The Norman Democrat--Topic (Norman, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, March 2, 1917 Page: 4 of 8
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PAGE FOUR
THE NORMAN DEMOCRAT-TOPIC, FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 1917.
NORMAN DEMOCRAT-TOPIC
Published Every Friday
By W. J. HESS
One Year in Advance $1.50
Six Months 75
Three Months .40
Entered at the postoffice at Norman, Oklahoma, for
transportation through the mails as second class mail mat-
ter.
MAKING NEW ISSUES.
This Legislature may not pass resolutions sub-
mitting to the people amendments to the Consti-
tution providing for a Legislature of reduced size
in both branches and for a shorter ballot, but the
introduction of measures providing for these
amendments will have the result of making them
statewide issues in the next campaign, even if
they arc defeated of allowed to die 011 the calen-
dar.
We do not mean by this that the people will
necessarily adopt cither of these amendments in
their present form, even if they are submitted,
but we do believe that both subjects constitute
matters of sufficient public interest to warrant
them becoming serious issues in the minds of the
voters in the next campaign.
Very few people, probably, think seriously at
this time of the unicameral legislature, or the
commission form of government for the State,
but a great many people,—and among them some
of the sanest and most progressive members of
the Legislature itself, do think earnestly that the
state's legislative work can be more capably and
more economically discharged by a legislature
composed of less members in both branches, and
that the members of such reduced houses should
be better paid and be compelled to hold longer or
more frequent sessions.
Speaker Paul Nesbijt has a plan for a legisla-
tive reference committee to remain in session dur-
ing the long vacations between the present regu-
lar sessions, whose duty it would be to investigate
and thresh out all proposed subjects of legislation
and have the measures prepared for submission
to the legislative session at its regular bi-ennial
meeting. Some such plan would improve the
quality and reduce the number of hills to be in-
troduced, and it could be made a method of real
economic and great governmental value.
The "Shorter-Ballot" law is attracting atten-
tion and wide discussion in many of our sister
states, and in Oklahoma it is argued it would not
only make for more efficient government, but it
would almost entirely eliminate the monkey and
parrot rows between "elected" officials that has
afflicted and disgraced everv administration since
statehood.
erly, and the steady increase in attendance at the
'tate schools and in the number of inmates of the
penal and eleemosynary institutions makes addi
tional room imperative.
I he fact that the legislature has provided fo'r
paying off installments of the state debt that will
fall due in the next two years, and that the ap
propriations are being kept well within the esti-
mates of the state's income from a two and a half
mill levy for state purposes, and from the gross
production tax and from other sources are some
satisfaction.
I he fact that this year as a result of the legis-
lation of I'll5 and 1V16 the deficiencies are only
about one-fourth the amount appropriated for in
other sessions is a matter for congratulation
Emergency matters, consented to by the govern-
or, afford the only basis now on which a deficiency
can be created, and as a result the general defi
cicncy appropriation this year will drop from near
ly a million dollars, made necessary to be appro
priated for at former sessions, to less than one-
fourth of that sum for all deficiency purposes at
this session.
1 his session of the Legislature promises to holfl
a few days over the sixty-day period as all of its
predecessors have done, but the fact that this year
the sessions have been held in an uncompleted
building, away from hotel facilities, and for a part
of the time without adequate transportation ser-
vice, makes this really the shortest regular session
ever held in Oklahoma.
The oil men of the state made a sincere and
earnest effort to reduce the gross production tax
on oil, but the)' failed to convince the majority
that the tax at three per cent is unjust or inequit-
able. The State Board of Equalization should be
empowered to raise or lower this tax to the aver-
age basis of advalorem taxation on a proper show-
ing by representatives of the whole industry af-
fected rather than in individual cases as the law
now seems to provide. No legislature will ever
be able to make the proper investigation and have
the hearings necessary to convince them of the
necessity of making a change either wav from the
present rate. I he majority of members in both
houses want to make all tax levies fair and equit-
able, but the adjustment of rates is a duty that can
be much better performed by the Board of Equal-
ization than it can be by a hurried legislative ses-
sion.
