Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-01-06
OKLAHOMA GOVERNORS FOES
TO SEEK IMPEACHMENT ANEW
Investigation to Be First Act
on Program of the
Legislature.
Inocmpetency Is Charged
Mrs. Hammonds, Secretary,
Is Storm Center.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

| Special Dispatch to The Star
| OKLAHOMA CITY, January S.
Oklahoma is about to enter upon the
throes Of another attempt to impeach
| governor.
OF the seven governors of the State
Jack Walton was impeached and at
| temptS were made to impeach all others
except one, r. l.. Williams.
The Twelfth Legislature of this 81
| year-old State assemblies January
with an investigation of State depart
| ments to be the first act on the pro-
gram, especially the administration OF
Gov. Henry S. Johnston.
The political enemies of the governor
declare their turn has arrived, and the
impeachment program started last
Winter in the attempted session on in
herent rights will be carried out.
Incompetency Charged.
The principal charges brought against
the governor in political circles are in
competency and conspiracy in that
graft has been called to his attention
and he failed to act.
The troubles of the governor arise
out of the State Highway Department
and his persistence in keeping Mrs. 0.
o. Hammonds, confidential secretary to
the governor, in his Office In spite OF
the advice of political advisers and the
threats of his opponents.
Mrs. Hammonds' position of power
caused the attempt of Legislators to
convene without executive call to be
termed the "ewe lamb rebellion" as
Gov. Johnston likened her TO the "ewe
lamb and the legislators to the pack
attempting to throw him out Of office
and destroy her power.
At that time Gov. Johnston stirred
the State by calling out the militia to
prevent the assembly. Half dressed, the
House members met in a hotel room in
the small hours of the morning, while
Guardsmen patroled the capital, and
voted alleged articles of impeachment
against the governor.
The same session brought alleged i'm
parchment charges against Fred P.
Branson, chief justice of the State SUI
preme Court, and Harry B. Cordell,
president of the board of agriculture.
The Democratic Senators, with 50
members to II Republicans have or
ganized against Gov. Johnston, who is
a Democrat. Most political observers
believe charges voted by the House will
be equivalent to impeachment OF the
governor. Added to that is the appar-
ent willingness of WI. Holloway, lieu
tenant governor and president Of the
Senate, to step into the executive chair.
Senate Secretary Ousted.
In making Its powerful move against
Gov. Johnston, the Senate ousted w. G.
McAlister, secretary Of the Senate and
secretary of the State election board in
the Democratic caucus held recently.
AS secretary of the election board,
McAlister was the most powerful poll
tician in the State. The control OF the
election machinery was in his hands.
That served as weight on Senators
and means of bringing pressure from
their districts.
McAlister was allied with Johnston.
He was credited with being the most
clever strategist in this State, where
politics moves swiftly.
So with the Senate having taken
stand against Johnston, the battle lies
in the House. Allen Street OF Okla
roma City, neutral between the anti
administration and pro-administratlon
factions of Democratic House members,
has sufficient pledges to become speaker
Of the House.
Satisfactory to Administration.
He is satisfactory to the administra-
ton and disliked by the anti-admlnis-
tration block Of Democratic House