The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1911-10-20
SEN. OWEN EXPOUNDS
PROGRESSIVE DOCTRINE


iHhed.
The progressive movement inYolY-
ed the control Of the United States
senate If the senate Is composed
Of representatives OF tho system"
you can never get your rights" The
speaker said the first thing he attemp-
ed as senator was to bring about
direct election Of senator's. He was
beaten at that time but three years
after the bill was passed by the sen
ate. He declared that the senate had
been the bulwark Of special privilege.
Declaring that Oklahoma should be
proud Of the initiative and referen-
dunn and other progressive laws and
reciting the progress OF popular rule
since the Oklahoma constitution was
adopted. Senator Owen described his
own part IN the progressive legisla-
ton propaganda and how step by step
the movement had won its way
through the country. As a result
Senator Hale and ten other stand-pat-
senators were forced to retire and
progressives took their places.
Senator Owen paid his respects to
President Taft for vetoing the tariff
bills and said 1t was necessary to
have progressive in the White
House. I'VE want a president who is
not surrounded by men who know ex.
actly what they want" said he.
The speaker said he circularized
many states in the interest OF the
progressive movement and had had
the pleasure Of seeing it established
in states from Maine to Washington.
He said II was not partisan move
ment. In Wisconsin and in Washing
tion he had urged democrats to sup
port progressive republicans and he
thought 1t was wise for progressive
republicans in Oklahoma to support
democrats.
The Senator described in detail his
famous fight over the admission Of
Arizona and New Mexico and the
memorable filibuster when he held
the floor of the senate II 1-2 hours at
the close of the last regular session.
AS a result Of the fight which he
made. he showed that New Mexico,
under existing conditions would like.
ly send two progressives to the sen
ate instead Of two standpatters and
Arizona would also elect two pro-
gressive senators. making a differ
ence Of six votes in the senate.
When the senate is purged It will
then be worth while to discuss econ
omic questions before it."
Il felt It a great honor to repre-
sent Oklahoma in the senate" said
Senator Owen. ''but far more do /
consider it great opportunity to
serve the cause Of popular govern
ment. Within five years l believe
the progressive movement will be es-
tablished in all the states. 1t is a
religious as well as a political move
ment as profound as the brotherhood
Of man. When Jefferson taught and
practiced equal rights to all and spec
ial privileges to none. his leadership
swept off of the field every opposing
party and If the democracy comes
back to his doctrines and keeps ham,
mering at it with clean hands. it win
do the same thing again. Socialism
is the the voice of protest and dis
content disgusted because promised
relief has so long been denied. The
socialist wants popular government
and as a matter OF practical policy.
/ think he should Join hands with all
progressives in securing it. The
way will then be opened to vote on
any reform that is desired"
In conclusion. Senator Owen ex-
pressed his gratitude to the people of
Grady county and paid his compli.
ments to rhickasha.
The speaker was introduced as
leader Of the progressive movement
by DR.. A. S. Riddle.