The New York herald., 1879-12-16
FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT.


WARRINGTON. Dec. Is. 1879.
NEW YORK ELEcToRs VIEWS OF THE con-
oREssIosAL DxlsaAr1oN ON THE PROPOSED
CHANGE IN THE METHOD OF CHOOSING.
The report that the proposition had been seriously
discussed here to Introduce bill in the New York
legislature providing for the election OF Presiden
al electors by Congressional districts in that State
but imperfeetly conveys the fact that such meas
ure has been under cousderation in Washington for
several weeks. u has not been confined to
publican circieS alone, but has entered
into the campaign talk OF tho democratic
leaders. who were made aware of tho
existence Of such programme by private advices
from New York. The probability of its being car
ried out. IL is said. caused number of the prom
tnent democratic Senator's to meet and talk over
what woud be the remedy in the event that the New
York Legislature should pass such . law. In the
discussion which followed reference was made to
the debates which took place in the New York Legis
laturs during the last term Of Do Witt Clinton's
administration = Governor, when it was con-
tended that such measure was unconstitutional;
that the selection Of electors by districts
contrary to States rights doctrine. 1t took
away the idea Of tho soveregnty of the State and the
Of Stata for the Presidency intended to be
cast unit. The ablest jurists the democratic
side Of the Senate reported to have taken part in
the discussion. and the conclusion said to have been
reached was in eject that If such bill passed
by the New York Legislsturs the New York
democracy would be advised to adhere to the
old plan. 60 on and elect electors under
the existing law. and that II the
vote Of tho State should be rendered tho time
of the counting Of the returns by both houses of
Congress- that It would alone be recognized the
electoral vote OF ths State and the selection OF elec
torn by districts under the law would be disre-
garded. II was further related that during the win
ter OF 1877 GovenoR Robinson his message to the
New York Legislature. Inadvertently touched upon
the importanoe OF something being done by the
Legislature to pRsyent Misunderstanding growing
out Of disput6 Of electoral returns from the State
Of New York. he subsequently, admitted that
he had been midsd. but not until tho subject
vigorously handlsd and similar proposition to the
ono now discusssd defeated senator J. F. Star
buck. of watertown. being one Of the democrats
who antagonized the measure. It win thus be seen
that the democracy arc alive to any contingency
likely to arise u keep the republican pars3 in
power. Tho attention of members Of Congress
has again been called to the subject by the
HERALD's dispatches from this city and the leading
editorial printed to-day characterizing the plan
80 grab game for the Presidency" The views Of
most Of the members OF the New York delegation in
the House - TO what they think Of the plan were
obtained this afternoon. and form an interesting
chspter Of psrsonal opinions on this subject. 1t
will be seoa chat the democrats are unequivocauy
opposed - II whals the republican members are
divided In their opinions as to tho propriety OF
making the chaass. being In favor Of its i'm
mediate confederation by the Legislature, while
others think Il should be deferred until after the
PrsaidsnitshesnpaigAss4 Aafssss ssA t
VIEWS OF Mr. COVERT.
The first member of the delegation interviewed
James W. Covert. Of tho First district democrat
In reply to the question as TO what he thought Of
the proposed change. no said:-
CASA matter OF cold. naked law. have doubt
that our State Legislature has the power to make
tho change suggested. While I think this feel
convinced that the change will not be made"
''what your reasons for thinking?"
simply this. Down deep in the hearts OF q ma
jority OF thoughtful American people and Of the
people Of State is desirc not to disturb exist
ing conditions. predicated upon organic law aud
governing the methods OF sxercising the franchise
and very naturally where many years experience
has tested the merits and accustomed people to
. particular form of action in this regard"
"what strength do you think tho proposed meas
ure has gainedr'
politicians cannot believe the measure is or has
been seriously considered am quite the peo-
pie, and mean by this those who are not active
and interested politicians. would most earnestly
object to any such proposition"
what do you think will be the effect OF the meas
ure II put throughy'
"H in spite of what believe to be the wishes of
the people IN this matter our Legislature should
persist In making the alteration suggested be-
love the people at the polls would resent and
condemn their action. We have In our State very
LA
who vote on principle. who weigh the questions
upon which they to scS and who not coerccd
into voting for any man measure simply because
tho man was nominated the measure promu gated
by either OF the two great political parties. The
correctness of this shown Last fall especially by
the vote for State Engineer and Surveyor.
BY these men. who do their own thinking. the
change proposed. although there would be
warrant of law for it. would be regarded
as party measure intended for special and parti-
san purpose This large class Of voters. who. above
everything else. favor the utmost fairness in cleo
tions would. am sure. condemn tho change. and
their action the polls would result unfavoraby
the party which engineered and carried out tho
change. think that in my section. ut least. this
opposition would fully Offset any advantage which
might otherwise be gained to tho party under whose
spur tho change was brought ABOUT"
REruBLIcAN OPPOSITION.
Edwin Einstein. OF the Seventh district rcpubli-
can says ho Is personally opposed to the protest
present. might look to the country like trying
to tako advantage while his party is largely In the
majority. He is opposed to making radical changes
whom the people have not had opportunity Of
giving preston to their views on such PROPOSE
tion. He thinks that II 1t had becn an ssue ut the
last election and the republican party had had AN
opportunity OF expressing opinion ON It he would
be willing to bow to tho sentiment so Expressed.
Anson q. McCook. OF the Eighth district. repubii
can. hos not considered the question He thus far
does any especial objection to tho system OF
selecting electors by Congressional districts. He is
inclined to believe that IL is better mode than by
tho Legislature. The present system no considers
unfair and thinks the method more equitable
than tho present The only objection he has to
tho new is that partisan Legislature might
ucrrymsnder the State when it Is ndopted. IIo OK