The Indianapolis journal., 1885-03-04
Senator Johnson, Democratic Member, De-
nounces the Measures as Dishonest and
Unfair, and Votes Against Them.
The Majority in the House Determined
to Force a Special Session.
They Again Refuse to Consider the General
Appropriation Bill-The Court OF Claims
Bill Passed by the Senate.
THE DEMOCRATIC GEnRrmANnER.

THE DEMOCRATIC GERRVIANDER.
The Congressional and Legislative Appor-
tionment swindies Both Pass the Senate.
The debate in the Senate yesterday afternoon,
on the infamous Democratic gerrymandcring
bills was, on the Republican side, q hopeless
appeal for right and justice. and, ON
The Democratic side an insolont boast
of an unscrupulous partys power The
only excuse Of justification offered for the
dishonest measure was that it is the right
OF a political party to use its power for its own
advantage The speeches of Senators Hiligass
and Magee in defense Of the bin were discredita-
BILE to them as conscientious and fairly disposed
men. The speech Of Senator johnson was pa
triotic appeal for right and for the American
principle Of freedom of sentiment, bnt its force
was wasted upon q doggedly determine ed and
unserupulous majority. During the de bate,
which occupied the whole Of the afternoon ses-
sion, the infamy of the measure was forcibly
presented by Senators Marvin Campbell, Hues-
ton, Youche, Winter and 0yerstreet.
DEMOCRATS DESUNoIATfoN OF 1T.
Senator Johnson of Tippecanoe, opened the
debate He earnestly protested against the
gerrymander as a measure of political dishon-
esty.
'It is with feeling of regret" ne said, 'al-
most amounting to sadness, that | rise here to
make some remarks on this proposition to redis-
trict the State of Indiana in the manner in
which it has passed the House of Representa-
tives, or by the amendment to that bill. This
proposition, understand, has not only received
the appreciation of the joint Democratic caucus
but also the Endorsement of the Democratic
majority of the House of Representatives., and
yet, Mr.. President in spite Of these considera
tions which in theeyes of many Democrats may
be of paramount Importance cannot persuade
myself to support it and vote for it. My oppo-
sition to this apportonment bill, as it comes
from the House, and also as it is amended is
caused by the conviction that it
conflicts with my ideas of and my
respect for right, justice and fairness. and that
by voting for it / would sanction and help to
commit wrong which finds no excuse or apol-
ogy in the dictatesa party. Mr.. President, our
system OF government is based upon the will of
the people as expressed by representation in the
legislative branch of our government; and only
when this representation is fairly, Justly and
honestly apportioned, the will of the people can
find a correct and adequate expression. Any
appoFtionment for representative purposes aim
ing at falsifying this expression of the peoples
will is public wrong and ought TO be discoun-
tenanced by citizens irrespective of party afiii-
ations. Now, Mr.. President, am afraid that
the apportioninent bill, as it comes to uS from
the House of Representatives, does not
fully reflect that spirit of impartiality
and fairness towards a political minority
which is due to the latter, and which it has the
right to demand at the hands of the majority
This ought not to he done. The very semblance
or appearance of unfairness should be guarded
against, so that the people may know that the
Democratic party. i'll its struggle against the Re-
publican party, does only and solely rely on the
superiority of its principles and doctrines, and
refuses to resort to practices of political gerry
Wandering, by which the people, or part of the
people, may be deprived OF a fair and equitable
basis of representation. It seems to me by pur-
suing such course the Democratic majority Of
this General Assembly would set an example Of
politicical justice and fairness which would find
its reward in an increased trust and confidence
of the people. 1t may be said that the Republican
party mas been devoid of this sense OF justice,
and that, whenever it had the power and oppor-
tunity, it imposed it's unjust apportionn
upon the Democratic minority. Undoubtedly
this is true. But even the wrongs of the Repub-
hcan party do not excuse or Justify similar
wrongs of the Democratic majority. Mr.. Presi-
dent, the apportlonment which has been in force
and effect for the last six years, and which,
since the time Of its adoption. seemed to give
general satisfaction to both parties, seems to
fully satisfy all reasonable demands of political
justice and irnpartiality. The vote of the two
leading political parties is almost equally divided
IN this State IN an aggregate vote OF nearly half
million Of ballots cast. The result of every
general election ia this State for the last ten or
twelve years has been divided in favor of
either of these parties by small plurality vote,
showing. beyond the power of dispute or contro-
versy, that the parties are so evenly balanced in
Indiana that only the superiority of the caudi-
dates nominated insures victory and success.
And if We then take into consideration that un-
der the present apportionment law the Demo
erats have succeeded in electing nine members
of Congress out of total of thirteen mem bers,
WHILE but al few years ago, the Republicans
succeeded in eiecting large majority of their
candidates for Congress, then it seems to be
evident that the present apportionment
nwaklx S,1rA nwz1
with the rights of political representa-
ton of all citizens, without distinction
of party. Now, il this be true, and believe it
is generally admitted to be true, then this ap-
portonment, in justice both to the maiority-be-
sause it would show its spirit of fairness-and to
Che minority because il tupholds its constitutional
right of representation--shoud be maintained
and upheld. 1t should be simply re-enacted as
the simplest and fairest compliance with a CON
stitutional provision. Mr.. President, as | had
occasion to state at the beginning of my remarks
il is with profound regret that | cannot agree
with the intentions of the majority this floor
to support this BILL bat at the same time
partisan consideration Of this important
measure, which affects the constitutional
rights of the citizens of this State, and in advo
eating principles of justice and fairness towards
the minority think am doing an act of justice
and right; and at the samo tine / believe l am
rendering the Democratic party greater service
than by blindly obeying party decision. When
accepted my mandate as senator for the
county of Tippecanoe, l accepted it with this
solemn pledge: That would do my duty to the
best of my knowledge aud conscience and that
IN tho determination of my vote, party consider
atoms should never interfere with those higher
duties which | owe to my fellow citizens and
the State at large. | trust and honestly believe
that in taking this course the present occasion
/ faithfully carry out this solemn pledge. and
that my constituency in Tippecanoe county will
approve of it,"
Mr.. Hus toni feel that it is the privilege and
duty that deyolves upon every Republican Sena-
tor upon this fioor to at least express his disap-