The New York herald., 1879-12-16

1t was talked of that the Maine democrats had
hopes Of securing the State Legislature ana
It was thought it might be done IN
New York by way of retaliation. There
was nothing to prevent the republican Legislature
from enacting any law and having the Governor
sign it; but it would be we'll 10 keep in view the
dangerous precedent such legislation would estab-
lish. 1t would. in his opinion, tend to unite and
soiidify the democratic party throughout the coun
try. But he really did not think the republicans
would be SO desperate to undertake such a
measure When the National Convention meets.
which would be shortly after such law wonld
be enacted. New York would appear for the
nrst time in nifty years shorn of its
greatness With the fact established that her repub
ican vote would be less than that of Ohio Illinois.
and perhaps greater than that Of Missouri In
diana. her imperious name would be nothing in the
campaign. and it is hardly probable the republicans
of New York will sacrifice their greatness. not only
for the coming year but for all future Presidential
campaigns. by fathering bill that would nsutralize
her power in the Electoral College. instead OF main
tanning her position of the Empire State.
ONE MAN WHO FAvons TT.
Frank Hiscock. Of the Twenty-hfth district. re-
publican. no is decidedly in favor OF it. on the
principle that he believes that tho smallest practical
constituency should havo voice in the election of
the President in the Electoral College. representa-
ton just such they have in Congress when the
will Of the people Is undoubtedly fairly expressed.
Another reason for being in favor OF it is
that he baeved the inducement for the perperation
Of frauds against the elective franchise in large
cities would be lessened especially in great State
like New York. with its four millions OF people, that
such o method OF electing electors would have the
effect to prevent possible disfranchisement Of
M -
criminal class Of New York city. He had
not the remotest idea whether it would be
brought up In tho Legislature or not.
So far AZ he was concerned 1t was new thing to
him. but II plan he had entertained for long
time. Ono of the principles. tho prevalence Of
which has resulted in States casting electoral votes
unit. the doctrine of States rights-that
States. States. should maintain their honor as o
until the Electoral College. So far he was con-
cerned he had no sympathy with that idea. There
was question whatever in his mind about
the constitutional power of tho Legislature to
provide for the appointment of electors the
ner proposed So far US he had heard it discussed
the objections urged by democrats and by some re-
publioans was that on the OF an important cleo
ton It might be CHARGED that 1t was done for mar
row partisan purposes. This argument had no
weight with him. He would say that he believed in
the justice of the measure and soundness OF the
change proposed, and that in his opinion the time
was now at hand to make the change for the
reason that the result Of last falls election
in the State OF New York demonstrated that
it altogether likely that the republicans would
carry the State next fall This. in his opinion was
complete answer to any charge that it was parti-
san in its purposes because the Legislature and
Executive Of the State were assured republicans.
Orita n haro ~ fha lean haro ~ fba
New York delegation are absent from the city aud
their views could not be had. Three are reported
sick with dumb ague. The malarial atmosphere of
Washington has tendency to give Congressmen
ague but 1t makes very few Of thcm dumb.
I BIDDING HIGH FOR THE CONTEMPORARIES
cHAIRMANsHIP QUESTION.
Tine delegations from the West in connection with
the affairs Of the Republican National COMMITTEES
have nearly all arrived and they have been exceed
ingly busy throughout the evening Gin.
cinnat aud Chicago are both bidding high
for the Convention; both offer to pay al
expenses OF tho Convention. and Chicago adds to
this liberal offers In regard 10 hotel prices and
promises considerably in the way OF railroad trans
portation. Cincinnati will make . better offer in
some of these respects. though her delegates
PoSccb
The West is arguing strongly against Saratoga.
reach it. and that transfers necessary TO make rail-
road connections will be very annoying.
3 Tho question OF the Craftsmanship is receiving
much moro attention than It was supposed
would be given to it. The duty OF the present
chairman would only be to call the Convention
to order but the attempt will be to select chair
man now who can be reelected, and SO the friends
of the different candidates working actively IN
the matter. The candidacy of Mr.. Don Came
ron appears to have the greatest strength.
The Grant men to be for him, though
they also look upon Mr.. Thomas Piatt with. much
favor. and think It good plan to compliment New
York with his selection. The Blaine do not like
either. Mr.. Frye Is their choice. Mr.. McCormack
appears to stand second with them.
1t is authoritatvely stated here that Mr.. william
II. KeInble has resigned from the National Repub.
ican Committee and that SenatorJ J. Donald Cameron
would be selected to fill the vacancy.
THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION.
Ex-senator Barnum. chairman Of the National
Democratic Committee. was hcre to-day and said
hat the committee would select the place for hold
ing the democratic convention next Washing
toms birthday. Saratoga had show aud Indianap-
oils no hotels.
'You see." said the ex-senator. I'VE must 60
where there is plenty Of hotel accommodation and
where the democratic press is in the majority and
you can judge for yourself how difioult it will be
for tho committee to nnd such place.
It is understood that Louisville will have the pref
ercnce.
FALLING OFF OF ENLIsTnfENTs IN THE ARMY.
The last quarterly reports received ut the War De
partment from the various recruiting stations
throughout the country show very significant fall
ing OF In tho number OF enlistments. The docrexs.
for tho last quarter has been great to make tn,
cnlstments reported fully forty cent below wha
they have been at any time for the past two years
This is attributed ut a the stations to the return
Of good times. For two years tho grade of appli
cants has boon higher than at any former period Of
peace Young men OF business education aud habit,
and graduates of colleges have often been found apply
ing eniistments. all being driven there by the
hard times. For the same reason the number of the
native born have been much greater than at previous
periods Tho reports held here to be excellent in
dicatiops OF the return OF prosperity.