Constitutional Convention News |
Prominent Delegates to the Convention |
William H. Murray (Constitutional Convention President, ninth Governor of Oklahoma, first Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives)
Charles N. Haskell (first Governor of Oklahoma)
Robert L. Williams (third Governor of Oklahoma, first Chief Justice of Oklahoma)
Henry S. Johnston (Constitution Convention President Pro Tempore, seventh Governor of Oklahoma, first President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate)
Pete Hanraty (Constitution Convention Vice President)
Albert H. Ellis (Constitutional Convention Second Vice President)
Charles M. McClain (Constitutional Convention Secretary)
Chas H. Filson (Secretary of Oklahoma) |
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The Jimplecute. November 24, 1906
Jefferson, Tex. 18??-1907 |
NEW STATE CONVENTION MEETS FOR ORGANIZATION
Constitutional Convention of Oklahoma Is Called Together.
Oaths Administered.
Guthrie, Ok., Nov 21.-- In the opera
house, tendered by citizens of Guthrie
yesterday afternoon, and in the presence of seven or eight hundred onlookers, the Constitutional Convention of
the State of Oklahoma became a reality. Gov Frantz and Chief Justice
Burford of the Territorial Government
were inattendance the Governor to
give welcome on part of the Nation
State and city and the latter to administer the oath.
The Democratic caucus which completed its work at noon, presented
these candidates who were elected by
a vote of 97 to 11, the latter being
the Republican strength.
W. H. Murray, Tishomingo, president; Peter Hanraty, South McAlester,
vice president; John M. Young, Lawton, secretary; W. A. Durant, Durant,
I. T., sergeant at arms; Pat Oakes,
Woods County, Ok., assistant sergeant
at arms; Rev. Frank Naylor, Pawnee,
chaplain.
The Republican caucus presented
but two candidates: P. B. ,Hopkins,
Muskogee, for president and Charles
O. Frey, of Gaus I. T., for vice president.
Henry S Johnson, of Perry chair
man of the Democratic caucus, called
the convention together as an Individual delegate.
Invocation was offered by Chaplain
Naylor.
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Palestine Daily Herald. December 03, 1906
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
FORTY-TWO RESOLUTIONS FOR CONVENTION
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DOWN TO BUSINESS AT GUTHRIE, OK.
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Dec 3.-- Forty-two resolutions were offered in the constitutional convention today, among them
one creating a railway commission,
one to prevent capital punishment for
women, one absolutely prohibiting
gambling, one for the State to purchase
all or as much as financial condition
will permlt of the segregated coal
lands in the Indian Territory and petitioning congress for such opportunity.
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Palestine Daily Herald. December 04, 1906
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
THE NEGRO QUESTION
Discrimination Against Negroes in Oklahoma Being Closely Watched.
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Dec. 4.-- It Is learned
officially that all action regarding discrimination against the negro being
taken by the Democratic majority in
the constitutional convention is being
closely watched by the negroes and
reported promptly to President Roosevelt. Foraker and others in Washington hold enabling act will make it impossible to discriminate in any other
way than in separate schools.
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Palestine Daily Herald. December 06, 1906
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Eighteen Additional Propositions Intrduced for Incorporation
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Dec. 6.-- Eighteen additional propositions for the constitution
were introduced today, among them
one compelling life insurance companies to invest within 75 per cent of
premiums within the State, one prohibiting corporations donating to campaign funds, one disqualifying judges
in railroad cases who carry passes,
one to prohibit lotteries of all kinds,
prize fights, etc., and one establishing
a labor arbitration commission.
The commission is now costing $2.20
a minute.
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Palestine Daily Herald. December 12, 1906
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
DISPUTE WAS SETTLED
Delegates at Constitution Convention Decide on Reference to God
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Dec. 12.-- The consttutional convention adopted "Investing the guidance of the Almighty God,
we the people of Oklahoma, do ordain
and establish this constitution," instead of the words "Supreme Ruler of
the universe," which the delegates
held a concession to atheism.
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Palestine Daily Herald. December 21, 1906
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Convention Adjourns
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Dec. 21.-- The constitutional convention today passed the county boundry report, making seventy-five counties. The convention then adjourned to jan. 3.
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The Washington Herald. January 02, 1907
Washington, D.C. 1906-1939, |
FEAR JIM CROW LAW |
Democrats Warn Oklahoma
on Race Question |
ROOSEVELT WOULD DENOUNCE |
| Party Leader Afraid of Consequences of Opportunity President Would Have -- Document Might Not Be Approved If Inconsistent with Federal Constitution. |
The Brownsville affair is going to prevent the enactment of some important constitutional law. Within last few days it has become known in Washington that the Democratic leaders in Oklahoma Oklahoma have have been planning to put in the constitution of the new State sections which would forever bar the negro from his civil and industrial rights.
