The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1921-02-07
Vermont and the South.
Huntington Free Press.

Nermomt would not complain over the
loss OF representative in congress sol
much as we are inclined at the present
tune, II such a measure were really lust
As a matter of fact, however, as has al
ready been shown in these columns the
Southern states have representation on a
hctItlous basis. 1t IS the swollen repre-
sentatlon OF the south depending upon the
counting of the colOred population which
does not vote that helps to deprive Yer
mont OF one member, if the number of
representatives, IN the house is kept as at
present at Abs.
Under these circumstances it is fitting
as we'll as matter of simple Justice that
measures should be taken to get at the
exact facts in the situation. Congress
may not be IN a position to undertake
tins task wisely. There IS nothing, how
ever, TO prevent the recognized organiza-
ton of the Republican party from doing
this needed work. The determination OF
the Republican national organization to
make investigation of conditions of citi-
zensh1p IN the South Is not only pertinent
but also commendabe
In view OF the fact that Vermont is one
OF the states that will lose representation
IN the house through the padding of
the southern states list OF members, 1T is
entirely appropriate that National Com
should he made a member of the commit
tee which Is to undertake this important
work. The statement o. The work to be
undertaken says;
"Carryng out the direction and author
ity contained i'm the foregoing provisions.
Chairman Will ii. Hays has Just ap.
pointed the committee called for to make
an Investigation OF the Republican party
! IN tic south with recommendations for
such changes a. viii be for the bettermcnt
/ of the party and To make a recommends.
ton 10 the national committee represents
! ing the apportionment of delegates to the
next Republican convention.
/ ~ thorough consideration viii be made
/ Of conditions as related to the Republican
! party in the several states and localities
ia the south i'm order that full information
/ may be available upoo which to base de.
cislon. 1t will he noted that this very
/ likely may result in something OF a revu.
/ luton. IN Republican party organizations
| in the south; perhaps even complete re
| construction in that region.
! "Auyhow. all sides OF the matter vii
/ he thoroughly investigated and an earnest
and udtuotjc attempt made t. perform
! useful service not only TO tho Republican
party but to the country. The committa,
will meet at an early date and proceed
with the work.
Fights before the national committee
over the coutesting delegations have fire
qUCutlv stirred M scandals and bitterness
! Cf feeling. The situation became so acute
ut the last national convention that il wa
decided to hold contest hearings in tn,
omen. The picture presented was suc'
that it greatly strengthened thc demand
Of those who sought reforms.
"'Th" reconstruction proposed involve
the Negro question, and as tn" Republican
party has great strength arong the Ne
"ro5 : of the northern tier of states thcr,
has btrn hcsitaucy about adopting an,
=, policy of representation to the nationa
convention from the south which woul,
help to Iui1d up a white Republican part,
there. INT it seems probable that SOM
drastic stcps to cad Tia" southern delcgat
sc~"daIs will now Lc taken"
i II this whole movement should r"sul
IN the further extension of the real riah
oF auirtaec, the coIorcd voters of Tia,
south: cve4, though Vermont loses mem
tie Green Mountain state for an o.
pressed race i'm the south.