The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1917-09-14

SPECIAL AND CONTINUOUS SESSIONS.

COME time ago citizen of Oklahoma was talking to
~ man down in the financial district of New York lie
was given cordial audience bu, he didn't get the money
that ne sought Th. was the New York nancerS
did not look with favor the legislative activities oi
Oklahoma And they never will until we take more
advanced position
For good many months The Times has urged that
Oklahoma establish new legislative system patterned
after the admirable commission form OF local government
which is in effect in Oklahoma City and a lot OF other
progressive cities Of this country We have not heard OF
q ct.en Of town who would consider revertng to
the aldemanic form Of city government under which we
struggled unsuccessully for many years until we found
q better way to direct local affairs.
But the state of Oklahoma clngs the antquaed form
Of government which brought into use in the United
States about $50 years ago We still have legislature
that meets each two years Right there good deal
Of agitation about holding special session. Wfhe sqQe
Of the advocates Of special session declare that cond
tons demand special session. there is strong sentiment
which holds to the belief that special session is needed
to transact the business that the regular session overlooked
q cast aside for political easonsog rolling reasons OF
otherwise In any event legislation is needed which
could have been adjusted in better manner il we'd had
small legislature continuous session Just the state
board Of affairs and the Oklahoma City board OF commits
sioners are the job every working day in the
or course all will admit that the has broush, abou,
Q situation that invites legislation But had there
been there plenty Of for amendments
and changes in laws which could be quickly and effectively
Made II we had legislature in active session, provided
the legislative body contained about sixteen members,
instead Of 6 who make many speeches using up the time
Of the session which paid for extremely high rates by
the taxpayers Possibly the time wasted in unnecessary
debate by the Oklahoma legislature represents that
would be fortune to any one OF 100000 people out Of
our population Of 20O0OW
Yet we 60 right in this clumsy, expensive fashion.
But the part Of the ready for change
OF course expect many Of the members of the
legislature to favor small body since probably less than
do.en Of them would stand much chance Of being elected
basis OF merit While there lot of good in
the Oklahoma Legislature, few of them are qualified by
scientific training make laws Probably they will admit
as much But the members are not to blame it i. the
system which is in disfavor
When the next session is ready for business the mer,-
beSs who.support that establishes small legis
iaure that always in session will find that their action
with the approval Of great number Of taxpayer,
who tired Of the ancient plan that we sagger under
The members Of the legislature who will father reform
will b serving their constituents All that is asked by III,
people Is chance TO vote the question Will the egs
laure refuse give the people the chance express he
views At the pols1