The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-02-02
New York the Centre.

Tho centre OF population in the United
States advanced south before 1t moved
west, At the close OF the Revolutionary
war the first national census. taken In 1880.
showed the centre OF population to be at a
point twenty-three miles east OF Baltimore.
Ten years later 1t was eighteen miles west
of Baltimore. In 1910 It had moved south
to point forty miles northwest OF Wash
inQton. In 1920 It was at Woodstock. Va.
In 1880 1t was at Moorefeld. W. Va. In 1910
it was sixteen miles south OF Clarks-
burg, ". Va. In 1850 1t was near Parkers-
burg. W. Va. In 1860 it was twenty miles
south OF Chillicothe. In 1870 1t was forty
eight miles east OF Cincinnati. In 1880 1t
was eight miles west OF Cincinnati. and
it Is now twenty miles east OF Columbus.
Ind. But while the centre Of population
has been steadily moving westward. the
centre OF political influence encircling about
New York. having this city as the radating
point and originally including Pennsylva-
MIA, Connecticut. and New Jersey. has.
little by little. steadily contracted. 80 that
at the present time this city is the de-
cisive and determining point In American
politics. not merely on account Of the votes
cast within its boundaries. or Influenced In
neighboring localities. but also on account
Of the concentration here OF the inspira-
lions and resources Of political warfare. the
means Of popular instruction and enlight-
eminent concerning the issues presented.
the sympathetic relation borne toward
other States through commercial ties and
channels. and the varied and comprehensive
character Of our voting population.
In 1876. in 1880. in 1884. and again In 1883.
the electoral votes OF New York determined
the result OF the Presidential election.
There has been new electoral apportion-
ment for this year. but it leaves New York
more than ever before the decisive State.
On the basis OF the electoral vote cast for
BENJAMIN HARRISON In 1888. the Republic
cans gain under the new arrangement 80
votes. Toward this increased total the new
States In the Northwest contribute 20. as
follows: Idaho 8. Montana 8. North Dakota
8. South Dakota 4. Washington 4. and Wyo-
ming3. Nebraska gains 8; Illinois. Mime
sofa. and Pennsylvania 2 each: California.
Colorado. Kansas. Massachusetts,. Oregon.
and Wisconsin gain each.
Tho States which were carried by the
Democracy for the national ticket in 1888
secured these gains: Texas. 2: Alabama.
Arkansas. Georgia. New Jersey. and Mis-
souri,. each. Besides this. the division Of
the State Of Michigan into separate cleo
toral divisions. eight OF which the Demo-
Gratis are tolerably sure to carry under the
division as prescribed. will transfer votes
from the Republican electoral column OF
1888. besides giving to the Democrats one
additional Michigan clector. net gain to
! them In all Of %. But as the Republicans
gain IS. the advantage to them will be 10.
| exclusive OF the result in New York.
Without New York and Indiana the Re
publicans would have 2lo electoral votes.
and the Democrats 1873. while 223 are neces-
sary to elect.
The Democrats need New York to win
They cannot win without 1t. The centre OF
political importance is the Empire State.