I
APPROPRIATIONS FAIRLY LIBERAL.
Appropriations have fared unusually well at
this session of the Legislature, and this mav be
accounted for in two ways:
In the first place there has been a national re-
action against the literal application of the plan
of so-called "cruel economy" which were the
watchwords two years ago.
In the second place the unusual prosperity that
has visited practically all parts of the state and
nation has had a marked influence 011 the legisla-
ture, and 011 the minds of the people of the state.
High prices for food products and for material
and labor makes the maintenance bill* and the
cost of new buildings come higher now than form-
(Hrst Published in Norman Demo-
crat-Topic March 2, ,917.)
Notice to Paving Contractors.
Calling for bids lor paving and
otherwise improving Boyd Street from
the west line of the alley between Asp
Avenue and Deliarr Avenue tu tin
west line of Jenkins Avenue in the
City of Norman, Oklahoma, said pav-
ing to be thirty feet wide from back
o( curb to back of curb and to con-
sist of 3 inch vertical fibre brick pave-
ment.
Notice is hereby eiven that bids and
proposals for furnishing material and
performing the work necessary it
making the impovements herein de-
scribed will be received at the office
of J. Martha Wise, city clerk of said
city, up to 8 o'clock p. m. March 27th,
1V17, said improvements to be .is fol
lows, to-wit: <
Grading,^ paving, draining, curbing
and muttering and otherwise improv
ing Boyd street from the west line of
the alley between Asp Avenue and
Deliarr Avenue to the west line of
Jenkins Avnue, said pavement to lie
thirty feet wide from back of curb to
back of curb and to consist of 3 inch
vertical fibre brick pavement, all of
said improvements to be done ar
cording to a resolutii n of the mayor
and city councilmcn adopted and ap
proved the 27th day of February.
1917, and in accordance with the plans,
plats, profiles, specifications, estimates
I lie business men of the state have finally woke
up to the fact that legislators are not per se,
tagonistic to business or business development,
and that if they will discuss proposed measures
with their senators and representatives very little
pernicious or destructive legislation can find it;
way through both branches. This legislature 11 j
to date appears to have given careful scrutiny am
consideration to all measures that were intended
to increase the restrictions and add to the burdens
of legitimate industry and business.
Newspaper legislation, so-called, because the
newspaper men of the state have a personal or
business interest in it, continues to hang fire 011
the calendars in both branches of the legislature.
The House has, however, passed two important
bills, recommended by the State Press Associa
tion, and editor-members of both branches are
still hopeful that all the newspaper bills,—includ-
ing the libel law may yet reach roll call in both
House and Senate.
POPULAR PRESIDING OFFICERS.
W ith the regular session of the sixth legisla-
ture almost over, it is a matter of frequent com-
ment by members of both the House and Senate
and by the adherents of botji political parties that
the presiding officers in both branches have
grown in popularity with the session.
Lieutenant-Governor Trapp has developed into
a most excellent parliamentarian and there are
few occasions even iu hotly contested divisions
where his rulings (are even questioned, while his
amiable personality disarms every critic.
President pro tern Board has' always been a
popular and highly respected member of the Sen-
ate, and his known fairness and impartiality as a
presiding officer has won him additional esteem.
I he House is altvays more turbulent than the
Senate, although the latter body occasionally
stages a mimic inkwell Verdun, but Speaker Paul
Xesbitt has rode every storm, and arrived near
the end of his arduous duties with the manifest
love and esteem of his colleagues to a degree rare-
ly witnessed.
Speaker pro tem \\ aldrep i> young in years, but
an accomplished parliamentarian, and his win-
ning personality has won for him a warm place
in the hearts of his brother members.
