The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 14, 1895, Page 1

VOLUME LXXVIIL— NO. SAN FRANCISCO, THURSDAY: MORNING, MARCH 14, 1895 PRICE FIVE CENTS VIGTORY. The Senate Stands by the New Valley Road. ROUT OF ENEMIES. Terminal Facilities Will Be Granted to the Line. TWENTY-ONE LOYAL MEN They Vote to Free the State From the Fetters of the Southern Pacific. SIXTEEN POLITICAL SUICIDES. Those Senators Who Misrepresent the People Stand by Thelr — Political Masters. € Saomamexto, March 13.—Here is a roll of political suicides: Aram, Arms, Dunn, Hart, Henderson, 'Hoyt, Lindaer, Mahon McGowan, Ditchell, Orr, Seawell, Seymour, Shine, Simpson and Toner. Something better might have been ex- | ected from Seawell and Simpson, but as [to the other fourteen their votes on other measures are their records. } It may have been that technicalities in- (fluenced Seawell’s brain. On other ques- tions he has voted with the square end of #the proposition. Simpson’s break from his previous rec- ord is thesurprise of the Senate. #e is considered a square and upright man. It t seem a little thing ate to him tional jealousy as the cause for voting in accordance with the wishes of the South- ern Pacifie lobbyists, but it is difticult to find another motive. No one impugns Simpson’s honesty, but it looks as if he voted to fasten the Southern Pacific grip on Francisco, that the industries of the coast’s metropolis should die and that | Los Angeles should profit thereby. As for McGowan, openly asserts that the Southern owns him; but as for the rest, their e way just what was expected. Hoyt mansgea 1o get on the right end of the proposition, and then changed his vote from “aye” to ‘‘no.” *The sixteen men whose names head this list are those who voted against the bill to authorize the Board of Harbor Commis- sioners to lease terminal facilities to the competing railroad. Five of these men represent San Francisco. They are: Arms, Dunn, Henderson, Mahoney and Toner. What are their records? Look at every sneaking amendment the Southern Pacific bas engrafted on bills in committee, and tind their votes recorded “aye” in the Senate journal. Dunn stands openly charged by a Sen- atorial colleague with an attempt at bribery, and a committee is even now in- vestigating the charges. He introduced five bills during the session, two of which ace “cinches” of antiquated flavor, which appear at every session,and a third has such a doubtful ring that when its author- ship was mistakenly attributed to another Senator that Senator indignantly denied its paternity and demanded a correction of the error. Senator Dunn enjoys the no- toriety of having been accused of jury- bribing in the case of Actor Curtis when the latter was on trial for the murder of Police Officer Grant. Senator Toner is the sire of just seven bil He fathered the gas bill “cinch,” the pilot bill “cinch” and the bill to permit slogging matches to take place. Senator Mahoney of the ‘“‘stuffed dis- trict” friends two men who, by fraud, attempted to assist his election, now under sentence to terms in the State prison. And such as these seek to make laws for the State and draw the cinch of the South- ern Pacific saddle to the tension strain sbout California. But in spite of such as these the valley terminal sured. The Senate voted it, and all that remains to make it law are the words: “Approved. James H. Budd, Governor."” There is talk here among the recent arrivals from the bay that when the five Senators return to San Francisco they will be treated to a coat of tar and feathers, as hanging them in efligy would not do justice to such betrayers of a sacred trust. Twenty-one Senators cast their votes for the valley road to-day. These are the men who proved faithful to their pledge and gave their votes for terminal facilities to the San Joaquin Railroad: Beard, Bert, Biggy, Burk Franck, Gesford, Gleave: Martin, Matthew Flint, ngford, hippee, Emith, Voorheis, ithington. Three Senators did not vote. They are: Androus, Denison and Ford. Senator Denison’s busine well known. He leases certain privileges from the Southern Pacific. In the face of that he had the decency not to vote and the comparison of his action with that of the five Senators from San Francisco is a comment in itself. When the bill came up for final passage in the Senate this morning there were geveral disingenuous explanations. There were