Among the propositions that are understood to have been agreed on were sections providing for separate schools for the races, the customary suffrage requirements that have been enacted by the legislatures of the Southern States States, and the the usual Jim Crow laws as to railroad street car traffic, waitingrooms, and hotel and restaurant privileges.
As soon as word of what was going on in Oklahoma reached the ears Democrats in Washington a quiet veto of the programme was at once decided on. The leaders of the Democratic party in the House and Senate notified their friends in Oklahoma that their plan would not be tolerated for a moment. They urged that tt would be a national calamity. It would they declared give President Roosevelt the opportunity to set himself straight on the negro question and regain what he has lost with the friends of the race during the last few weeks by his action in regardto the the discharged men of the Twenty-fifth Infantry.
Afraid of President.
"Bang! would come a ringing message." said one Democratic Senator, "within twelve hours that would throw Oklahoma into the Gulf of Mexico. He would decline approve the constitution or recognize the State. In this way he would square himself with all the negroes in the country and all their sympathizers for his course in the Brownsville matter.
It has been pointed out to the Oklahomans that all provisions that they wanted to put in their constitution can be more satisfactorily adjusted by legislative enactment. None of the Southern States has any "jim crow" provision in its constitution. In Mississippi and South Carolina the "jim crow" legislation was enacted immediately after the reconstruction period, but in Texas there was no legislation on the subject until the eighties. One of the Democratic Senators suggested in a letter that there would be plenty of time to put anything new in the constitutioa after it had been approved, meaning that the new State could amend its constitution at any time.
How to Do It.
Republicans here have been informed that one of the reasons why Oklahoma went so overwhelmingly Democratic in the election of delegates to the constitutional convention was because the campaign was largely made on the race question. It was pointed out to the people of Oklahoma that they could dispose of the Issue for all time by incorporating in the State constitution the main provisions provisions of the "jim crow" laws of Mississippi.
Although the enabling act of State does not contemplate a refusal on the part of the President to issue a proclamation after the vote on the proclomation has been properly certified to him, he nevertheless, has the power to do so and it would become his duty to recognize a State if the constitution adopted violated any of the provisions of the Federal Constitution. |
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 03, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 3.-- The constitutional convention reconvened today. A
provision providing that a writ of habeas corpus could never be suspended
and that the military shall be subservient to the civil authorities caused much discussion. An amendment
to the Federal constitution "Unless
public safety requires it in case ot rebellion or invasion," was voted down.
Former Governor Thomas, of Colorado
in a letter criticised the alleged undue
authority given the military in Colorado in a letter criticized the alledged undue authority given the military in Colorado as resulted during the strike
trouble, and advised against such
clause in the Oklahoma constitution.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 05, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 5,-- The rules committee of the constitutional convention today announced it was ready
to receive testimony in connection
with the reported boodle matters in
the county formations. It is reported
a Federal grand jury may investigate
the charges. A constitutional proposition preventing armed forces entering the State to quell domestic violence has been introduced.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 07, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Charges of Extortion
Speclal to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 7.-- A charge was
made in the constitutional convention
today that under the guise of the
union label on State printing extortionary prices are being charged. Delegate Kornegay made the charge, and
a committee is to be appointed to investigate, and to make terms for future printing.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 11, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Election in September
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 11.-- It was proposed in the constitutional convention
today to set September 3 as the date
for holding the election to ratify or
reject the proposed constitution for
the State.
A resolution was introduced making
alfalfa the floral emblem of the State.
Later an amendment was offered naming the strawberry instead. The matter was postponed.
A memorial was adopted asking
congress not to affirm the Hitchcock
action in the forest reserve matter.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 12, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
NO DISTINCTION
In Meaning of Race Between Indian and White in Oklahoma
Special to the Herald
Guthrie. Ok., Jan. 12.-- The general
provisions committee reported the folowing provision for the constitution: Prohibiting Intermarriage between negroes or either white or Indians. Prohibiting race distinction between Indians and whites, making negro mean African descent within the third degree. No legislative act shall become
a law until ninety days after adjournment. The State gives the right to engage in mining, manufacturing and transportation
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 14, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
The Separate Coach Problem |
Special to tho Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 11.-- Democrats
in the United States senate today were
appealed to by the convention delegates as to what course to follow regarding tho separate coach clause In
the constitution to be adopted. Whether it is best to keep the party pledge, and run the chances of President Roosevelt's disapproval is the question.