I11 whatever of good is accomplished by this
session and whatever of credit that will be right-
fully due it for earnest and sincere efforts to for-
vvaid the interests of the people of the state and
keep Oklahoma in the front rank of progressive
commonwealths, these able presiding officers will
have had their full share. They have been a credit
to the state and to the bodies over which they pre-
side, and have been worthy of the confidence re
posed in them by the Senate and House members
It sometimes takes a great deal more patriotism
and devotion to duty for a legislator to remain on
the job at two dollars a day until the calendar is
cleared of bills that should be passed, than it does
to waste valuable time 011 resolutions to adjourn
on the very hour and minute that the six dollars
a day per diem ceases. The man who finishes his
job always gets more credit than the one who
jumps his contract.
agents, or employees, and statutory
bond as required by law, and main-
tcnanci bond in tmount of 1(J per cent
of the contract price.
The attention of all bidders is here-
by called to the fact that bids will be
received separately on curb, excava-
tion and pavement.
All such bids will be opened and
considered by the mayor and council
at the City Hall of the City of Nor-
man, Oklahoma, at 8 o'clock p. m, on
the 27th day of March, 1917.
It is further understood that the
mayor and council reserve the right
to reject any and all bids.
J. MARTHA WISE,
City Clerk.
Notice for Hearing Petition for Pro-
bate of Will.
State of Oklahoma, County of Cleve-
land, ss.
In the County Court.
Notice is hereby given to all per-
sons interested in the estate of John
M. Miller, deceased, that on the 26th
day of February, 1917, Edith Whit-
ton produced and tiled in the county
couit of the county of Cleveland, and
State of Oklahoma, an instrument in
writing purporting to be the last will
and testament of John M. Miller, de-
ceased, and also filed in said court her
letition praying for the probate of
'aid will, and that letters testanien-
ary issue thereon to her the execu-
ri.x named in said will, and that said
petition will be heard at the court
00m of said court in the Lily of N'or-
in said county and state, on
ton-Jay, the 12th day of March, 1917,
1 the hour of 10 o'clock a. in., of said
day, when and where all persons in-
eiested can appear and show cause,
ii any they have, why the prayer of
id petition should not ba granted.
In testimony whereof, 1 have here-
unto set my hand and aliixed tile sea!
of the county court of said county,
this 26th day of February, 1917.
(Seal) GEO. C. BURKE,
11-2 County Judge.
ESTRAY. ~
1 aken up one buckskin horse,
weighs about 930 pounds; roached
mane and foretop.—L. O. DOW,
Moore, Okla. jj.j
MOLLY STOPS PAYMENT
By JANE OSBORN.
1 he Shawnee meeting of the Young Men's
Democratic League was in many ways the most
successful ever held by that organization, and the
interest manifested in the meeting by the bright,
young Democrats of the state augurs well for the
future. It is from the ranks of these ardent,
young Democratic patriots that the future Gov-
ernors, Congressmen, State Officers and Legisla-
tors will be largely chosen, and the entire mem-
bership of the party in this state has an interest
in their annual meetings.
Molly Bell had intended to keep
Brad Simpson In suspense. She would
say to him that she had known, of
course, that he liked to be In her com-
pany, but that be actually wanted to
marry her—really the Idea was so
strange, so novel, so unexpected, that
she would have to have time to think
If over. That was what she planned to
say, but when the moment came Molly,
In her excitement, forgot .all her plans
and told the undoctored plain truth. In
a few timid, half sentences, and not
with the easy nonchalance she had
planned, she told him that she had
loved him always, and that now she
was the happiest girl in Bennington.
"And isn't it wonderful/; she said
"bow everything I have dreamed aboui
and waited for comes the same day—
May 20—the greatest day of my lifer*
"Why the very greatest?"
"Besides this most wonderful day,"
she suld, still forgetting the role sh«
bad planned, "there's the—" Then she
stopped short. No, she wouldn't tell
biiu the rest. lie musn't know about
the check she had received from the
magazine that had accepted her llttln
story. "Well, then, besides this," she
added, confusedly marking off the
events on her fingers, "the first whltG
rose bloomed today, and we got the
new vacuum cleaner and the cook left"
Molly had literary ambitions and for
three long years she had been work-
tag, dreaming and scribbling with hei
funny little ambition always uppermost
In her thoughts.