the usual constitutional bugaboos which such men as McGowan scare up when they want to oppose a measure. As the rolicall proceeded these' expianations of votes began to come. Senator McGowan sent up a written explanation to the desk. This is it: As an explanation of my vote upon the emendment to Senate bill 709, published on page 18 of the Journalof the Senate, of this date, I desire to say that the amendment pro- relations are well, his colleague, | enjoys the distinction of having as | the purpose of navigation shall be withheld from grant or saie to corporations.” The word “grant” as used in the constitution includes a lease. This being true I am of the opinion that the proposed amendment is with- in the inhibition of the constitution. I vote “no” upon the question of concurrence in the hope that a committee of free conference may be appointed, and that such committee propose an amendment to the bill in question empowering the Board of State Harbor Com- missioners to permit the use and privilege of terminal facilities to any road under such con- ditions and circumstances as now used and had by other corporations. Iam unalterably opposed to the granting of public property or rights which should be held by the people to any corporation. The history of legislation demonstrates the utter folly of the people giving to corporations valuable rights and property. Senator Orr followed with another writ- ten explanation: Ivote “no” because there isno provision in the bill requiring one mile of road to be built, and while there is one prohibiting the assign- ment of this lease, there is none prohibiting the subletting of any portion of the property and it may resultin the control of the whole property by a corporation for private purposes to the loss of the State. Senator Seawell declared that Senator McGowan’s written explanation of his vote fitted his case. Senators Seymour and Simpson made parallel statements. When the name of Voorheis was called the Senator from Amador said: “There have been many explanations of adverse votes on constitutional grounds. I proposz to explain my vote. The At- torney-General of the State declares that the bill is constitutional and I vote ‘aye.’ And the bill escaped from the fangs of the Southern Pacific and the Governor has but to approve it. There has been talk of a Senatorial com- | bine of twenty-three. Newspaper men have heard it. Senator Biggy referred to it, de- claring that he knew of but one man who belonged to it,the man who, he says, sought to bribe him to enter such a com- bine. He did not know that any other | Senator had joined such a ring to loot. Now there may be no such thingasa | combine, but whether there be one or not it | is interesting to compare the votes on cer- | tain propositions. When Senator Biggy yesterday alfternoon sought to save San Francisco from the Southern Pacific’ amendments to a bill regulating streetcars and streetcar fares the following Senators | voted against his first amendment: | Aram, Arms, Androus, Danison, Dunn, Flint, | Hart, Henderson, Hoyt, Linder, Mshoney, Mitchell, Orr, Seymour, Shine, Simpson, Toner. Subtract the names of Androus, Deni- son and Flint from this list and fourteen of the sixteen Senators who voted against the valley road terminal remain. After Senator Biggy's daring expose and Senator Withington’s denunciation of the Southern Pacitic_lobby, coupled with Sen- ator McAllister’s eflorts to save San Fran- cisco, there was a break for cover; yet nine Senators had the hardihood to vote fora Southern Pacific cinch on the streetcar traffic of San Francisco, and these were: Denison, Dunn, Hert, Henderson, Linder, Mahoney, Mitchell, Seymour and Toner. | their record this morning by voting with the Southern Pacific against the valley road. Take the rollcall on the scalpers’ bill, a Southern Pacitic bill, and a majority of the negative votes cast this morning will be found to have been for that bill. Take every “cinch” bill which has come up this session and you will find either the author or the ardent supporter of such bill among the sixteen who voted against the valley road. - ALL INDORSE THE BILL. THE VALLEY‘ROAD TERMINAL MEASURE A NECESSITY. - SAcrAMENTO, March 13.