The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-16
LAWS ARE BUILT
FOR NEW STATE
Oklahoma Constitution Goes to
Vote in August
MODERN REFORMS TRIED
"Jim Grow" Measure Killed by conven.
ton, Which Was Overwhelmingly
Observation-Disclosures Suf-
frage Defeated.
MODERN REFORMS TRIED

Guthrie, March 1.-THE constitutional
convention after completing its work of
building set of laws to govern the pro-
posed new state of Oklahoma, adjourned
sine die today, All of the important reso-
buttons had been adopted several .days
ago and the last sessions We're confined
to grouping up the loose ends. The con-
stitution as prepared will be submitted
to the people of Oklahoma and Indian
Territory for ratification or rejection at
a special election August next.
One of the acts of the convention was
to appoint committee to solicit funds
to pay the expenses of the election, the
convention having exhausted the money
appropriated by Congress.
The sentiment of the age is indelibly
stamped on the work of the constitu-
ton, and if it is ratified, some modern re-
forms will be tried in the new state
"Jim Grow" Killed.
The convention was overwhelmingly
democratic, being composed of 100 demo-
Gratis and Il republicans. Probably the
most important measure killed by the
convention was the provision relative to
separate coaches for white and negro
passengers. although the democrats had
been pledged to insert it. Several dele
gates alleged that President Roosevelt
would reject the constitution if the Jim
Crow" provision was adopted, and warn
ing letters were sent delegates by SEN
ators Tillman and Pettus and others.
Women suffrage was dereated by a few
votes.
The initiative and referendum patterned
after Oregon WIS adopted as was pro-
all state officers and United States SEN
ators by primaries.
Succession in state offices is prohibited,
and 1t is provided that Senate commit
tees shall not be named by the lieutenant
governor, but be elected by the body it
self.
Oklahoma will be a prohibition state
the most stringent liquor law in exist
ence prohibiting not only the sale, but
the introduction of liquor into the state
being provided for.
Prohibition.
The enabling act provides that the In
dian Territory must accept prohibition for
twenty-one years. The convention pre-
vided that the whole state shall vote on
the question and there Is no doubt that
the enabling act will be made effective
over the whole state.
Provision is made for a state railroad
commission to be elective, and 2-cent
passenger fare is ordered
Railroad companies are prohibited from
owning any productive aganecy of anti
trust commodity, a provision particularly
intended to cover coal lands.
A fellow servant law is embodied
Corporations are prohibited from own
ing more land than necessary for the OF
Grafton of their business.
The issuance of watered stock Is pho
hibited and the books of all corporations
times.
Corporations to deal in real estate out
side of Incorporated cities are prohibited.
A committee is appointed to negotiate
the purchase of the segregated mineral
lands in the Indian Territory, valued at
many million sdollars, and state owner
ship and operation of the coal mines
thereon is contemplated.
Thelegal rate of interest is fixed at 6
per cent, and the contract rate at 10
per cent.
A compulsory and separate school sys-
tenn is established.
Commissions are created on labor and
arbitration, charities insurance, railroads,
agriculture. oil. gas and mines
The state is divided into seventy five
counties. twenty-one judicial districts,
fortN-one senatorial and III representative
districts