The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-03-18

1t is of little use to appeal to partisans as
unscrupulous as Mr.. Alvord for just APP
portionment law for the State. Of course
such persons have intelligence enough to
know that to refuse fair representation in
the Assembly to all counties Of the State
after the population has been ascertained
in accordance with the provisions of law is
to violate positive mandate Of the consti-
tuition, as we'll as the fundamental principle
on which alone free government can
exist But they regard their obligations
to their political party as paramount
to their duty to the State, and
if they possessed the power they would
wholly disfranchise the democratic counties
of New York and Kings as willingly ss they
now seek to partially disfranchise them by
supporting Mr.. Alvord's rascally bill We
are not willing to believe, however, that all
the republican members at Albany are pre-
pared to act with signal injustice to the
State and to neglect their plain constitu-
tional duty for the sake of securing
a supposed but doubtful partisan adj
vantage. There are many thousands
of electors throughout the State,
and especially in the large cities,
who support republican candidates
for the Assembly in the belief that they ore
less likely than democrats to allow their
legislative acts to be influenced by party
considerations or controlled by political
leaders. These independent voters elected
such representatives as Mr. Astor, Mr.. Fish,
Mr.. Gilbert and other republicans, not on
account of their political affiliations, but
because they believe them to be upright,
independent gentlemen, who will perform
their duty as Legislators without regard to
party considerations. 1t is to the influence
and votes Of such republicans as these that
the people look for honest action in the
important matter OF the State apportion-
ment.
The injustice of robbing New York city
of its due representation is aggravated by
the fact that the State Legislature is on all
occasions ready to legislate for the city, and
very seldom in accordance with the wishes
of majority of the population. The in
torests of the metropolis are more important
than those Of all the rest Of the State put
together, and whether represented by
democrats or republicans it is most desir-
able that the city should have its full voice
and vote in the Legislature. With the twenty
seven members to which ON equi-
table apportionment really entities us
we should still be in helpless
minority, although paying nearly one-halt
the taxes of the State and being more deeply
interested than the rural towns in general
legislation. Certainly the electors Of this
city, and honest, independent men all over
the State, will lose confidence in o party
that tor paltry political advantage par
TALLY DISTINGUISHES the great city of New
York. Besides, such tricky legislation has
never been advantageous to any party. There
is aspirit of fairness among thepeople which
revolts against partisan abuse of the law-
making power, and just now, when party
ties sit loosely, this spirit is likely to make
itself felt by politicians who defy it. The
public sentiment on the apportionment
question can best be measured by the posi-
ton of the independent press With one
voice it demands fair treatment in this i'm.
portnnt matter at the hands of the republi-
can LaaislatnrA> and il warns tina majority