Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1870-01-12
Editorial Notes FROM ths State CAPITAL.

Editorial Notes from the State Capital.
The organization ofboth branches ofthe
General Assembly, on the first day of the
session, was contrary general expec-
tations ofmost fthemembers, who feared
that the entire week would probably be
consumed in the effort. This state of in
gertrude arose from two facts. First.
the Hamilton county delegation of ten in
the house, held the balance OF power. and
if the Republicans and Democrats should
each adhere to caucus nominees, and the
Independents should also adhere to their
candidate, of course no election could oc-
cur until one or the other of the parties
should go over. Secondly, some of the
Democrats threatened to resist by VIC
lence, ifneed be, the admission ofBlakes-
lee, Republican member from Williams
county, who came with credentials GER
flying that he was the member duly
elected to represent that county in the
House of Representatives. But as WILL
Jams county has hitherto constituted but
part ofthe Representative District COM
posed of Williams, Paulding and De-
iance, and only claimed a representative
this year for the first time in this decen-
NAL period. on the ground that the ap-
portioning commissioners had made a
mistake against them at the apportion-
ment of 1861, and which error, they claim
has robbed them ola constitutional right
but which mistake, strange to saw, was
not discovered until exposed by Attor-
ney General West, last summer-it is a
question whether that provision in the
constitution which declares that every
county having a population equal to one
halfa ratio Of representation, Ia full ratio
is 2 $780, "shan be entitled to one repre-
sentative"-is or is not supreme and self
operative in spite of the error in the ap-
portionment law. On this question the
House seems to divide nearly, if not
entirely, on party lines. The Democrats
~endeavored to prevent the Williams
county member from being sworn in.-
But the statute provides that a certif-
cate from the clerk of the proper county
shall be primd Jdcid evidence of the cleo
ton of a member, and entitle him to a
seat for all purposes of organization, af-
ter which his claim, if contested, may
be investigated. Gen. Sherwood, Secre-
tary of State, whose duty it is to organ
ize the House, proceeded to do so, and
accomplished it handsomely in spite
of the vengeful threats of the ireful
Democrats, who for a few moments were
very noisy with threatenings and fierce
d-enunciations of the Secretary. Ball and
Hughes roared, threatened and denounc-
ed, and avowed that the "high-hsnded
outrage on the Representatives of the
people would never be submitted to.'-
Baber, the elegant and eloquent, grated
his teeth, bounced his gressycorporosity
up and down in his leather cushioned
chair, and hoarsely echoed "never I new
erF'i The Secretary, however, paid no
heed to the attempt to interrupt the pro-
gress of the organization, and, compla-
pronouncing the gentlemen out of
order, stated that the next business in
order was the election of a Speaker
Seeing it was useless to attempt to in
timidAte by bravado, the Democrats fell
with the order, and the election pro-
ceeded. The Republicans nominated
Mr.. Dennis, of Cleveland, the Democrats
Mr.. Cockerin of Adams, and the Ham,
ilton County ~fusionists Mr.. Cunning
ham, of that county. The ballot result
ed in the election of Cunningham, the
all changing from Cockerin
to him, which by the aid of eight of the
Hamilton members, gave Cunningham
the requisite 81 votes, and he was de-
Speaker. Over this result-al-
Mr.. Cunningham has always
been, and still claims to be, a pro-
nounced Republican on all State and
National political questionable Demo-
Gratis clappsd hands and rejoiced in their
fusion victory over the straight Repub-
lican nominee. Mr.. Dennis might have
been Speaker if he had stopped to a COM
promise. But to any such proposition
he properly refused to listen, and left
the bargain and sale to the trading De-
mocrscy. The Republicans voted
through for their nominees.
The Democrats got the Clerk, and also
the Speaker pro tempore.
The Republicans have lost the offices,
but saved their honor and stood by their
principles. The Democrats sold out for
q few crackers and blind herring, and
We predict will ere many days grow
politically sick, lean and lank on their
heggsrly diet.
TIE SENATE