The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1916-02-26
Col. 0'Neill, State Senator, Comments on
Measures Enacted; Says Members
Worked Hard TO Finish in Least
Possible Time
USURY LAW HITS
SMALL BORROWER
Not Effective for 80 Days and May Be
Modified Next January if Found
Necessary; Other Excellent
Laws Enacted

Senator Thomas J. O'Neill expressed
himself today as being well pleased
with the work accomplished by both
the house and senate during the time
The special session lasted and stated
that he considered adjournment was
brought about in a reasonably expedi-
tious manner. the legislators having
remained in session as short time rs
was possible 10 accomplish the legisla
tion what vas demanued In their call
by Governor Williams.
Senator o'Neill said many Of the
members Of both houses, particularly
those serving on the committees had
worked day and night. arduously and
effectively "Of course, said the
fenator. many matters arose upon
which there would be dlyergencies Of
opinion All such matters had to be
threshed out and argued pro and con
before a unanimity OF action could pos
sibly be obtained"
Considering the comparatively shor.
time the E1eciai assembly was in ses
sion the senator thought many excel.
tnt measures had been adopted. laws
which will ultimately prove of great
est good 20 the masses OF the people.
When questioned as to the effect the
usury law viii have upon both the
bankers and the people generally. the
borrowing class Of people. Senator
O'Neill said that the bin would un-
donhtedly work hardship along some
lines The bankers, he said, are IN
doHbtedly viewing the situation just
as ii exists. The small borrower Will
he hit as we'll as the banker and that
il viii work q hardship on him must,
the senator stated, be readily admitted
liy those who supported the measure
MS wei as by those who voted against
the bills final passage. The man who
fas been in the habit Of asking and
obtaining loans in sums from $40 tol
$500 and whose security has usually
beer his honesty and his reputation Of
always paying his bills, win be af-
fccsed BY the usury law for the simple
reason that the loan which he desires
will be 50 uniniviting to the banker
or the man with money to loan that he
will not care TO take chances of max
ing the loan on the small interest re-
Enumeration which the law will now al
low him to charge
An effort was made. Senator ONeiH
stated, to fix minimum interest
charge which might be allowed on all
small loans. This effort was made ir
the form Of an amendment to the bill
as it was ultimately passed, but the
amendment was defeated.
There can be no question, the sena-
tor stated. Of the constitutionality OF
the law as II was finally passed. He
further stated that 1t was the CHIEF
effort Of the senators and the house
members to enact some legislation
which would protect, from extortion-
ate interest charges. the small Dor
rover. Unfortunately, the senator
said, insurmountable difficulties have
arisen and have presented themselves
which it may be feared will rendes
the measure so drastic that many
small borrowers will be deprived OF inc
use Of money on the security they may
be able to give
our efforts, however" said sena
tor o'Neill were along lines calculat-
ed to protect the little fellow The nlg
borrower. as a rule, has security am
Pie TO get big loans and is never chars'
cd an extortionate rate. The man
who borrowed from $40 to $500 has
been the man who has complained.
The senator stated ths. inasin''ch as