Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1909-11-15
THE CENSUS AND POLITICAL
POWER cENTERs. 4


Having In mind the next census
figures The Washington Post for
sees a shifting of political power, and
/ It thus speculates Interestingly on
the possibilities:
Some Of the politicians in the East
are beginning to grow nervous over
the forthcoming census Of the popu-
lation. On it will be based for the
succeeding ten years the representa-
ton IN the House of Representa-
tives and IN the electoral college.
None of the North Atlantic States has
Increased in population very largely,
and some of the smaller States have
actually fallen of slightly in popula-
ton, while the far West and South
west have grown. The population In
the whole country, 1t is confidently ex'
pected, will show such an increase
that representation based on the pres
ent ratio would give the House an
increase OF between 75 and 100 mem
bers. II the ratio is increased so as
to keep the membership at the pres
ent number, all the States north of
the Ohio and east OF Missouri, with
the possible exception Of Illinois, will
probably lose. In the South, Georgia,
Alabama and Texas, 1t is believed,
will gain in membership. as will the
States in the Northwest. OF course,
all gains in the South win benefit the
Democrats, while those in the North
west are not so sure for the Republi-
cans.
"This is what is giving the politi-
clans in the East session of unrest,
Cutting of representation In such Re
publican States as Ohio, Iowa, Michi-
gan. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New
York and Massachusetts. and that
quasi.Republican state, Indiana, and
giving II to Alabama. Texas, Georgia,
Missouri, and the uncertain North
western States, might mean a revers-
al OF conditions in Congress and the
election Of a Democratic President
three years hence. An addition Of
10 or 20 to the vote OF the South
in the electoral college and reduc.
tion Of the same number in the sure
Republican States would make the
next race an exceedingly interesting
one. Especially will this be the case
ne the great Northwest continues in
IFS present unsatisfied condition, as It
will probably make considerable
gains in It's electoral representation.
Viewed from any standpoint, It is
enough to give the Republicans serl-
GUS thought. Political power is rapid.
ly slipping from the East to the West,
and when the West learns the lesson
Of keeping good men In Congress II
viii exert the influence over legisla-
tion now exerted by the East"
The South, no less than the West.
needs to have a realizing sense of
the Importance Of keeping good men
In Congress, The East has held the
whip hand In matters OF legislation
at Washington. because II has de
served TO. That section has taken
these positions in the House and SEN
a'e seriously, and whenever a man
has measured up to their high stand
ards they have left him permanently
on guard, TO grow with the position.
Most members from the South are
compelled. in self-defense. to spend
most OF their means and energies in
the neverendlng struggle to keep
their seats. There are too many dis
trlets where there IL sort OF unwrit.
ten law that there must be a change
every two years. 10 the end that some
man may be paid for whatever serv.
ice he may have rendered the party.