The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1921-04-12
A CRISIS IN

when somebody was not insisting that a Crisis" in affairs, polhi
cal or economic, was at hand and hence the frequent appearance
familiarity which breeds contempt. As a consequence the publ
generally is inclined to discount odd Man Crisis when he put
IN his appearance, believing that the conditions which cause
alarm viii blow over. as they usually do. and that everything vii
be righted by the ordinary course OF events. This feeling on the
part OF the public probably accounts for the fact that a compara-
uvely Few people appear to sense the seriousness OF the situation
which has arisen in Oklahoma by reason OF the adjournment o
the state legislature without making the appropriations neces-
sary to MAINTAIN the state government and institutions That IT is
real crisis must be recognized by all who give any thought to the
matter and hence 1t IS high time for every citizen OF Oklahoma
to awake to the gravity OF the condition which confronts the
commonwealth.
With all credit agencies already strained to the limit as a re-
suit OF conditions caused by a period OF business depression in
the country at large. the state OF Oklahoma is today without funds
for conducting the various institutions and departments OF gov
eminent. 1t IS not because the state has no money IN the treasury
and not because il is not worthy Of credit but solely because the
legislature has failed to make its funds and its credit available
No money can be paid out Of the treasury and no obligations CON
tracted except upon the basis OF appropriations made by the legis-
lature. Some Of the state institutions, including the university
and the A. & NJ. college. are without funds to finish the scholas-
tic year. Fortunately, however, the Oklahoma College for Wo-
men, was given an emergency appropriation whereby 1t can con
tinue operations till July l. After the latter date. there is not a
dollar in sight for the maintenance OF any institution or depart
ment of government.
Bushes conditions are such that the state cannot stand the
additional strain which the failure Of the appropriation bills must
inevitably place upon its financial institutions and hence we are
headed straight toward disaster unless prompt measures are tax
Ell to relieve the situation. 1t is reported that concerns which
have contracted to furnish supplies for the state pententtary and
eeemosenary institutions are already refusing to fill orders be
cause there is no money available TO pay bills. 1t is clear that
unless this condition is changed before July the state govern
ment must come to a standstil and quit business. This prospect
even though the worst should not come 10 pass, IS not calculated
to improve the states credit Sbroad and is therefore %deplorable
in the highest degree.
1t has been proposed that the towns in which state institu-
tons are located may take care Of their temporary needs until
July and that in the meantime the people can initiate and pass
the appropriation bills. This suggestion, in our judgment, will not
appeal to any business man VINO takes into account existing imam
cnl conditions. 1t does not apply to Chickasha because the in
sttuhon here is already provided for but does anybody think the
banks of Norman would be able to furnish the enormous sum re
quired to maintain the university till the close of the fiscal year?
In the face of all the conditions as they are known to exist
with all its urgency, the state cannot afford to take the long way
which the initiative method REQUIRES. Nothing short OF Inme-
date action by the legislature can relieve the situation and pro-
tet the states interests. AS a result OF the emphatic and almost
unanimous chorus of public condemnation which has been poured
out since the hasty and in-considered adjournment OF the legBla
ture. it is hardly conceivable that the recalcitrant lawmakers
if they were reconvened, would continue to play politics, refus-
ing to make the necessary appropriations. The people OF Okla
hona, irrespective OF party affiliations, are insisting that pubhc
interest is paramount to political advantage and they are III no
mood to be triaed with longer. However dull Of understanding
they may be, as demonstrated by past actions, the political lead
es must be credited with a little comprehension sufficient at
least for them to realize that they have been playing with dan
grous fire and that the people will hold them responsible for the
results. "A spirit Of reasonable concession and a Willingness to
perform their duty with nothing but the welfare Of the state in
view, would enable the two houses to get together on the ap
preparation measures without delay. An extra session offers the
ton in which the state finds itself Any other course means delay
and difficulties which may make a bad situation worse. In this
grave emergency Governor Robertson has asked counsel OF the
people and has declared that he will be governed by the wishes
of the people. Let every citizen speak out.
A novel warning sign has been erected at a railroad cross
ing in San Antonio consisting Of a platform eight feet above the
ground, upon which is placed a wrecked automobile which figured
in a fatal accident Of that road some time ago and which re-
suited in the death of two occupants OF the car. A sign under the
?"-Ada News.