The daily gazette., 1879-01-07


disparity between the populations of the
respective counties was not so important
~ TO occasion any pressing need for a
change in the established apportlonment
OF 1893. But within a comparatively re-
cent period, the increase of the popula-
ton Of the city of Wilmington has en-
tlrely over thrown the numerical equality
which previously existed between the
several counties and thus necessitated a
change In that apportionment
whether this change shall be upon
the basis of population alone, and to the
full extent of that principle, is worthy
of grave consideration. To my mind,
IN view of all the peculiar circumstances
surrounding the question in this State,
the adoption of such rule, particularly
for both branches of the Legislature,
would be as unsound In principle az it
would prove detrimental in practice.
When our early Constitutions, recogrlz-
ing population as the basis of represen-
tation, were adopted, no great centre of
population existed in our State. But
with the rapid growth of Wilmington in
| recent years, this Is no longer the case.
1t would be exceedingly unwise, in a
small State like ours, to accord represen-
tation In full proportion to population to
a growing city whose inhabitants might
quickly Outnumber all the other people
or the State. To do so, would be to
enable city to overshadew and control
not only the county in which it might be
situated, but also the entire State, and,
through its particular representatives., to
favor and foster its special and local in
terests at the expense of all other locali-
ties. Besides, il would disregard that
distinction between an urban and rural
population which has always been recog-
nized by all practical statesmen in pre-
scri bing just rule of representation. So
we'll settled is this distinction that it may
be safely asserted that in no State Legis-
lature in the Union is representation ac-
corded in full proportion to urban popu-
Iatian. 1t would, therefore, seem that
the rule In question, if adopted in this
State should be applied with such whole
some notifications and limitations as
would not suffer any city, or indeed any
county, to overshadow and control the
rest Of the State. With these considera-
tions borne in mind there appears no
sufficient reason why fair and reason
able increase of representation should
net be accorded to New Castle County.
"In making such increase 1t would
seem most advisable to contine it to the
House of Representatives, leaving the
Senate with an equalrepresentationf from
each county as at present. This would
recognize the principle of territ orial
Representation from each county as at
present. This would recognize the prin-
ciple of territorial representation, as well
as that of population, and would estab-
lish a conservative check upon the pop
ular branch of the legislature. 1t would
also harmoniZe with the long settled
habit of considering each county as of
equal dignity in respect to territorial
REPRESENTATION, and so allay any section
al prejudice or feeling which might
otherwise be arrayed against the pro-
ject.
| ha IasiraA fbarA fxun
which seem most practicable. First, by
a division of New Castle County into
two separate counties, thus making four
counties In all, each having representa-
| ton in both branches of the legislature.
Second, by a reasonable addition to the
present representation of New Castle
County coupled with the district system,
so that each district shall only vote for
, the representatives of its particular To-
. cal interests. This would Introduce the
principle of local representation and at
the same time confine the influence Of a
!, large city population within its proper
limits. To accomplish either of these
!, plans it seems that Constitutional
amendment will be required, to be adopt
ed by Constitutional Convention, or to
be proposed by two-thirds of each House
of the General Assembly, with the APP
probation of the Governor, and ratified
: by three-fourths of each brauch of the
| H6Ab LCSisldbuio o,ditCl hafihS
been duly published for the consideration
of the people Hence it would appear
: to be impossible to secure the desired
increase by the action OF single Legls-
lature. For, although the present Gen
eral Assembly, may, by law, with the
concurrence of two-thirds OF each branch
thereof increase their whole number by
: an equal addition to each county, yet it
: is at least doubtful whether they can add
to one county alone without granting
l corresponding increase to each OF the
: others.
"Wherefore, it seems to me that both
, necessity and true policy require that
{ either the tirst or the Sc cond plau l have
/ suggested should be adopted.
3 "The proposed division of New Castle
: County would require change in the
] Judicial system OF the State, and the con-
: struetan of the proper county buildings
for one of the new counties resulting
I from such division"
v In submitting these considerations, l
I, studionsly avoided any expression OF
t partality for either of the plans | there
+ in suggested, deemiug it more advisable
K to await the result of the natural and
d gradual action of individual thought
i and public opinion upon them 4,
v have convinced me that the public
j. Judgment dscislvely preponderates IN
e favor of that which would effect divis-
d ion of New Castle County into two sep
n arate countless, and, while securing
r an increase of represe ntation with
3 out infringing the principle of equal
Is county, and .judicious urban rep
9 resntation, would also supply
Il the city of Wilmington with the long
d desired advantages Of \ more a0cessi bic
: seat of justice and suitable county build
o ings.
After mature deliberation / am satisfied
u that careful investigation will demon
). strate both the feasibility and advisability
of this plan, and that considerations OF
= economy, a. well as of necessity and JUS
= tice, are conclu>ively In its favor. lf il
!, is to be consummated eventually, as is
T. inevitable, assure1ly it seems wisest that
u such consummation should occur during
!, the existing period of business depres-
3 sion, Wherein, probably, the proper
u buildings can be constructed and the
!, necessary county bonds negotiated with
u exec ptioral economy. while there are SO
II many willing hands ith ut employment
l. and so much idle cal ital 'ager for safe
= Investment. Under ese circumstances
, it appears necessary Al d ju t, that the ap
o propriateC Constitutions amendment shal
l. be proposed by the General Assembly
u with the appreciation of tho Governor
u and published for the consideration of tn,