Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1913-02-11
THE BATTLE LINES ARE TIGHTLY
DRAWN, But RIGHT Is IIiN-
ING \ HARD BATTLE.
AN EXPLOSION IS COMING
II. II. Smith VIII Yet Cause u Mighty
Rumble, According 10 all the
Uniailing Signs.
(BY j. \. MkEENER.)
(Staff Correspondent)

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 10.-(Spe-
cial)-It's just the same old story in
the fourth legislature that has now
nearly three fourths passed into his
tory-the battle Of the people against
the politicians. At this time the poll
tlcians appear to have slightly the
best of the battle, but under the sur
face there is strong under current
that tells Of an explosion before long
that may see the people on top. In
the house the battle lines have been
drawn tightly, and although during
the las two days there We're no out
bursts, one is about due now.
Out Of this underground fight, one
man stands out pre-eminently as the
peoples champion, and that man is
Representative II. H. Smith, of Shaw
nee fho has fought almost lone
nee, who has fought almost every 9TH
er democratic leader
Silent Tragedies.
It would take many chapters to
write the inside history Of the game
as it is played in the legislature at
InlS llInt. mere II wen lllnIi Il ~ ibo-
edy. many silent one, enacted every
day. The inside of the situation has
been covered up by the leaders all
along. Whether all the leaders OF the
democratic party have anything to do
with this or not is a matter of specu
lation.
1t is conceded here that Senator
owen endorses the course Of II. II.
Smith in legislation as well as his
scheme of investigation. Senator
Gore and Bill Murray have not shown
where they stand. The investigation
now begun was promised by Mr.. Smith
in his campaign, as he as well as
many other leaders knew of the dis
graceful condition Of affairs in state
Offices. He at that time was denounc-
ed by various state officials as dema-
gogue. lie has been the object of
systematic campaign of abuse and re-
elimination from certain people since
the legislature started.
The People With Him.
Notwithstanding, this the Potta-
watomie representative goes on each
day pursuing his program of construc-
tive legislation. His mail is probably
the largest of any member of the
house and from this it can be inferred
that the people are with him.
The house has changed considerably
since the beginning of the session, ana
there is not a man in it who does not
regard Smith as grimly in earnest.
After the speakership contest it was
charged that Crawford and Durant
had tied Maxey's hands with an agree
ment that they were to name all com
mitteos. This was denied by MaXey's
friends. Then Smith began fighting
for a thorough investigation OF all Of
Gcials. The senate was in favor OF in
vestigating some men and others were
not so anxious to investigate. The
Smith plan was defeated which is now
only a matter of history. He wanted
the committee to have power to re-
move from office. This plan was de-
nounced in the senate as well as by
the opposition in the house.
Not Much Hope.
Tn this connection il might be well
70 mention the senate investigation OF
Warden Dick of the pententiary. The
committee has made out very DAM
aging case against Dick. but there
their power ends. Only the governor
can remove him as he is not subject
to impeachment powers and the EVIL
dence Of the attorney general indicat-
ed that the governor knew OF the
charges against Dick and the evidence
over a year ago, and refused to re-
move him.
Mr.. Smith was evidently tricked by
his opponents or else he was playing
n far sighted game because he was
willing that the speaker should APP
point the investigating committee.
Was he ignorant OF the Crawford
Maxey- Durant agreement or did he
intend to drive the gang to make
real investigation or genuine white
wash.
The public that had faith in Mr..
Smiths plan of investigation believed
he would not serve on the investiga-
tion committee as It was made up.
However. he decided to remain on the
committee. Every member of the
committee except hlnseH Noteu
against the plan Of Investigation he
proposed. The speaker himself voted
against Il. and it would seem that
Smith alone upon the committee
would stand for full investigation.
Crawford was considered a very close
friend of the state departments. espec-
,alIv the school land. oil leasing and
the John Doolin- Williams board OF
affairs combination.