The next day Molly went to Brad-
ford, the nearest sizeable town, to be-
gin to buy the things for the trousseau.
She had forgotten to have the check
cashed In Bennington before she start-
-.—U her litUe purchases were sent
Whon she arrived home after the
shopping trip it wus two o'clock.
Then Molly thought of the purse
with the check! Where was It? 1|
could not be found, but where had she
lost it? The purse Itself was old and
It contained little of value but the
check, which Molly had foolishly
enough indorsed after she had asked
Brail the night before how checfcs
should be signed. Brad, she was sure,
would know because he worked in
Bennington's only bank and knew
everything about banking.
First Hhe telephoned all the way to
Bradford, to the store she had visited,
but she heard no news of her purse.
The man who answered her call at the
department store .suggested that since
the check was indorsed she had better
write at once to the editor who find
sent It and request him to have pay-
ment stopped. And this Molly did with-
out, of course, knowing what the words
meant
Once or twice that evening when
Brad came to call he accused Molly of
being abstracted and surely she was.
It was two evenings later that the
tables were turned, and when Brad
called that evening It was he who wus
accused by Molly of being abstracted.
"It Isn't that you have actually dis-
pleased me," Brad began quite seriously
after Molly had coaxed him to tell her
the cause of his anxiety, "but I am
ifrald I don't understand you. That's
all. I would be so happy If I thought
I had your confidence."
Molly blushed a little as she thought
of her secret umblUons.
T am sure that what I have been do-
ing is not at all wrong," she said, and
then a : it tear trickled down her
pretty cheek and another and then her
confused little head was on Brad's
shoulder and ho was explaining very
gravely.
'TU tell you exactly what I know;
then there will be no misunderstand-
ing. This morning we had word that a
j certain check we had honored was
worthless—that Is, the person who
nade It out had ordered payment
stopped. Well, I asked Jones, the cash-
ier, about it and he (old me that he
had honored the check because you
lad presented it. Ho also told me that
hen you came into the bank you asked
Hm not to let me know that you called]
Mid to jay nothing about the check. Jdl
and contracts heretofore approved by
the mayor and councilmen of said
city and now 011 tile in the ofiicc of
the city engineer. V copy of sane
may be procured by contractors by
depositing $5.00 with the city engin-
eer, which deposit will be returned on
return of plans and specifications in
good condition within three davs from
the date of letting.
Contractors are further notified that
all such bids will be based upon and
received upon the understanding that
they are so based upon said plans,
plats, specifications, estimates, pro-
Ides, and contract, and further, that
j the successful bidder will enter into a
j form of contract which accompanies
I said specifications, and the contract, if
I let. will be let to the lowest and best
: bidder. The contract price of said im-
I provements shall not exceed the esti-
mates of the city engineer, which are
submitted with the plans, plats, pro-
files and specifications.
Faeh bid on the improvements here-
in ordered shall be accompanied by a
| certified check on some bank in Nor-
man, in the sum of 5 per cent of the
amount of hid, said check being a
pledge that the bidder will, if his bid
be accepted, execute and deliver bonds
with good and sufficient sureties and
will execute and deliver contract in ac-
cordance with his bid.
The contractor shall receive his con-
tract price as the statutes of Okla-
homa, and the said contract and speci-
fications particularly provide, and one
bond resolution and oru only will
be passed authorizing the issuance of
a st ncs of bonds evidencing the as-
sessment as the same may be made
against the property as provided bv
law. 1 he contractor may be paid 111
both cash and bonds, or in bonds
solely, at the option of the city, which
bonds shall be given by the city and
received by the contractor at their par
value, plus the interest which has ac-
crued to the date of estimate, as may
be by the specifications and contract
provided.
1 he contractor will be required to
take and pay for at par Street Im-
provement Bonds, in addition to the
| contract price, in an amount equal to
4 per tent of the contract price, to
pay for engineering and other ex-
penses.