Congress was asked today to survey the Arkansas river from Fort Smith to Muskogee.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 15, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
WANT TO VOTE ON JIM CROW LAW
PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA WANT TO VOTE ON JIM CROW LAW FOR THE STATE
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 15.--A constitutional provision was introduced today asking for a separate submissionto the people of the State on the Jim Crow coach law.
Congress was asked not to discontinue the Carlisle Indian school.
It is probable the bill of rights will not give immunity to corporations or officers in giving testimony.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 18, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Oregon Law Adopted
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 18.--The constitutional convention adopted sections of the initiative and referendum law as are effective in Oregon. The liquor interests are claiming a victory as certain for high license and local option.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 21, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 21.-- The constitutional convention today discussed the 2-cent railroad fare.
Tecumseh has offered 210 acres for a capital site.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 23, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
| Can Engage in Business
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 23.--The constitutional convention has adopted a proviaion that the State the right to engage in any occupation or business.
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The Salt Lake Herald. January 24, 1907
Salt Lake City, Utah 1870-1909 |
MAKING PROVISION FOR STATE OWNERSHIP
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 23.-- The constitutional convention today placed an amendment in the bill of rights granting to the state the right to engage in business, industry, or the exercise the right of a common carrier. The amendment was inspired by
the probability of the establishment ot a state oil refinery. A provision covering the lat*e* will be submitted on the floor later and the constitution was arranged to allow this.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 29, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Prohibition in New State
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 29.-- The liquor traffic committee of the constitutional convention reported favoring the submitting of prohibition separately to the people of Oklahoma at the first
general election.
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Palestine Daily Herald. January 29, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Jan. 2S.-- The convention is discussing making the pipelines comomn carriers excepting pipes conveying gas Indications are that it will pass as part of a plan to keep
Oklahoma gas inside the State.
A proposition has been introduced making prize fighting and lobbying crimes.
The delegate are disgruntled regarding Roosevelts threats. It is now believed the "Jim crow" section will be eliminated.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 01, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Convention Adopts Substitute Report of Liquor Traffic Committee.
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 1.-- The constitutional convention in committee of the whole adopted the substitute report of the liquor traffic committee, submitting separately to the people of the
entire State the question of prohibition.
President Murray is still insisting on substituting the South Carolina dispensary system for separate submission.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 02, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Constitutional Provision Adopted to Treat trusts as Criminals.
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 2.--The constitutional convention adopted a provision prohibiting trusts and monopolies and that they be treated as criminals.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 04, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Texas Law Copied
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 4.--A bill has been introduced in the constitutional convention extending the Texas oil inspection laws over Oklahoma with a view of destroying trusts and monopoly in the Territories.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 05, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 5.-- Indications
are that the womans suffrage clause
which is before the convention today
will be defeated.
A resolution has been adopted seeking to destroy the Standard Oil monopoly by a proper inspection law.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 06, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 6.-- The convention killed the woman suffrage also the poll tax qualification to vote clauses. The provision making the rate of interest 6 per cent and maximum rate 10 per cent was favorably reported.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 09, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Will Establish State Printery
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 9--The constitutional convention gives the State legislature the power to establish a State printery.
The investigation of the Kansas City stock yards by the Missouri and Kansas legislatures was by resolution endorsed.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 11, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
To Defeat the Constitution
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 11.-- The liquor interests, the negroes, and persons disappointed in the county boundary matters, the county seat propositions, etc., are working together to defeat the proposed constitution as now framed with prospects of being successful.
Homestead and exemption articles were discussed today.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 15, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
JIM CROW CLAUSE DISCUSSION LAID OVER
INDEFINITELY BY OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
GREER COUNTY TROUBLE.
Special to the Herald
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 15.-- Discussion of the Jim Crow clause for the constitution has been indefinitely postponed.
The supreme court is hearing the
application for an injunction against
the convention preventing the dividing of Greer county. President Murray will pay no attention to the order if granted
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 16, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
YOUR A LIAR AND YOU'RE ANOTHER
WAS THE WAY OKLAHOMA CONSTITUTION MAKERS DEBATED RAILROAD LEGISLATION
Special to tho Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 16,-- During the constitutional conventions discussion of the railroad collision provision today, Delegate Baker challenged the integrity of Delegate Haskel,l of Muskogee, in the anti-railroad legislation.
You are a dirty contemptible liar yelled Haskell throwing an ink well at Bakers head.
You're another yelled back Baker and shot an ink well back at Haskell.
