The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-18
OKLAHOMA.

The Republicans deprived the people of Oklahoma of the opportunity of se- curing Statehood just as long as 1t was possible to do so. Even after a con- vention was held and a Constitution adopted 1t was sought to prevent an election on ratification. and of State of fcials, and Legislature by tricks that were anything else than creditable to the leading Republicans who were en- gagged in the dirty business. After many delays. however, the day for election was set and since then there has been an active campaign by Democrats and Republicans for their respective party tickets. Mir. Bryan has made. a number of speeches for the Democratic ticket and Secretary Taft was one of those from the outside brought in to help the Republicans. He took occasion te denounce the Consti- tuition and the Republicans will. as a rule. vote against its ratification. and if successful postpone Statehood for an indefinite period. That has been their game from the start, for 1t has been believed that the State would be reliably Democratic. and just now it suits the Republicans to try and keep her votes from being cast in the next Presidential election.
 The election was held yesterday and all the indications point to ratification ocratic State officers. Legislature and majority of the Congressman. There Is still chance for the Republicans, even if defeated now to prevent admission of the new State. by inducing the Pres ident to withhold the necessary procla- mstion. After his repeated declarL- tions in favor of square deal, it is hard to believe that he would accede to the new demands.
 The census of Oklahoma and Indian Territory, which form the proposed new State, has just been completed and shows a population of 1.40S.OoO.
 In commenting on the expected ad- mission of Oklahoma The Houston Post says:
 Looking into the admission of States since the federation Of the thirteen col onies we find results which small poll ticians might well ponder when they seek to bar out Oklahoma.
 Vermont was admitted in 1791 wren the census of 1700 revealed a popula- tion of s5.000. a number that has been increased in 117 years to 343,oOU.
 Maine was admitted in 1920 when the census revealed population of 29S,- 900 which. in 1900, had grown to 6e4,- 000.
 Oregon was admitted in 1859 with a 1900, had increased to 41S,000.
 West Virginia was hornswoggled in in 1883 with a population in 1870 of s42,GGo ,nNS which had increased to sSs'ooo
 Nevada was admitted in 1864. with a populatiau in 1870 of 42 49l, which, in 1900. Lad decreased to AZ; 336. osy Ut. a population in 1870 of 12S,000. which. in 1900, had increased to something more chan 100000.
 Colorado was admitted in 1878 with a population in 1880 of 194,000, which, in 1900. had increased to 539.000.
 It is useless to consider other admis- sions It suflceth to say that no Ter with a population of 1.4oS. O0o has ever been barred out fo- political or oths" reasons. Oklahoma with a population of ,40S, 900 has a greater population than the twelfth census gave twenty-three States in 1900. It copta tns aSmagnif- cent railroad system. splendid cities, great agricultural industry. promis- ing industrial equipment and all tho paraphernalia which goes to make up a great State. Ten years hence 1t will probably rank with the first twelve States of the Union.