Prior to beginning the work, the
successful bidder will be required to
execute and deliver to the City of
■ or man a good and sufficient surety
bond, in the sum of 25 per cent of the
contract price, to be approved by the
"layor and councilmen, said bond to
; be conditioned for the full and faith-
nil performance of the contract and
execution of the work, for the protec-
tion of the city and property owners
against any loss or damage by reason
j of any negligence or improper execu-
tion of work by said contractor, his
McGINLEY'S
SPECIAL COFFEES
City Pride. 25c a pound
University Special 30c a pound
The above brand of coffees are
roasted at our store every day.
BAKERY DEPARTMENT.
Our bakery department can supply
you with bread, pies and cakes. This
department is kept at a high standard.
GROCERY DEPARTMENT.
Our grocery department handles
the best of fancy and staple groceries.
MEAT DEPARTMENT.
We carry a complete line of fresh
meats. A visit to this department will
make you a regular meat customer.
FRESH VEGETABLES OF ALL
KINDS.
McGINLEY'S
PHONE 101
I
patch it up if I stood you better.
! But «oinething to wrong some win re or
| you would have told me about It. Jt
Isn't too late. Molly, for heaven's saku.
| tell me who Is this Jane Daw and ho .
Jld you get Into possession of checks
nade1 out to her?" Molly sat up wry
straight and explained minutely about
the story she had written, the cheek
and the loss of the purse. "And then,"
jho continued, "after I had telegraphed
md asked the editor to stop payment I
found the purse after all. The very
aext day, I hurried down to the bank
i md got that nice Mr. Jones to give me
the money, and of course I told blm not
to tell you, because I didn't want you
to know I had been writing. I thought
I would write some day and tell tl«
editor not to bother to do anything
about the chock as I had found it. Oh,
dear, 1 think banking is very hard to
understand. If I ever get to be a really
truly writer and have many cheeks
come for my stories, I do hope you'll
take eare of the business side of
things."
"Well, rather," was Brad's reply,
"and when you get an answer from
th.' 'i.'if th 'fe will probably Be a
ue . Let me hove that before
you to do any more bunking on
your o •( ;>• - nt, and maybe then I
can things out. But here-
after r tnei ber, I'm the banker of
this family. But I'm as proud as Punch
that your lit 1,* story was accepted."
<|Cop:-ri«ht, 1917, by the McClure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)
C. F. TEEL
Optometrist
OVER
Barbour's Drug
Store
Norman,
Okla.
The First National Bank
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA
Capital ssj Surplus $70,000
E, B JOHNSON, Pres.
WM. SYNNOTT, Cashier. PHIL. C. KIDD, Vic«-Pres.
.Denver Runyan
J. R>- Stogner
RUNYAN & STOGNER
LOANS AND INSURANCE
Office in Cleveland County Enterprise Office
Jas. D. Maguire
Everything in Hardware, Paints and Oils
ESTABLISHED (ft 1889
Bain Farm Wagons
Anchor Buggies and Spring Wagons
Black Hawk Corn Planters ,ind Listers
Oliver Riding and Walking Plows
Brown and Janesville Cultivators
Glidden Barb-Wire and Hog Fence
Charter Oak Stoves and Steel Ranges
Keen Kutter Edged Tqols
Stearns' Mixed Paints. Oil Paints.
Prices as low as Quality of Goods Permit, and Terms at,
Liberal as the Nature of the Risk Suggests
!■■■■■■
SECURITY STATE BANK
Norman, Oklahoma
The Largest State Bank in the County
CSIVITJ1L STOCK $30,000
Patronize a bank whose deposits
are guaranteed. Will appreciate
your business
C. H. BESSENT - . Cashier
. '<*■ r:*
F. O. MILLER
INSURANCE
Real Estate, Rentals, Farm Lo.iii Citv Loans
A«;dent, Health. Fire, Burglary. Liability. Tornado
Automobile, and Live Stock In.ur.niil
We repr.,m .t)d Strr,IlKest QId
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The Norman Democrat--Topic (Norman, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, March 2, 1917, newspaper, March 2, 1917; Norman, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc120411/m1/4/: accessed April 25, 2024), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.