—Senators and Assemblymen who voted for the bill to lease terminal facilities to the valley road were interviewed to-night on the proposi- tion. There wasa unanimity of opinion that the bill was a nccessity to enable the competing road to reach San Francisco. Its passage meant, they said, almost im- mediate construction work, which would give employment to an army of men. Be- vond that there was the necessity to shake off the shackles of the Southern Pacific and give to the citizens of California what every other State except Nevada possesses, competition in fares and freights. GOVERNOR BUDD APPROVES. | THE EXECUTIVE WILL SIGN THE VALLEY RoAD TERMINAL BILL. SacraMENTO, March 13.—“Just so soon as the Board of Harbor Commissionersand the valley road people agree upon a lease of terminal propertyin San Francisco I will sign the bill. I favor the valley road and I favor the bill to lease to that road terminal facilities in San Francisco.” This is the declaration” made by Gover- nor Budd to-night. MONEY FOR WHITTIER. A BIG APPROPRIATION FOR THE SOUTHERN REFORM SCHOOL. SAcrRAMENTO, March 13.—An appropria- tion of $63.150 for improvements at the Whittier Reform School was allowed to-day in addition to the $200,000. The new ap- propriation is for new buildings and improvements. The bill received 42 votes after a call of the House. Dixon of San Francisco gave notice that he would ask a reconsideration of the vote. 4 reconsideration was effected of the vote that defeated the appropriation of $16,500 for a steam laundry, boiler and other improvements for the Home for Feeble- minded Children. The bill was then carried. The bill authorizing the appointment 'of alternate jurors was lost by a vote of 24'to 33. The bill will be reconsidered to-mor- row. Pendleton sought to have the bill requir- ing the licensing of architects reconsid- stood only 35 to 27, Judge Waymire of Alameda being among those voting *‘aye.” Among the other bills passed were the following: Authorizing the formation of districts for building sewers and making other sanitary improvements. Closing barber-shops and bathouses Sundays. “no.”) on (Belshaw and Wade alone voted poses a “lease” of water front upon the bay of 8an Franci Section 3 of article XV de- tlares that “all tide lands within two miles of any incorporated city or town in the State lronting on the waters of any harbor used for 4 Abolishing the Viticultural Commission. Providing that ex soldiers and sailors shounld be given preference in State appointments. Allowing cities and counties to lease prop- erty to associations of ex soldiers and sailors. And all these, except Denison, repeated | ered. He did not succeed, as the vote | WHIRL AT THE PRESS, AssemblymenFind Fault With Newspaper Reports. THE PLAINT OF REID. Complains of a Statement and Then Admits Its Truth- fulness. AN ATTACK ON A COLLEAGUE. Powers Resents the Personal Re- marks of the Member From Trinity. Sacramento, March 13.—Questions of privilege were as numerous in the Assem- bly to-day as Southern Pacific lobbyists were yesterday. The first came from Reid of Trinity. He denounced an article in the CALL as false, and then admitted its truth. The article in question stated that he had dis- cussed an amendment to the bill helping the valley road with C. W. Cross, the Southern Pacific’s uttorney, and then denied that he had talked with the gentle- man. “I was asked if T had consulted with an attorney of the Southern Pacific in regard to the amendment I had prepared, and I said ‘no,’ ”’ began Reid. “I reiterate that statement. I went to the library and asked Dr. Matthews to get me a copy of the constitution in order to look the matter up. Mr. Cross was there, and I told him I | thought the matter was unconstitutional, and we were talking about the matter when the man who informed Powers of the matter rushed out of the room to spread the news.” Reid then grew personal, attacking the motives of the reporter and Dwyer, who questioned him, saying the latter had been advised to do so by Powers of San Fran- who admitted that he owned stock in the valley road, and was lobbying for ft. Dwyer said he asked the question be- cause he thought the fact he spoke of was true, and that he had learned since that it was true. Powers admitted that he had advised Dwyer in the matter. The opposition to the bill, he said, had come from Southern Pacific lobbyists, their paid tools and Mr. | Reid. “I was informed that Mr. Reid had dis- cusséd the constitutionality of the measure with Mr. Cross, the attoraey for the Soutb- ern Pacific. Five reputable