Oklahoma's Governors, 1907-1929: Turbulent Politics Page: 72
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72/Oklahoma's Governors
Oklahoma Board of Affairs. He appointed to these positions J.
M. Aydelotte of Shawnee and Samuel L. Morley of Hartshorne,
both of whom met with general approval throughout the state.
Along with other appointments made by Williams, these men
were chosen because of their abilities and not because of their
political affiliation. "I never allowed my political creditors to
determine the amount of debt which I owed them," Williams
confided while governor. "I felt that I knew their qualifications
and could determine when and where they could best serve the
state."17 Williams won much praise for his honesty and ability in
choosing those persons best suited for the positions to be filled.
To bring greater efficiency and solidarity to state government
in Oklahoma, Williams felt that it was necessary to put more
power in the hands of the governor. This was the program that
he was to present in his first message to the Oklahoma
Legislature in January of 1915.18
Williams told the legislature that he desired to keep within his
campaign promises of economy, thrift, and honesty in
government. He talked next on the Oklahoma Capitol
Commission and what it was to accomplish. He wanted to
abolish the Oklahoma Board of Prison Control and place its
work load under the Oklahoma Board of Affairs. Williams also
proposed that a state tax commission be established to help with
property assessments and property taxes. Certain changes he
felt were needed concerning the state court system, but
primarily a reduction in the number of jurors to help the
economy. In concluding his message, Williams recommended
that gins and ginning be placed under the control of the
Oklahoma Corporation Commission and that a workmen's
compensation act be passed. "This is a period in the history of
this new commonwealth," he said, "which calls for efficient
service in every public station."19 These proposals were the
beginning of the Williams program of "cruel economy" for
Oklahoma. 20
To start his economy program, Williams felt that it was
necessary to cut back on the expenses of his office. To
accomplish this, he eliminated a number of what he felt to be
unnecessary clerks, stenographers, and other employees. He
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Oklahoma's Governors, 1907-1929: Turbulent Politics (Book)
Book discussing the history of individual governors of Oklahoma from 1907 to 1929; each chapter is a biographical sketch of a different governor and their actions in office. Index begins on page 195.
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Fischer, LeRoy Henry, 1917-. Oklahoma's Governors, 1907-1929: Turbulent Politics, book, 1981; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc862886/m1/84/: accessed March 29, 2024), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; .