New-York tribune., 1902-01-12
CONNECTICUT TOPICS.
MEASURES PROPOSED IN CoNsTITU
TIoNAL CONVENTION-HAR
MAYOR AND THE LAW AND
ORDER LEAGUE.

| Hartford Conn. Jan. II CSpeciaD-The debate
L. the question of representation has already be-
leur in the constitutional convention, and the
ISonvention has decided 10 hear everything in the
Icouraittee of the whole the prospect is for a few
Ieeks OF interesting addresses. Daniel Davenport,
Icf Bridgeport, made the first SCI address of the
fconvention on Thursday. and IL a well con-
ledered appeal to the delegates from the rural
rowns TO come TO the full understanding and re-
slzaton OF the situation TO be prepared TO take
Ibe consequences of confusion and disorder If the
opportunity for reforming the constitution was not
Embraced. The address general lines not
advocating any special plans for change.
| severa! plans have been already proposed. and
Ebey are on the table TO be discussed. the idea OF
tbe leading men of the body being thoroughly
leo over each of the plans before taking a vote on
Isny one of them. Charles Hopkins Clark, of Hart
Iford has offered plan for the reconstruction of
I-be house in which six classes proposed towns
Iof less than 500 population to have represen-
native more than 5000 and less than l5.co 10 have
TWO between 1900 and 25.Go TO have three between
Il 6s and 80 600 TO have four and between 5000 and
L GOO 20 have FIVE, and all towns 10000 to have
lsix which is be the largest number from any
lone town under such an apportionment. The diNi-
sion Of towns into representative districts is also
fprovided for and this would provide for minority
Representation in the larger towns. A plan offered
bv Mr. Hubbard of Middletown. provides for one
representative from each town and three from
bach county. elected county representatives
(which altogether an innovation, the county
meyer having been considered a unit for rep
rscntat ton the only way in which II enters into
,he matter at all being that at present Senate
tdistrcts must be within one county under all
circumstances Robert J. Vance. Of New-Britain.
who fairly represents the Democratic sentiment IN
Ithe State has proposed that the Senate shaH nave
tthjrtv members each to represent nearly as pos
stle constituencies Of 5000, and that the House
shall be composed Of members elected on the basis
Of one for every 5O0O population. This plan pro-
gides for distrcting towns together where il may
be necessary and is near to the outspoken plan
| of the Democratic party of the State as can be-
| For the other matters concerning the changes in
| the constitution Mr.. Davenport. of Bridgeport,
has provision for woman suffrage: Mr. Osborne.
Of New-Haven has one in the interest of Civil
Service reform. and Ex-Governor Waller has
provision which prevents any member of the leGis-
lsture from being appointed to any civil office
while he IS a member OF the body. The Conven-
ton has settled down with two outside clerks has
refused employ a stenographeT and is getting
down the business before it The sessions thus
far have been OF a preliminary character devoted
70 organization and feeling the way for business;
but hereafter they viii lie characterized by earnest
work The constitution Itself.
Turning from State to city matters the contest
which has been between Mayor HARRISON and
the Law and order League has taken more
serious phase and the statement made by Secre-
Etary Thrasher of the league seems to pring the
matters In dispute fOrcblV up TO the Mayor Ihe
facts that committee of citizens of Hartford
asked the league 70 investigate certain phases of
fe in this city and the league. with its detectives.
entered upon the work vigo; ously and obtained
whence against several well known houses both
as cards the social evil and violations of the
| 0Uor laws This evidence submitted 10 the
|fayor in conjunction with the citizcrIs committee.
and il supposed that 1t to be held in
confidence until af;e' the Mayor. who is offico
lg-ssiSent CT the Police Board could ascertain
--ough regular channels whether conditions found
|by TIL league as stated. The facts leaked
Ju- however. but there has been investigation
~ the police. and the evidence of the league has
ret been used 10 convict any 10 bring any
10 fore the courts Ii has had the effect of
iUfeakinc NJ of the places in the city
inorever. largely By action the part of the
as Of the building. and converting il into mems
t1o.eI Mayor HARRISON has not replied TO the
lncet recent of the statements Of the league, and
T.cSobly nil bat he continues. in such brief
ddrcs.ss as he has occasion to make. to refer TO
as an outside influence which should have no
s-a2dn- in he care Of tho city. IT may be posi-
re. after a rev chief Of police has been chosen
10 succeed the late Chief Bill, that there VIII be
alice Investigation into the same matters the
4e1Eae has teen considering