Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-06
DEMOCRATS SCARED
BY the Present Situation on
the New ApportiOnment
Question,
WHICH Is NOT PROMISING
To Their Side of the House Under
Existing Circumstances.
PARTY LEADERS ARE PERPLEXED
CEHy the Stand Taken by Some Of the
Southern Members.
WHICH is NOT PROMISING
PARTY LEADERS ARE PERPLEKED
CTcy the Stand Taken by Some Of the
Southern Members.
J FARMERS ALLIANCE SENSATION
rFRoM A STAFF CORRESPONDENCE

TFRoM A STAFF CORRESPONDENCE
WASHINGTON. Dec. 5.-The Democrats
of the House are much more concerned
shout the apportionment than about the
Federal elections bill. They do not expect
% have any show for the majority of this
year two years from now, and an apportion-
nlent upou basis that would give the Re-
pubicans a substantial advantage might
hleau the loss to them OF the majority. 1t
still remains to be settled whether or not the
critics of the census will be able to so dis
credit MIR. Porter's work as to defeat re-
Spportionment at this session. Democrats
think that the hearing today before the
Census Committee on the New York City
case will have a decided influence on the
question. If they should succeed in COM
pelling a recount of New York City. it
might send the whole apportionment ques-
tior over until next Congress.
Small Chance for Recount.
There is little chance, however, that a re-
count will be ordered in New York, and if
il be, it will certainly be rushed through in
time for reapportionment II is ques-
tion whether a reapportionment bill need
wait on z recount In any event. it is certain
an apportionment bill will be passed at this
session. There is little enthusiasm among
the Southern Democrats in regard to New
York, as they admit that the census of their
session has been as fairly taken as could be
expected.
The Democrats are not little annoyed
by the lack OF interest on the part of some
individual members and even whole delega-
bar inb ba har
ship OF the House could be held to the best
interest of the Democrats-all things con-
misunderstanding to Mr.. Holman, a mem
Der Of the Committee, is the present num-
Der, 332. But it seems almost impossible TO
unite the Democrats in support of a measure
fixing this as the number for the reason
that Indiana, Maryland, Kentucky, Tenn
essee and South Carolina would each lose a
member,
Democrats are Much Perplexed.
The Democrats from these States do not
see their way clear to voting for the reduc-
tion of their State delegation though it would
benefit the whole South. The Republicans
are expected to take advantage of this state
Of affairs, and propose to fix the membership
at 354, which will save these States from
any loss, but give the Republicans an i'm
mense advantage. 1t will be difficult to in
duce the Democrats of the States affected to
re rain from voting for the larger number,
and the party leaders are greatly perplexed
BY the situation III which they find them
selves.
Upon a basis of 354 members, Alabama,
California, Colorado, Kansas, Massachu-
sets, Michigan, Missouri. New Jersey,
Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin would
gain one member each; Illinois, Minnesota,
Pennsylvania and Texas would gain two
each, and Nebraska three, while Virginia
Woald lose one.