citizens can testify that the statement is true. Mr. Reid himself has admitted that this con- versation took place.” “I mnever did,” shouted Reid. “Mr. Speaker, that statement is not so. I—" But the Speaker’s gavel made Reid sit down. This he did muttering wrathfully while Powers poured forth a lood of scath- ing invective on the Trinity Assembly- man’s head, saying: “Nothing needs to be said against the accusations of a man who stands against the progress of the State and attempts by unimportant changes to obstruct the pas- sage of a bill that will free the State from the clutches of the corporation that has so long held this State in its power. This man has made himself the mouthpiece of the great corruptionist that has so long defiled California politics. Now, when he turns against me and mine I intend to pro- tect myself.” Reid did not take his angry eyes off the face of the young San Francisco Assembly- man, as the latter in rapid sequence enumerated the peculiar actions of which | the Trinity Assemblyman had been guilty. | As Powers took his seat Reid asked, with a sneer, if the virtuous San Franciscan had not been elected by and been a part of the political machine of San Francisco. Powers sprang to his feet, but subsided as Bachman of Fresno was recognized by the Speaker and said, with his peculiar drawl: “Mr. Speaker, I move that this whole matter be referred to the general laundry.” A laugh ensued. Then Ewing, the Popu- list, of San Francisco, arose to protest against a sweeping statement in the Ex- aminer that Bettman and Dwyer were the only San Franciscans who had not been influenced by corruptionists. He defied any one to show where he had voted against the dictates of his conscience. Dinkelspiel announced that he was sat- isfied that the statement was a mistake on the part of the reporter. The House was largely interested in the discussion. They were anxious to hear the excuses that the recalcitrant members had to make. Still they were all in sympathy with Judge Waymire of Alameda when he asked: “Mr. Speaker, I want to know whether we are here to discuss the newspapers or to make laws?” “As a newspaper man,” Bachman ex- claimed, “I wish to say that it is our duty to throw mud. If it don’t stick it don’t hurt, and 1 can’t see where the kick comes.”’ Speaker Lynch tried to stop the applause that followed with his gavel. He then said that the present Assembly had been s0 clean from scandals that the newspaper men had to be very liyely skirmishers to make their papers interesting. He thought it wiser not to take up the time of the House with useless explanations. —_— PROPOSED ELECTION LAWS, SEVERALREFORM MEASURES PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY. SacraMENTO. March 13.—There was quite a run on election laws in the Assembly to- day. Spencer’s new primary law proposition was the first to be considered. Dixon’s amendment was to havealaw similar to ‘that in vogue at present. Powers of San Francisco favored Dixon’s proposition because it was less cumber- some and less expensive than that pro- posed by Judge Spencer. Bledsoe of Humboldt also opposed the Spencer bill on the ground that its provi- sions were more exacting than fora general election and would be too expensive, be- ciseo, who got his information from a man | sides it would give the Supervisors too much power. Spencer said that his bill was the result of much labor and was intended to blot out present abuses. Dixon thought his amendment was the most business-like, but the House voted it down. Then Spencer introduced some more amendments, one of which made the new law refer only to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Dixon protested that the provision mak- ing the Saturday on which the primaries were to be held a holiday was preposter- ous, but the amendments were adopted just the same and the bill sent to the printer. . Powers’ bill in regard to the registration of voters was passed unanimously. The bill among other things requires the voter at the time of registering to tell whether he can read or write, and thus prevents po- litical rounders from seeing that their men keep contracts about voting. - Another change leaves ninety days in which to purge the register. Spencer’s bill, adding to the provisions of the election laws, in order to prevent any of the abuses which were so prominent at the last election, was also passed by a vote of 58 to 3. e BLEDSOE IN A TEMPER. TALKS OF FIGHTING SPENCER DUR- ING A HoT DEBATE. SacraMeNTo, March 13.