Right Man For The Place
James A. Norman of Muskogee, father of Oklahoma statehood, is a candidate for state corportation commission, subject to the decision of the democratic party, 1910. He is well known as a level-headed business man and stands for equity in all things -- the greatest good to the greatest number. Both common sense, moral and business judgment demands him for this position. This should be the verdict of the people of the great state of Oklahoma.
Probably the brightest and one of the most intellectual Indians living today is Hon. Jas. A. Norman, of Muskogee, who is a candidate for the democratic nomination for state corporation commissioner. We are authorized to formally announce his candidacy to the voters of the state of Oklahoma. We do so with much pleasure, believing him to be an upright, honest, honorable man, and one who possesses the ability to fitly represent the great state of Oklahoma in that most August body. It would be a splendid tribute to the Indian people. Adown the aisle of time but a short way and they will be no more, swallowed up by the dominant race. Whilst they yet live, let's give them as many opportunities as we consistently can. To make Jas. A. Norman one of the state corporation commissioners would be entirely consistent. Combining the richest and best blood of this Caucasian race with that of the American Indian, and possessing all of the virtues and graces and powers of the former, and the heroism and stoicism of the latter, he is the peer of any man in all this broad commonwealth of ours. Born in grand "old Sunny Tennessee," educated in the Cherokee national school and having imbibed freely from the fountain of patriotism that ever flows from Oklahoma's bosom, he possesses a soul of fire that would dare the world in defense of justice, and a heart of love that would melt to tears and bring him to the immediate relief of a fellow mortal in distress.
Mr. Norman has done much for the people of the new state, for which they are most thankful. His influence with the Five Civilized Tribes was undoubtedly the greatest of any Indian citizen in getting the Indians' consent for immediate statehood of the territory, and barring partisan politics, the greatest of any one that worked in behalf of statehood.
Our words of commendation are weak, the people know him well. Give unto him that which you think is his due and we assue you he will accept your verdict without a murmur. If put on the commission he will make you a faithful and efficient servant. If left at home he will continue to make an excellent citizen and will always be loyal to Oklahoma and her interests. He is worthy of your confidence and support, and will be ever grateful for the same. --- His Friends
Sources:
Britton Weekly Sentinel. (Britton, Okla.), Saturday, July 16, 1910
More on James Alexander Norman,
including his call for an Indian State can be found on the Norman History page.