New-York tribune., 1907-04-09
TALK OF NEW ELECTION
DEMOCRATS DESIRE ONE.
Gouernor Hugkes's Position Night
Be Strengthened Thereby.
TBy Telegraph to The Trlbune.i ]

Albany, April S.-Discusson Of the apporton-
ment question was turned into new channel
to-day with somewhat startling effect by the
declaration which came from many sides that
Democratic politicians, aided by Democratic Of
hceholders, would try to force the election of a
new Senate next fall Attorney General jack
son expects to take up the apportionment ques-
ton personally Immediately Some of his depU-
ties who are familiar with the subject have
been studying the situation carefully ever since
the Court of Appeals declared the apporton-
ment of 1906 void, and many persons here
would not be surprised to see an opinion from
the Attorney General to the Secretary OF State.
declaring that there must be new Senate
in 1908.
The opinion of Chief Justice Cullen declared
that the spresent Legislature was a do facto
body. Since Senators elected for two years.
most Of the present Senators have been con-
graduating themselves over the apparent fact
that they need not worry about retaining their
seats. Nevertheless, some Democrats maintain
that this opinion may be held to pertain only to
this legislative year. and that the Attorney Cen
eral will, if a new apportionment is adopted by
this Legislature. advise the Secretary of State
to call an election Of Senators next November.
What this would mean politically hardly can
be overestimated. 1t would give TO Governor
Hughes weapon or utmost potency TO force
compliance with his wishes for legislation. In
New York and Kings counties it would mean a
shifting of conditions which easily might upset
local control, as it exists at present.
Clever lawyers who have studied the appor-
tionment decisions say that no mere shifting Of
Richmond County from one district to another
and Strengthening out of the boundaries OF
''Christy' Sullivan's district will make an ap-
portionment which will stand TO constitu-
tionality. In spite of the announcement Of some
Of the Republican leaders that a new appOr-
tionment he made from last years map
with a few slight changes, the prevailing opin-
ion here is that an entirely districting will
out on lines which the men who were RESPONSE
BILE for last years apportionment did not dare
consider
Such an appOrtionment would tear the state
apart almost literally as to political alliances
a il would as to district boundaries. The sig
nfcant feature of IL all applied to the ex-
listing Republican situation is that those who
would he worst hit are some Of the men who
have been standing most strongly against the
Governors plans. Such conduct IL the Gov
ernor's appeals to the people continue. would
not be likely to endear these Senators TO tha
suit would be If they had 10 face special cleo
tion called by the Governor under the new ap-
portionment easily can he imagined
State Chairman Woodruff and Congressman
Parsons president Of the New York County
Republican Committee. both were here tonight.
slider the apportionment question serious one
personally. He believed that any appor-
tionment would not affect Kings County but
would leave tho districts there they
President Parsons was not inclined to discuss
the question for publication.