The delegates to the Guthrie convention included many who had served in the Sequoyah convention. Numerous elements proposed for the new constitution were based upon the Sequoyah constitution. Haskell owned the "New State Tribune", and through its editorial columns advocated for the elements he wanted in the new constitution. Most were incorporated, in substance if not in form. While Murray served as the convention's president, delegates recognized Haskell's power in the body. A local newspaper during the time, the "Guthrie Report", called Haskell “the power behind the throne.”