108th New York State Legislature
The 108th New York State Legislature, consisting of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, met from January 6 to May 22, 1885, during the first year of David B. Hill's governorship, in Albany. Background. Under the provisions of the New York Constitution of 1846, 32 Senators and 128 assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts; senators for a two-year term, assemblymen for a one-year term. The senatorial districts were made up of entire counties, except New York County (seven districts) and Kings County (three districts). The Assembly  districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards, forming a contiguous area, all within the same county. At this time there were two major political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. In New York City the Democrats were split into three factions: Tammany Hall, "Irving Hall" and the "County Democrats". The Prohibition Party; and a fusion of the Greenback Party, the Anti-Monopoly Party and the "People's Party", also nominated tickets. Elections. The New York state election, 1884 was held on November 4. Governor Grover Cleveland was elected U.S. President. The only two statewide elective  offices up for election were two judgeships on the New York Court of Appeals, which were carried by the two cross-endorsed incumbents, one Democrats and one Republican. Sessions. The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 6, 1885; and adjourned on May 15. On January 6, Gov. Grover Cleveland resigned, and Lt. Gov. David B. Hill succeeded to the office. George Z. Erwin (R) was elected Speaker with 72 votes against 51 for William Caryl Ely (D). On January 20, the Legislature elected William M. Evarts (R) to succeed Elbridge G. Lapham  (R) as U.S. Senator from New York, for a six-year term beginning on March 4, 1885. On May 15, the Legislature adjourned. While the members were exchanging farewells, copies of Gov. Hill's proclamation for a special session, to convene on the same day at 4 p.m., were delivered to the clerks of the Senate and the Assembly. The special session was called to consider again — Hill had vetoed a census bill during the regular session — action to be taken concerning the decennial enumeration which, under the Constitution, was due in 1885. In his message to the Legislature, Hill  stated that the Constitution required an "enumeration", but not a "census". No enumeration or census bill was passed until 1891. State Senate. Members. The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued in office as members of this Legislature. State Assembly. Assemblymen. The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued as members of this Legislature.