.MTUyOQ.MTUyMDk

247

resentatives in Congress having expired by its own limitation, that subject will claim the early attention of the Legislature. The right of prescribing the time, place and manner of holding the elections having been entrusted to the Legislatures of the several States, no uniform mode has been established. That which is most consonant to the principles of our government, most likely to ensure the election of suitable candidates, and give to all classes of people their due influence, will be the best mode. In the organization of the national government, the people are supposed to be immediately represented in the most numerous legislative branch, and the States in their corporate capacities in the other. It is, therefore, desirable that the choice of Representatives be made in that manner that will give a fair representation of all the various interests of the people, and best enable the electors to understand the merits of the candidates, & the elected - the sentiments of their constituents. By dividing the State into districts, equal in number to the representatives to be elected, we secure to each section an influence proportionate to its population, and a representation of its particular and prominent interests, whether agricultural, commercial or manufacturing. A choice, by general ticket, increases the influence of a few, but in effect diminishes the power of the people. It enables the prevailing interest of a State, at the expense of every other, to secure to itself the whole representation; affords a greater opportunity for undue influence in the selection of candidates; is often burdensome in the filling of single vacancies, and usually inconvenient in its general operation. Having been accustomed, in this State, to elect by districts, the Legislature will undoubtedly have regard to the habits, and what may be presumed to be the wishes of our constituents. In laying off the districts, it will be