Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1884 — THE NEXT SENATE. [ARTICLE]

THE NEXT SENATE.

Its Probable Political Complexion, LFrom the Chicago Herald.] In the present United States Senate there are 37 Republicans, 36 Democrats, and 2 Readjusters who vote with the Republicans. There is one vacancy, caused by the death of Senator Anthony, of Rhode Island, whose successor will certainly be a Republican. On March 3, 1885, the terms of 11 Republicans and 14 Democrats expire. Six of their successors have already been elected, with no changes in their politics. The following table will show the status of the Senate, Anthony’s sucessor and the two Readjusters being included in the Republican column: Rep. Dem. Present Senate 40 36 Terms expire 11 14 Holding over ...29 22 Already elected 2 4 Chosen 31 26 This leaves to be elected 19 Senators. The Republicans are already assured of the Senators from Kansas, New Hampshire, and Oregon, the Legislature in the last-named State being already chosen. The Democrats are assured of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida. Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This brings the totals up as follows: Rep. Dem. Already chosen 31 26 Assured 3 7 Total certain 34 33 This leaves nine Senators in doubt, to be chosen by the following States: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In order to secure a bare majority in the next Senate, with the aid of the two Readjusters from Virginia, the Republicans must secure five of these nine. That would make their total 39, the Democrats numbering 37. In order to secure a bare majority Democrats must be chosen from six States and Republicans from but three. In case five Democrats are chosen and four Republicans the Senate will be a tie, 38 being the strength of each party. Latest returns indicate that the Republicans have secured control of the Legislatures in California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Indiana will re-elect Mr. Voorhees. The Illinois Legislature is a tie. The Republicans are therefore certain to have a larger majority in the Senate of the next Congress than they have at present.