The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-03
ILLOGICAL AppoETIosMESr.

Nothing can be more certain than thst
this congress Is TO have a hot and pro-
ionged light over the bill for apportioning
congressional representation under the
new census. which viii carry with it rep
resentation In the electoral college. The
census viii be attacked, IS viii also the
distribution OF fractions. and on both OF
these points there are liable to be some
thing besides partisan differences One
Republican state may be accorded an addi-
tiOnal representative which will of necessity
fraction. or between three or o greater
number with fractions of population about
equal there may be but one representative
assignable, which viii lead to q scramble
and hot blood.
Il h therefore probable that what with
the time consumed on the elections bill.
the appropriation bills and other measures
wen under way, the limits OF time may
make the passage of the apporsionment
bill BY this congress somewhat doubtful.
The attack upon the census, in which Re-
publicans no less than Democrats are
likely 10 participate. viii necessarily con-
sumo much time. And this raises the
question whether population Is the best or
In any respect logical basis Of representa-
hon.
Although any change in that respect
would involve constitutional amendment,
and would conflict with selfish interests
and corrupt practices to such an extent as
10 make such an amendment difficult and
perhaps improbable. il is nevertheless q lit
subject for discussion. Il is submitted
that population as . basis of representation
b inconsistent and illogical, and that the
substitution of q logical basis-that of
voters-would simplify matters and avoid
many of the difficulties now encountered,
while indirectly promoting a number OF
needed reforms.
II Is illogical in principle. and un-
just in practice TO have for a
basis that which does not control
representation. Ii is illogical to ac-
cord to q certain number OF people. all of
whom are qualified TO participate in the
choice of representatives, equal representa-
lion, and no more, than an equal number
Of people larger proportion of whom are
disqualified. Until women and the negroes
Of the South, for instance, are allowed to
participate in the choice of representatives,
Il is illogical to include them in the basis
Of apportionment
This view makes il apparent tina. votes,
rather than population, would be the logi-
cal basis of apportionmenI And il would
be more readily ascersainable and more re-
liable. II would be summing up OF cleo
lion returns which had controlled the
shoice of representatives, either for the
last preceding election or for q series of
elections throughout a decade. Such an
amendment would be more etfecgual than
any election bill to accomplish one of two
Two results: either to stop the suppression
Of votes and the polling of the votes of all
sho are entitled. or a reduction OF repre-
,entation in proportion to such suppress
non. Ii would also to large extent serve
Inc purpose OF q compulsory voting law ;
making the neglect OF This great privilege
.nd duty work reduction of representa-
ion.
Under the present system Cinnamon and
sshers, who are neither citizens nor capable
vi becoming such. are equally with native
sorn Americans made basis of repre-
,entation which they can neither control
aor influence. Consistency, justice and
,ood government would be suos~ryed by q
shange from the illogical TO the logical
basis; from reputation To votes.