Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-04-05
THE GERRYMANDER.

We invite the readers attention to the speech
Is of Messrs. Douglas Shackelford, and Amber.
which will be found in another column. These
threeSenators occupy high positions in tho De-
mocratic ranks, and their opinions 10 regard to
the apportionment bill, concocted by the Demo-
cratic party of the lower House. are worthy of
being put on record. The various points in
controversy between the "dissevered, discordant
and belligerent' Democracy of our Legislature
are pretty fully explained in the remarks of these
gentlemen.
The Enquirer of yes.erderday applies the lash
with considerable vigor and evident good will to
the shoulders of the men who are now defying
the edct of King Caucus. 1t gives the secret his
tory of this gerrynanderng business, which we
copy as apart OF the history of the times. The
Enquirer says:
"During the present extra session of the Legis-
lature, the Democratic party, agreeing that it
was its duty to take care of itself. met in caucus
TO arrange the Congressional Districts under
the new apportionment bill. The party met 10
full caucus. Every member was present either
in person by proxy. The West, losing no
members of their delegation ia Congress, desired
but little change in their districts, and were in
measure united. A few Eastern members feared
to trust their Democratic brethren of the West.
motion was therefore made that each section
should form its own Districts, to be ratified there.
after in full caucus of the party; each section
pledging themselves to stand by the plans sub
mitted.
"The Eastern portion of the caucus mot night
after night-all present. The plan known as
..Stovals substitute" after full free aud protract
ed discussion, passed by large majority.
"a few night after, the Eastern aud Western
caucuses reported to the general caucus. The
plans of the separate caucusses were ratified by
the general caucus; but the few Eastern gentle-
men who had driven the Western members from
their councils, being defeated by their Eastern
brethren, now refused to attend the general eau
Gus, and confirm what they had promised to rati-
fy.
sWhat is the secret of all this! Eastern Vir-
GINA loses two members of Congress. The old
districts, therefore, necessarily divided and
merged into each other, and a few gentlemen, OF
secondary rank, find themselves under the sha-
dow of some OF some of the more distinguished
men, that yet lnger in Virginia.
Their scheme is now to make districts to
suit themselves, and 10 so doing, it is neces-
sary to geriy nander the State, and make several
districts of the State Wing. In this object, a
matter Of course. they have the aid and comfort
of seventy-six Wings all of that party in the
Legislature. Men are known by their compan-
IONS
'1U IOuOT Oh Tue I1OuSo vi OoloSdtoss ttUt
body has adhered to the plan of the caucus; but
q Democratic few OF the Senate has violated its
faith pghted in caucus"
This is certainly very beautiful quarrel as
it stands. We prefer to await the issue of the
fight, before indulging in further comments.
Since the above was put in type, we have learn
cd that the Com mittees of Conference met on
yesterday. but could not agree. and determined
to ask to be discharged.
MERCHANTS LlcENsEs.-Last evening, Mr.
Johnson of Richmond city, in the House of Del
sgates. offered an amendment to the Tax Bill
the effect of which was to reduce the tax or
Merchants Licenses 334per cent. The amend
ment was rejected, ayesi26, noes YEA test vote