The free press., 1923-09-27

1t is the day for action, when
deeds win replace the threats and
counter threats hurled by the op-
posing forces through the press.
Noon is the hour set for the show
down.
Out Of the maelstronn of public
opinion there has risen the picture
of an inevitable clash between ma
tional guard troops posted at the
doors of the house chamber in the
capitcl and the determined solons
bent on impeaching the governor
for alleged misuse of his official
prerogatives. But some sober OBJ
servers foresee a peaceful meeting
between the opposing forces without
bloodshed. The ring Of steel against
steel and the sharp crack OF rifles
will not disturb the silent marble
corridors of the house if plans OF
the legislators are followed; for
there will be 10 force exercised on
their part if they are denied admit
tance to the legislative halls. In
stead. they expect to go quietly 70
the capital and as quitely leave,
once they see the way is barred.
They have announced they shall
not force the governors hand in his
threats to "shoot to kill if that is
necessary to prevent the assembly.
Court action will be their only
recourse they say. And Governor
Walton declares he will welcome
test of his action in the courts.
Tense Expectancy
An air of tence expectancy per-
vaded the city early today as addl-
tional anits of the Oklahoma ma
tional guard arrived to reinforce
the troops already mobilized.
Strict censorship of troop move
ments prevented an accurate count
of the military forces, but 1t was
estimated fully 500 were 'in the
field" Both civil and military au-
thorities took all possible precau-
tions to prevent demonstrations.
No crowds were permitted to col
lect around or inside the capital
this morning. Only state officials,
with business within and newspa
per men were allowed to enter the
building.
Despite Governor Walton's order
directing the use of all force OF
arms and men necessary to prevent
the meeting, the belief was expressed
in well-informed quarters only
q very small show of military force
would be made in halting the legis-
lators. This opinion gained in
strength with the assurance by Ad-
jutant General B. H. Markham of
an official command to the house
members not to try to meet, al
though there was nothing in the de-
cree itself to indicate what action
the troops contemplated,
moon will find us at the capital,
unarmed and ungarded,' was the
answer of Rresentative w. d.
McBee of Stevens county, to the or
der. I'VE stand where we always
stood We will meet pursuant to
-our signed call.
Quorum on Hand
Early today 60 members of the
house had signed the call and pre-
dictions were made at least doz-
en- more names would be added be-
fore noon. Fifty-four constitute a
majority of the house.
With the meeting at the capital
almost sure to be prevented, it is
expected that the legislators will
attempt to gather elsewhere in the
city later, compelling the military
authorities to arrest them under
the governors martiay law edict.
barring unlawful assembly" This,
it is predicted, would pave the way
for proceedings either in the U. S.
district court or the supreme court
to determine the legal status of the
session.
A telegraphic appeal by Governor
Walton to President Coolidge
last night asking that the gove~-i-
n,ent prevent the use of the loea.
federal building for ,se sess:es,j
brought . 'qrisk RESPONSE thai reg
sations prevent the use of zfedel v
EkniId ;Hg6 SSeep FOR the tsansa