The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-12-05

One hundred representatives Of the repub-
hcan clubs Of Marion couny. including
many OF the leading local members Of that
party. bslqueted Thursday night at the Com
mercial cub and held a general thanksgiv-
ing Warrick Ripley presided as the or
ganizer Of the Lincoln league clubs. speech
es being made by Smiley n. Chambers.
Mayor Denny. John Hayes, John Q. Hicks.
John Ford, William l. Taylor. Hugh j.
Marshall. Frank w. Noble, Joseph Broyles,
Char'es A. BOOkwaiter. John Mountain. W.
c. Van ArSdel. Ex-Governor Hanna, G. $.
TarltOn, James W. Fes,er AMI Merrill
Moores.
The principal address OF the evening
proved TO be a verItable sensation and ex-
IRENE surprise was expressed upon every
face present, fer there were there nearly
the entire republican delegation to the
legislature. This the address of the
Hon. Smiley y. Chambers upon the sub
ject Of the state apportionment.
Mr.. Chambers was the first speaker OF
The evening and in introducing him the
POSTMASTER referred 10 the fact that the
Lincoln league, though not destined TO con-
troll the counsels and policy of the party.
nevertheless had for it's object the assis-
lance in regulating its policy and would
express itself upon all questions of vita,
interest to the party. In point, he said, he
would present Mr.. Chambers, who, as rep
powerful republican organization in the
county. would speak upon the highly i'm
portant question of the proposed appor-
tionment Of the state for legislative and
congressiina, purposes.
In opening, Mr.. Chambers reviewed the
late pOntical history Of the county s-nce
the great republican landslide of 1883. when
the republican party was swept out OF pow
er. He said this had been done by a ma
jority OF the people, and the democratic
party had been lifted into office and the
control of the country. Again in 1884 the
M a IA y
as pronounced, but Numerically opposed
in its praise and condemnation had de-
throned the democrats and returned the
republicans to power.
This" said Mr.. Chambers, carries with
II lesson which we as the represent-g,,t ,
OF a party are bound TO recognize. These
sudden revulsions have not been accid snts
They are the work of the people. and as
such the causes must be stuffed.
The lesson drawn from these radical
tive element which is large and rapidly
growing factor in American politics, is in
the ascenda ncy. and it IS demanding mod
ton is 9ShaiI the next legislature of this
state. at its coming session. pass an appor-
Torment act?' Many cries of approvaO.
a BOmbsheII Thrown.
Gentlemen. the constitution of this state
and the laws Of this state are explicit upon
the question of how and when the state
shall be apportiOned. II provides when
each apportionment shall be made This
culatioa TO ascertain that next year. the
year 1885. is not the time for a cOnstitu-
tional apporuOnment to be male. Non can
be made under the constitution until 1891.
The republican party is diSunctiVe4y q
constitutions party and cannot afford
70 go contrary TO the constitution of the
state The act of 1873 is now in force Az
ter il passed suit was brought which
was virtually the republican party against
the democratic party, in which the consu-
tutiOnality of the appOruOnment act OF
1883 was the point IN issue. The republican
party in that suit selected its case, its
court and its points, yet It was defeated
in the case by an adverse decision from a
learned and honorable court An appeal
was taken and this mas since beel us
missed. so that the act OF 1888 stands upon
the statute books unassailed- 1t IS law-
Now. gentlemen. in view OF this rapid
" growing spirit Of conservatism. the ques-
ton that confronts Us is whether il Will BE-
wise to affront this conservative element
by the passage of an appOrtonment law,
the cOnstitutiOnality of which is matter
of the gravest doubt | think not Looking
viii be he'd, when president Is 70 be
elected, when a legislature is to be elected,
when a United states senator ic to be
elected, ] say 1t would be almost SUICIDAL TO
pass a law which cannot be in conformity
with the provisions of the constitution.
Il have always been a Staunch and true
republican and / do not fear that my mo-
tives viii be impugned on account OF the
stand / take in this matter. SO l say that
we cannot whether in a spirit of retail
alton or otherwise. present 10 the voters
of this state a law and question of doubt
Aul Coilotlbul ioiieA-AtS ~ Pt.-'1-Aio OF
tionment act at the coming session OF the
legislature l leave this question TO your
grave consideration. My remarks are the
result OF careful study of all sides of the
question"
The address created the most profound
surprise and the general disapprOval OF
those present. From lawyer OF such
recognized ability and learning upon con-
stitutiona, questions the opinion of the
speaker fell Ike an explosion and startled
every man present. When Charles Book
walter said in his address that the dis
agreed with Mr.. Chambers upon the mat
ter ne was greeted with almost unanimous
applause. but the opinion will have much
TO do with the passage of an appOrtiOnment
act. That was cOnceded.