OkieLegacy Centennial Moment

We found this October 27, 1907 news article in The Daily Oklahoman. It was 100 years ago that President Roosevelt was turning 49 years old; Statehood would be given soon to Oklahoma, even though a strong lobby in Washington, headed by Frantz, was trying to stop Oklahoma's statehood.

Washington, Oct. 26, 1907 -- "In Washington today are many politicians from Oklahoma who desire either to help or hurt statehood. Some of them headed by Henry E. Asp are trying to prevent the government from giving statehood to the people. Others aided by Frank S. Monnett, former attorney general of Ohio, are urging the administration to sign the enabling act.

Undoubtedly the president will sign, but in the meantime the people of Oklahoma must understand that there have been here in Washington a well organized lobby which is trying to prevent statehood, and urging all the influence possible to prevent the final admission of the state. At the head of the lobby is Governor Frantz. With him are many Oklahoma politicians.

Nevertheless, today in Washington the admissions of Oklahoma is accepted as assured, and every man with influence admits that it is assured.

When the presidential proclamation is issued which will be within two or three days, it will declare for the admission of the territory to statehood.

When congress meets it will insist that the senators and the representatives elected by the voters of Oklahoma shall be given their credentials.
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