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

Having in mind the next census
figures The Washington Post for.
sees 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-
tiyes 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 off slightly In popala-
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 as and 100 mem
bers, II the ratio Is increased so as
to kesp the membership at the pres
ent number, all the States north Of
the Ohio and east Of Missouri, with
the possible exception Of Illinois, win
lose. In the South, Georgia,
Alabama and Texas, II is believed,
win gain in membership, as will the
States In the Northwest or course.
all gains in the South will benefit the
Democrats. while those IN the North
west are not so sure for the Republi-
cans.
This Is what IL giving the politi-
clans In the East session Of unrest.
Cutting on representation In such Re
publican States as Ohio. Iowa, Michi-
gan, Wisconsin. Pennsylvania, New
York and Massachusetts,, and that
luasi-Republican State, Indiana, and !
owing 1t to Alabama. Texas, Georgia,
Missouri. and the uncertain North
western States, might mean reyers-
Il OF conditions in Congress and the
,lection OF Democratic President /
hree years hence. An addition Of |
9 or 20 to the vote of the South /
n the electoral college and a reduce
ion OF the same number in the sure
Republican States would make thel
lext race an exceedingly interesting
me. Especially will this be the case
T the great Northwest continues IN
Is present unsatisfied condition, as II
viii probably make considerable
aims in it's electoral representation.
Viewed from any standpoint, It Is
inough to give the Republicans seri-
nus thought Political power is rapid.
y slipping from the East to the West,
md when the West learns the lesson
4 keeping good men in Congress II
viii exert the influence over leglsla.
ION now exerted by the East"
The South, no less than the West,
leeds to have a realizing sense OF
he importance OF keeping good men
n Congress, The East has held the
whip hand In matters Of legislation
Il Washington. because 1t has de-
ieryed to. That section has taken
hese positions In the House and SEN
re seriously, and whenever a man
las measured up to their high stand.
Irds they have left him permanently /
IN guard. to grow with the position.
Most members from the South are
compelled. in sels-defense, to spend
most Of their means and energies In
he never-ending struggle to keep
heir seats. There are too many dis
riots where there is a sort OF unwrit-
en- law that there must be a change
svery two years. 20 the end that some
man may be paid for whatever serv.
Ice he may have rendered the party |