Members 32 Party control unclear | Temporary President vacant | |
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Term January 1 – December 31, 1882 President Lt. Gov. George G. Hoskins (R) | ||
The 105th New York State Legislature, consisting of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, met from January 3 to June 2, 1882, during the third year of Alonzo B. Cornell's governorship, in Albany.
Contents
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 Republican Party and the Democratic Party. The Greenback Party and the Prohibition Party also nominated tickets.
Elections
The New York state election, 1881 was held on November 8. Of the statewide elective offices up for election, five were carried by the Republicans and one by a Democrat. The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Secretary of State, was: Republican 417,000; Democratic 404,000; Greenback 16,000; and Prohibition 4,500.
Sessions
The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 3, 1882; and adjourned on June 2.
The Senate had 15 Republicans, 14 Democrats and 3 Tammany men; the Assembly had 61 Republicans, 59 Democrats and 8 Tammany men. In both Houses, the Tammany men were in a balance of power position, and deadlock ensued. Tammany Boss John Kelly objected to the election of John C. Jacobs as President pro tempore of the State Senate, and the office remained vacant throughout the session.
On February 2, Charles E. Patterson (D) was elected Speaker with 59 votes against 51 for Thomas G. Alvord (R).
On February 20, John W. Vrooman (R) was re-elected Clerk of the State Senate with the votes of the Tammany men; and the right to appoint the standing committees was transferred to Lt. Gov. George G. Hoskins (R).
Districts
Note: There are now 62 counties in the State of New York. The counties which are not mentioned in this list had not yet been established, or sufficiently organized, the area being included in one or more of the abovementioned counties.
Members
The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued in office as members of this Legislature. Charles H. Russell, John W. Browning and Shepard P. Bowen changed from the Assembly to the Senate.
Employees
Assemblymen
The asterisk (*) denotes members of the previous Legislature who continued as members of this Legislature.