The Calumet news., 1911-05-02
MICHIGAN coNeREssMEN.

as 10 congressional districts is alto
rether likely. while the election of a
Icongressman-a large under the law
basis of apportionment is not at all
likely.
The apportionment bin, which pass
ed the lower branch of the congress
lproyides for a house of 43S members,
instead of 391 as now. 10 be appor-
toned on a basis of one congressman
Ito every 211.S77 of population, or as
nearly as may be TO that figure. This
would give Michigan thirteen instead
lof twelve congressman as now and
would mean either the election of a
Icongressman-at- large or a special ses-
sion of the legislature and complete
Iredistricting of the state as 10 con-
gressional districts 10 redistrict would
Imean "a general shake up i'm the con-
gressional districts and present con-
gressmen would find they had new
fields TO conquer when they come up
for election in the fall of 1912.
Already a considerable number of
men have cast fond eyes in the direc
tiOn of the job as congressman at
large. Republicans who have been
mentioned in this connection include
former Congressman Gerrit J. Dickema
of Holland. who because OF his long
service as chairman Of the Republican
state Central committee and his good
service as congressman from the Fifth
is we'll known throughout the state;
Washington Gardner formerly of the |
Third district who has just retired; |
Henry Smith. formerly of the Second /
district and w. Frank Knox. at present |
exceptionally well known in the state |
because of his activities as chairman
of the Republican State Central COM
mittee
In addition there are those who have |
been mentioned as candidates for gov /
ernor who might turn their attention
toward Washington in the event of a /
large being elected, |
In this connection might be named
Lieut-G Gov. John Q. Ross OF Muske
gon. who has congressional aspirations.
unless he decides to make the run for
governor instead. Mr.. Ross would like
to go after the scalp Of Congressman
James G, Mclaughlin and is already
considered "a tentative candidate for
the place, although ne Is personally
undecided between this job and the
Then there is Edwin
DENLY of Detroit, who has just retired
as congressman from the First dis
trict, and who will doubtless be in the
game should Wayne county be di-
vided into two districts under a reap
portionment.
Patrick H. Kelley is also to be con-
sidered. He is still strong political
factor in the state and would like TO
be governor, but probably might find
his attention diverted in case Of an
election of a congressman at large.
Amos :. Musselman of Grand Rapids
would also be a strong factor i'm such
4 race 20 say nothing of the bunch Of
state officers already casting fond eyes
At the gubernatorial chair and includ-
ng Fred c. Martindale, A. c. Sleeper
md Huntley Russell.
However. the chances are all against
he election Of a congressman-at-l large.
governor Osborn has said repeatedly
nd forcefully that he would call
peciaI session of the legislature to
edistrict the state either in the late
an or on the first of next January.
This session is TO be called in any I
went Co receive the report of the com
mission authorized by the legislature {
o investigate the state tax system, al
% 10 receive the report of the COM !
mission to be appointed to investigate
he workingmen's compensation act
With the legislature in session, the
GOVERNOR believes IL viii be proper to
lean up the reapportionment situa-
ion. 9
While this viii disturb the congress
ional districts all over the state, this
lust be done sooner or later anyway 7
nd it is believed it might as well be
one first as last.
The upper peninsula which now
makes mp the Twelfth district, must
&c divided and it is proposed to cut I
n the east half of the upper peninsula
nd combine it with several counties
n the northern portion Of the lower
10 form a new district. 1t
+ proposed in this new district 10 take G
, the eastern half Of the upper pen
lsula with Alpena, Presque Isle Che
nygan, Charlevoix, Otsego and Mont
emery counties OF the lower penin-
Ila. +
other districts are 10 be similarly
Pile up and this will undoubtedly fol- +
W. the calling OF the special session
the legislature, provided the ap-
ortionment bill, which has now passed
he lower house also passes the sem
.c. This will be sure to result in a N
rcnuous battle since every congress-
AN and every man with aspirations ei
" congress Will be busy seeing to IL
at no undesirable territory gets into
strict and that ne is not forced 10
sht against some man already on the
D.. s,
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THIS DATE IN HISTORY" V
167O-rhe Hudson's Bay Company
rmed in England.