, 1890-09-11

A REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.
Adoption OF n Binding Resola tion as
to the eApportionn,ent.

tn the Apportionnient.
The republican membe held lively
three hours caucus this evening to de-
eide what they should 10 with the ap-
portionment bill. A spirited discussion
prolonged the meeting until after IL
o. o'clock. The attendance was general
About twelve members, who thought
nothing could be derived from the cau-
| Gus, absented themselves.
Senator Fairweather called the meet
ing to order and, on motion of Mr.. Ow-
ings, Representative Shaw, of Clarke,
was elected chairman.
After the room had been cleared OF
reporters and spectators the business
was begun.
Senator Houghton made a speech,
saying that II was not absolutely vital
that bill should be passed in strict con.
formity with the constitution, but it
would be better for the repu ublican
party If the legislature should pass some
kind of bill ii it took six months.
Represen tative Grubb made o char
acteristic speech. He said that the
farmers did not complain of the laws
enacted by the regular session. but they
thought there had been too much windy
discussion, which resulted in naught.
At the conclusion of the discussion
Senator kinnear offered the following
resolution;
Resolved, That IL is the sense of this
caucus that the basis for an apportion-
ment bill shall be according to the popu-
lation under the federal census of 1880,
as provided by the constitution of the
| katn NF AL, hat att
both, houses may be increased to num-
Der sufficient TO accomplish the purpose
within tho constitutional limit as to
number.
The resolution was divided, and the
first proposition was passed unanimous
ly. The second proposition was also
passed, but there were about a dozen
negative votes.
The caucus then adjourned after
| harmonius session.
Senator Kinnsar when asked to place
a construction upon his resolution, said
| that the object oil the caucus was TO ar
rive at the principle, which, he added
was set forth in the resolution. Contin-
uing, he said: "My resolution says
that either house or both houses
may be increased, but implies
that neither may be decreased. Repre-
sentative Geoghegan's bill provides ior
decreasing the number of senator's.
Therefore 1t does not hold good under
! the agreement of the caucus The reso-
luton also says that the apportionment
shall be based upon the population,
which knocks out the claims of small
counties for representation independent
of population. The agreement of the
caucus is binding"
Representative Geoghegan entertains
different view. lie says that the res
olution does not do away with the
claims of tile small counties for repre-
sentation. lie also said that his bill
holds good and will be passed.
The representa- tives from the smaller
counties who were seen said that repre-.
sentation was secured them under the
resolution, which provides for the en-
largement OF the legislature, and the
making OF the proper distribution of
the members.
During tile discussion in the caucus
Senator Long brought UP the resigna-
tion proposition, and said he was ready
to step down and out If necessary.
Senator Parkinson concurred. Senator
Kneeland said he had considered the
proposition, but did not consider IL
politics..to resign.
1t was reported tonight that to-mor-
row Representative Rotch would report
he had received at Governor Ferry's
hands when he asked for the census re-
turns Thursday In obedience to in
structions from Speaker Feighan. Mr..
Rotch, when seen tonight, said bs had
not fully IN ade up his mind whether to
pay any attention to the governors ac-
! tinn N not