The Norfolk weekly news-journal., 1908-10-02
OWEN OPENS
CAMP AICN.
Oklahoma Constitution Is His
Cure-AIl.
is "BRYANISM IN ACTION"
Raps Roosevelt and Taft, Defends
Haskell and Appeals for Bryan, Sen
ator owen Addresses Good Sized
Crowd-Senator Latta Speaks.


ator owen Addresses Good Sized
Crowd-Senator Latta Speaks.
"The constitution of Oklahoma is
Organism in action--the new declara- |
zion of independence.
"Tart opposed the Oklahoma consti-
fulton.
Bryan favored it and urged its
passage
"Taft is largely Influenced by his
surroundings and associates, the lat
ter being rich men. He is the cham
pon of the few as against the many.
Bryan is friend of the masses,
she plain people and is trying to res
cue them from the clutches of the
predatory rich"
In substance the above was the line
of argument followed by Senator Rob
Crt L. owen of Oklahoma, who adj
dressed IA Democratic audience at the
Auditorium last evening, opening the
local campaign.
The lower floor of the house was
entirely filed, and the speaker was
given close attention and occasional
applause.
Senator Latta introduced.
Ex-senator Allen of Madison pre-
sided He first introduced j. p. Latta
of Tekamah as a person eminenty
qualified to represent an agricultural
constituency in congress.
Mr.. Latta confirmed this last state
ment to his own satisfaction. He said
ne had spent his life in growing crops
and raising livestock. He was also a
banker and therefore was, he said, ac-
quainted with finances.
latta pledged himself, if elected to
n variety of measures-a more string
ent quarantine livestock law, direct
vote of the people in the selection of
United States senators, Improvement
of waterways, revision of the tariff
and guaranteed bank deposits.
Owen Talks.
Senator owen commended the can
hdacy of Latta and impressed on his
hearers the fact that Mr.. Bryan was
she author of the most important
measure Mr. Latta had promised to
Support-the governmental guarantee
of bank deposits
Senator Owen then drew a beauti-
fIll picture of the Oklahoma constitu-
tiu5, which he declared was the wisest
document ever drawn by man, and pre-
scrbed ii as cure for the political
ills of the entire nation.
The Oklahoma constitution en-
bodied the initiative and referendum,
which met with the approval of Sen
atort I,a Toilette of Wisconsin, who
tht speaker said was One-third Repub-
\ncan, one-third Democrat and one
third pop.
The Oklahoma constitution, con.
tinued Senator owen, insured to
everyone the enjoyment of the rights
of his own labor, the inference being
that the constitutions of other states
Were the reverse of this.
Senator owen told a narrowing tale
of his efforts twenty years ago tc
make money raising cattle, and how
ne was thwarted by the cattle baron'
of Kansas City, Armour, Swift, Morris
and S. & S. These men fixed prices
on cattle both on the hoof and on thu
Block. There was no way of gettin'
at them for conspiracy, but now, "b,
the grace of God and the Oklahoma
constitution" to use the senator
words, they would have to give test
mony against themselves. a."
More Irish Than Indian.
During his address Senator Owe
took occasion to speak of his ancestr!
He said it was the common report tina
ne was a full blooded Cherokee Ii
dian. BY Oklahoma statue he migt
be regarded as an Indian, but by tn
goodness of God he was Scotch.-lrisl
Senator Owen had considerable
say about organized monopolies, pr
datory wealth, combinations, trust
and other evils, which has brougl
the country to the ragged edge of ru
with the chance of topping over in
a chasm if Bryan isn't elected TT
remedy for all this was Bryan's ele
ton and the universal adoption of Il
Oklahoma constitution, which WI
God-given and heaven-sent
After rapping Rooseelt, Taft, Fc
aker and defending Governor Haske
ne concluded with a fervent appe
for the peerless,
The streets were illuminated al
the band played and escorted Senat
owen to the hall. A number of prom
nent local Democrats had seats on Il
stage.