there would be two new votes In
the Senate and eight in the House to
aid New Mexico to statehood. They
will be strong fighters for our rights.
"Muskogee is a most extraordinary
city and yet they say it is not different
from Guthrie and Oklahoma City.
wish every New Mexican could be
there for a day to see the marvellous
spirit Of energy, enterprise and push
that prevails there. Then we would
have 200 active citizens at the Board
of Trade meeting in anita Fe tonight,
in ST aod ~ Ir1nn
II have never seen anything ap-
preaching 1t east or west. Every one
is full of public spirit and is using all
his time and strength to push the
city to the front. A little while ago
1t had but 1000 inhabitants, now It
has $4,000; and they have remark
able organization called the 100000
Club, which is determined to bring
the population UP to that figure in
two or three years. They have head
quarters for residents from each OF
the states largely represented, like
Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas.
Iowa, Illinois and no visitor from any
of those states can escape the hearty
welcome of his own people and a
glowing account of the advantages of
Muskogee. II he does not buy few
lots and conclude to settle down, it is
a miracle.
"The people, through pure enter.
prise and without much wealth,
have built fine business blocks, banks,
churches, hotels and have every mod
ern improvement imaginable. An ex
ample of their wonderful energy is
shown in the erection of one Of the
finest and largest auditorium in the
West. for the meeting of the Con-
gress. They raised 100000 in cash
among the citizens and put up the en-.
tire structure, ready for use. In four
months. If we could import about
three of their active men We would
have the long needed theater open for
Christmas. Nearly every man on the
streets wears large badge, reading:
4 live here, ask me-" and they are
only too glad to answer. Really 1t was
an inspiration to see what can be done
by a moderate number Of live men,
all working together for success"