Other delegates dodged until friends got between the combatants.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 18, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Railroad Commission Created
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 18.-- Twelve sections of the law reported by the railroad committee have been adopted by the convention. A State commission will be created and the giving and receiving of passes is prohibited. The Hepburn bill on the consolidation of competing lines also the consolidation of Oklahoma independent lines with foreign systems is prohibited. The amendment extending the commissions power over elevators and cotton presses was referred.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 21, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Referendum Law Adopted
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 21.--The Oregon initiative and referendum law was adopted by the convention. The test vote on the "Jim Crow" provisions shows it will probably be adopted.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 25, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
ANOTHER BATTLE ROYAL AVERTED
IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AT GUTHRIE-DELEGATE HERRING IS MAD.
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie Ok Feb 25 Another battle Royal was narrowly averted in the constitutional convention here today. Delegate Herring and President Murray clashed but were prevented from delivering blows.
The labor and arbitration report creates a state commission and prevents the employment in factories and on public works of men for more than eight hours dally.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 26, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Convention is Exonerated
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb 26.--The convention today was exonerated of all graft charges by the committee report. Immediately afterward the county seat of Harper county was fixed at Buffalo, where nothing exists but wheat fields.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 27, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 27. --The constitutional convention killed the "Jim Crow" provision, and adopted a clause prohibiting the foreign ownership of land.
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Palestine Daily Herald. February 28, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., Feb. 28.--Cities are forbidden to grant exclusive franchises under a proposition adopted by the constitutional convention. It is believed now that it is doubtful if the constitution will be ratified by the people. Even some of the delgates are doubtful on this point.
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 01, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., March 2.--The constitutional convention adopted a provision that the governor or any other elective officer within the state may be impeached for wilful neglect of duty, corruption in office, drunkenness, incompetency or for any offense involving moral turpitude.
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 04, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Provisions
Special to the Herald/
Guthrie, Ok., March 4.--The initiative and referendum were adopted as constitutional provisions ny the convention today.
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 05, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
A MINORITY REPORT
Republicans in Constitutional Convention Make Recommendations.
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., March 5.-- Republican members of the constitutional convention who are in the minority have introduced a proposition for a State constitution. It is short and contains stringent provisions for the regulation of trusts and other measures that are popular with the masses.
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 06, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention
Special to the Haerald.
Guthrie, Ok., March 6.--he bill of rights passed by the convention provides that three-fourths of a jury convicts.
The State is allowed to engage in any kind of business.
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 11, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Victory For Prohibitionists
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., March 11.--The constitutional convention adopted the provision submitting the prohibition question seperately to the people of the new State. This is considered a big victory for the prohibitionists.
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 14, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Convention to Adjourn
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., March 14.--It is believed the convention will finish its work on Friday and adjourn. Election day has been set for August 6.
This was on Thursday. |
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Palestine Daily Herald. March 15, 1907
Palestine, Tex. 1902-1949 |
Constitutional Convention Closed
Special to the Herald.
Guthrie, Ok., March 15.--The constitutional convention closed today, to resume again April 16, for the purpose of signing the constitution. Of the congressional apprpriation $831 remains, with no salaries paid since January 30, and with no printing bill.
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The Salt Lake Herald. April 20, 1907
Salt Lake City, Utah 1870-1909 |
CONSTITUTION ADOPTED
Oklahoma Convention Adjourns After Session of Five Months
Guthrie, Ok., April 19.--Without a dissenting vote, but with twenty-seven of the eighty-five delegates present not voting, the constitution for the proposed state of Oklahoma framed by the convention which has been in session nearly the last five months, was adopted at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon.
Prolonged applause from the floor and galleries greeted President Murray's announcement that the work of the convention had been consummated. Only one of thetwelve Republican member, Delegate Cloud, an Indian clergyman, saw the finish.
At 2:46 o'clock President Murray signed the sheepskin copy of the constitution with an alfalfa pen. The attending district number and the other details were affixed with a pen presented by W. J. Bryan.
The election committee will report tomorrow, whena definite time for an adjournment sine die will be announced.
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The Salt Lake Herald. November 17, 1907
Salt Lake City, Utah 1870-1909 |
FINALLY ADJOURNED
Guthrie, Ok., Nov. 16.--On the mention of William Murray, prsident of the Oklahoma contitutional convention adjourned sine die this afternoon. Two thirds of the members met on the steps of the Carnegie library and adopted the resolution proposed by the presiding officer.
The conventions decision not to adjourn finaly until the constitution was signed by the president excited much comment at the conclusion of its session here.
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