The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-02-18
CONGRESSIONAL ApPoRTIONMENT
Mr.. Cheadlc Thinks the Latest Plan
Is Lacking in Fairness.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
The congressional apportionment pub
lished in the Journal of Saturday is not
such one as the Republican party can
afford to enact into law. A leading Re-
publican has called attention to the law
that requires an enumeration of voters
every six yearS-and the fact that the
new apportionment must be taken this year
There is a reason for this enumeration and
it is found in the changes in population
of cities and counties. This enumeration is
taken for the sole purpose Of enabling the
Legislature to know these changes. To
illustrate: Madison county enumerated 500
voters in 1889, and cast 13.04O votes in 1891;
Marion county enumerated 1854 voters In
1889 and cast 1920 votes in 1894. 1t would,
therefore, be an act of fragrant injustice
to either of these counties to make APP
portionment In 1895 based upon the popula-
ton of 1890. Both of these counties con-
tain 5000 more inhabitants in 1895 than
they did in 1890. Again. Bartholomew county
cast S26 more votes in 1894 than were enum-
Grated in 1889. while jefferson county cast
6iS less and Dearborn 749 less; hence the
imperative necessity of using every means
at our command in order to make the APP
portionment an equal one. ! have talked
with hundreds Of Republicans in different
counties within the last month. and they all
demand equal apportionment or at
all If the congressional apportionment Dill
you print it becomes the law. the first dis
trict, in 1891, cast 39,o02 votes, and the
Eagnth district, H,459; the sixth district.
4o,sa5 votes, ana the thirteenth 1864 votes,
making difference OF s,s51 votes one dis
trict and s.5i6 IN another and $500 votes il
another. the mere statement OF the figures,
COPIED from the oincial record. will snow
its enormities as they will exist, ana it viii
have to be defeated VINO can defend sucn
not 4 nfa ne IS1nii nl..lr mar
bers of the Legislature TO be consistent and
honest The only ground upon which "a re-
districting can be made Is, mat the present
one is unequal, unjust, un-American. AZ We
shall enact the one you print, b.
the terms of its enactment we snali con-
denim ourselves and give the best possible
evidence OF our inabinty TO do the duty
that lies before US.
For thirty years the Republican party has
stood for birnetaiiism. Only the other day
Thomas u. Reed went over to CievelandS
gold standard. Happily foe US two-tnlrds
OF our members voted against their leader.
For many years tie Republicans OF this
State have, in office and out OF office. de-
manded for our Governor those prerogI-
tiyes which nhere in that office. see
caucus has decided to stultify that demand.
All honor to the Journal for it's manly POI
stion. We have denounced the Democrats
for making an unfair and unequal appor-
tionnent. Let US be candid at least. What
is the matter; Have the men We have
elevated to place and power drifted away
from the faith of those fundamental prin-
cples upon which the fathers of the party
bullded? Have we ceased 10 be Repub-
leans liz we are Republicans let us pause
long enough to take proper bearings and
then do our duty. IF abandon those
principles which vital to honest Repub-
licanism. we ought not be surprised IN 1896
If the people abandon US. they will Just
as certain as fate. The vote of 1884 was
one of want of confidence in Democratic
leaders. By every consideration that should
prompt men to duty, Jet the Republican
members OF the Legislature we'll to 1t
that another such j. vote Is not necessary
in 1896. j. II. CHEADf.E.
Frankfort. Ind. Feb. II.