New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-13
ro1IEcToR BIDwELLs SUGGESTIONS.
NEED OF A NEW CONSTITUTION FOR HE

To . r,,b,re reporter who asked Collector Bidwell
Yesterday what was the general sentiment OF the
Republican County Committees organization COM
rrit.ee whose session he attended on Friday night.
the Collector answered that they all in favor
~ harmony and reorganization. Referring 10 the
demand OF representatives from the HAlhth AS
sembly District, presented TO the Committee on
Organization. for a revision OF the rolls IN that
district Mr. Bidwe said I'VE gave them Just
what they wanted We appointed a subcommittee
~ 90 over the rolls with the delegation from the
XXIXth and strike off all names not properly on
those lists: and also decided 10 reduce the size
OF the delegation 10 the conventions. wherever
the revision proved II necessary. II, for instance
one OF the election districts has eleven delegates
and proves to be entitled to only SIX 1t Will be rep
resented by only six men al the next Assembly
district convention"
In answer 10 a question to the outlook for re-
organization the Collector said In substance After
the primaries and the election Of the new County
Committee, in January we shall take steps toward
effecting reorganization. IL liz not likely, though.
that our organization will make any direct offer.
NV own idea is that a suggestion be conveyed to
q number OF men Of high character not identified
with any faction of the party that they constitute
themselves q committee to invite both the organiza-
lions TO appoint committees. which shall confer
with view TO drafting plan OF reorganization.
But whether or not there should be reorganiza-
tion we shall adopt constitution in which a
return will be made 10 something like the Old AS
sembly district system OF organization. and the
delegates will be apportioned. not the basis of
enrolment but according to the vote cast, say, for
President. The present constitution has never
worked well. and the trainers Of 1t have said that
1t was disappointment 10 them. We should have
changed 1t long ago had 1t not been certain that
that action would have been the signal for great
outcry from the opposition and our motives would
have been misconstrued Ever since ] became a
member OF the County Committee there has been
dissatisfaction with the present constitution and a
year and half ago prepared draft OF a new
constitution, which 20 have been presented al
a meeting of the County Committee. II was de-
cided. however. 10 hold II over, because II II had
been presented then there would have been columns
OF newspaper attacks upon 1t.
But the time has now arrived for the adoption
of constitution No enrolment was ever
made which was correct. even twen:y-four hours
not by OF frauds. but because of the
changes OF residence which are constantly going
on In a great city like this. So. the system OF
choosing delegates on the basis OF enrolment Is
faulty and unsatisfactory Then, too. under the
existing constitution, the cost of keeping up the
organization Is excessive. 1t costs a great deal
to pay the expenses of the 500 election districts in
this city. BY the Assembly. district plan. each As.
sembly district organization will control it's own
election districts, making and unnaking their cap
tains, instead OF the whole being done by the
central authority, as at present. The election dis
trict machinery viii continue 10 be used at cleo
lions but the Assembly district system will prob
ably be adopted for organization purposes"