People of the “Twin Territories” were united as the 46th state of the Union on the latter date.
That Constitutional Convention must have been a thing to see. Presiding was one of this state's most colorful figures, William H. (Alfalfa Bill) Murray, who later served as Oklahoma's ninth governor.
Actually, the whole process had to started a couple of years earlier, when a general convention was held in Oklahoma City for delegates from both Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory, which was the domain of the Five Civilized Tribes.
There had been some talk of two separate states, but at this convention “single statehood” was published.
In the summer of 1906, President Rosevelt signed the Enabling Act which provided for the holding of a constitutional convention; retaining Guthrie as the temporary capital until 1913; division of the state into five Congressional districts; setting aside of two sections (16 and 36) in every township in Oklahoma Territory for school and state lands; and the payment of $5 million in lieu of school lands in Indian Territory.
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention were elected at the general election in November. There were 99 Democrats, 12 Republicans, and one Independent delegates elected.
Delegates met Nov. 20, 1906, at Guthrie, capital of Oklahoma Territory to begin work on the constitution. Those men who had helped draft the Sequoyah Constitution at Muskogee the previous year were most influential in controlling of the convention.
Forty-five committees were appointed to consider a special subject for the Constitution. Delegates remained in session, except for a Christmas recess, until April 22, 1907, anniversary date of the Great Run in 1889. The convention adjourned to meet again Aug. 5.
There was some controversy other the Constitution and with orders from Washington for a special census, many believed the new document would not be accepted.
Murray, who had as president conducted the convention as a legislative body, sent a copy of the constitution to President Roosevelt. Some pairs of the constitution were changed when delegates gathered again. When completed, the constitution for the new State of Oklahoma was very progressive indeed.
Among its provision, the “initiative” gave Oklahoma citizens the direct power of proposing and voting upon a law without state legislative action. Another provision was the “referendum,” which gave the electorate the right to demand that an act of the Legislature be submitted for decision by the people.
The State Corporation Commission to govern public service corporations was formed; the eight-hour day established; almost every state office was elective.
Oklahoma's last territorial governor, Frank Grantz, set Sept. 17, 1907, as the election date for people to make their dicision on the Constitution. Citizens also voted on a clause prohibiting liquor traffic. Voters approved both issues.
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