POLITICAL NOTES: Oklahoma Incompetence

The people of Oklahoma, the third youngest State,* are still green in the ways of dignified government. Last week, for the second time in six years, they removed their Governor. This time it was Henry Simpson Johnston, impeached and convicted by the State Legislature for “general incompetence” (TIME, Jan. 28 et ante). Lieut. Gov. William J. Holloway, taking the oath as the new Governor, invoked “the blessings and guidance of Almighty God” to assist him. Citizens of the older States sympathized with his sentiments. The charge of “general incompetence” seemed as much of a commentary on the people he had to govern as upon his daydreaming predecessors. Gov. J. C. (“Jack”) Walton was impeached, convicted and removed in 1923. Three of Oklahoma’s five other Governors since it entered the union faced legislative charges.

State Senators snoozed through the Johnston trial. The citizens of Oklahoma City were so hardened to this form of political revenge that even testimony about Mrs. O.O. Hammonds, the Governor’s “ewe lamb” secretary, failed to whip up their lagging interest.

Chief Justice Charles W. Mason presided over the Johnston trial, administered the oath to the new Governor, then hurried away to prepare his own defense on impeachment charges against himself and two other justices of the State Supreme Court.

* Admitted in 1907. Younger States are New Mexico (Jan. 6, 1912); Arizona (Feb. 14, 1912).