The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1902-01-23


session gave an inkling of what might
be expected. II everything went well,
good things might be looked for. II
the opposite were true, there was little
hope of redemption before adjourn
ment. Taking this hypothesis as cor
rect, the present general assembly
holds out hope to the people who sent
It here. The start has been ecourag-
ing, and there is an evident disposition
to quickly get down to work and show
something at the end. AS an encour-
aging feature is the evident intention
to do away with party differences to
the extent of blocking public good. In
the past many really useful measures
have been dropped because OF the Bit
ter feeling between the different politi-
cal factions, while oftimes' the con-
trolling element has forced through
vicious legislation with no excuse 9TH
or than majority of votes. But In
this assembly there seems no DISPOSE
ton to take advantage of such tech
picality, and it Is doubtful IL much
legislation of a purely partisan char
acter will be presented. The Repub-
| licans will, Of course, endeavor to agree
upon o redistricting measure. 30 drawn
as to give the party the largest pos
sible representation In congress. AS
to the best way this can be brought
about and at the same time meet with
unanimous approval is n problem the
solution Of which is not yet worked
out. During the heat and vigor Of the
recent speakership fght the followers
of Senator Foraker, who were the in
dorsers of Representative Price Of
Athens a. the opponent of Mr.. EcKin-
non, threatened in case Of their con.
trolling both branches Of the general
assembly to 30 change the complexion
of the Nineteenth district as to throw
State Chairman Dick, it's present con-
gresham, into q group Of Democratic
counties, and thus bring about his re-
tirenent. 1t In doubtful If such thing
Price been elected. for the threat was
but the passing fancy Of minds made
angry and weary by strife and turmoil.
But now it Is entirely out of the ques-
ton, for with Mr.. McKinnon as speak
er and the friends of Mr.. Dick in con-
troll OF the house, any bill presented
must be drafted along lines agreeable
to the chairman. He undoubtedly de-
sires to be the next Republican NOM
inee for governor, but recognizes the
fact that an assured seat In congress
is q good thing to fall back on, pro-
yided his gubernatorial aspirations
are not realized. One change. however,
is assured beyond peradventure in the
| redistricting matter. The Thirteenth
congressional district, now overwhelm-
ingly Democratic and represented by
Or. Norton Of Tifin, will be completely
changed and made Republican. if pos
sible. AS a start toward this Erie
county will be taken out and put in
with Lorain, Huron and others In the
more nort1Arn part Of the state. The
| FIRST purpose OF this change will be to
give Erie an opportunity of having a
representative in congress, q distinc-
tion it long has sought and never real
lied. Judge e. w. King of Sandusky
will undoubtedly be the nominee. With
Erie alone removed frem the Thir-
teenth district the Democratic majority
would be increased. but the purpose Is
to 80 judiciously distribute the Demo-
cratic counties Of the district around
as to throw them in Republican COM
pany, and bring In such Republican
ones as will work the removal OF DR..
Norton and elect Republican success
sor. No bill of a complete character
has yet been drafted, and the entire
question is in but an embryo state.
When Mr.. McKinnon was elected
speaker of the house an important fea-
ture of the Office had evidently slipped
his mind. else ne woGli rot have taken
his new honors with sach complacency
and manifestation OF JOY. A part Of
his duties consists ia the appointment
Of all committees in the house to serve
during the session. The immense
amount of work involved in this Is
aggravated by the ceaseless importu-
mites of members desiring place. Mr..
McK1nnon had his first taste of the
trouble. which has since pursued him
constantly, the morning following his
election. He was not out of bed before
q delegation waited upon him at the
hotel urging the appointment of Mr..
Price, HIS defeated opponent, for chair
man OF the committee on judiciary. A
peculiar feature Of this call was that
the men composing the delegation were
among the warmest friends OF Senator
Hanna and had been bitter In their op-
position to Price in the speakership
contest. Mr.. McKnnon was somewhat
surprised because of this, and 30 ex-
pressed himself. The explanation was
/ found In the st ltement that Mr.. Price
having been defeated, 1t would now be
good politics to give him an impor-
tant place on the committees, espe-
cially because such action would have
q tendency to remove any ill-feeling
which might have followed hIs defeat
and be pleasant compliment both to
him and Senator Foraker. The sneak
er refused to give promiso. howe yer
and the delegation was forced to go
away unsatisned. From that time on
there has not been an hour OF any day
that Mr.. McKinnon has not been Wis
tied by friends Of men desiring places
ON important committees. In every
instance he has refused to commit
himself. yet such knowledge Of his do
insS and his sayings has come 70 the
public a. makes sure the Iact that Mr.
Price will not be appointed. but that
the chairman Of the judiciary commit
teo will bo Clyde r. Painter of Bow