—Assemblyman Bledsoe of Humboldt was unmercifully scored to-day on the floor of the House by Spencer of Lassen. Talk of fisticuffs was {indulged in by the Humboldt reformer, but to the disappointment of his fellow- members nothing came of it. The trouble arose over the question of reconsidering the vote by which the Assembly refused to consent to a commission to revise the codes. E Bledsoe of Humboldt opposed recon- sideration. The bill, he claimed, deserved the fate accorded it. The codes needed re- | vising, to be sure, but he was not in favor | of appointing an expensive Commissioner to do the work when an extra assistant Attorney-General might do the work at one-tenth the cost. He claimed that a Los Angeles attorney had been lobbying for the bill for six weeks in the hope of getting a job. Jones of Stockton thought it would be wrong, under his pledge of economy, to vote for an extra expense. This aroused Bledsoe to declare that the whole proposition was an attempt to loot | the treasury for the benefit of a few law- | yers with strong political pulls. Spencer of Lassen, with cutting sarcasm, said, glancing first at Bledsoe, that when people wore green goggles, everything they saw seemed green. “When they are full of fraud and deceit and trick: he con- | tinued, “they see visions of improper things. To such people everything seems rotten and corrupt. From the beginning the House has been occupied with charges of corruptness, arising from one particular source. T can sccouniyfics it in only one way, the objector is Iooking through eyes warped by his own foulness.” The motion for reconsideration was passed by a vote of 53 to 14. Then Bledsoe gained the floorand said: “Ever since the beginning of the session politicians made personal remarks about me. I expected to | be a member of the Legislature, because I have a constituency that supports me. Just the same I am all the harder the more abused.” Spencer said that he had not named any one in his remarks, but if Bledsoe thought the description fitted him he (Spencer) had no objection to seeing him squirm. The general laugh which followed this remark incensed Bledsoe, who rose in his seat and declared that if the gentleman from Las- sen were not so old, he, Biedsoe, would call him to account personally outside. Spencer laughed at him, and suggested that Bledsoe should not pay any at‘ention to the disparity in years between them, but both were called to order by Powers, in the chair. The bill was finally passed. TEACHERS' PENSION BILL Passes THE HoUSE, AFTER BEING STRIPPED OF MANY PROVISIONS. SacraMENTO, March 13.—At last the teachers have got their pension bill through the Assembly. It is but a skeleton of its former robust, husky and pretentious form. All the fat and most of the meat has been stripped from it. Tn its present form it leaves the formation of the fund entirely with the teachers, while it is left entirely within the discretion of the teach- ers individually whether they enter the fund or not. There was no speech-making. A motion was made to reconsider the vote by which the bill was killed. This was carried. Then a vote was taken on the bill. Only 38 votes were scored. The absentces were called and 40 votes obtained. There still lacked one of being enough to carry the bili, and a call of the House was demanded. As the clerk was reading the bill the friends of the measure hurried to and fro getting votes. Mrs. A. P. Bradley also moved from chair to chair. This caused Bledsoe to appeal to the chair. He an- nounced that there were lobbyists on the floor contrary to the rules. The chair or- dered such persons to leave the tloor on pain of ejection. Mrs. Bradley hastened from the floor, but she had accomplished her work. Price of Sonoma changed his vote from “no’’ to ‘“aye’ and the bill was carried. A burst of applause greeted the clerk’s announcement of the vote, which was as follows: Ayes—Bettman, Boothby, Bulla, Butler, Coghlin, Coleman, Collins, Cutter, Davis, Devine, Devitt, Dinkelspiel, Dixon, Dunbar, Dwyer, Ewing, Guy, Hall, Hatfield, Healey, Holland, Huber, Keen, Lewis, McKelvey, Mer rill, 0'Day, Osborn, Pendleton, Powers, Price, Reid, Richards, Spencer, Staley, Stansell, Tib- bits, Tomplin, Twigg, Waymire, Weyse, Zoc- chi—42, Noes—Ash, Bassford, Belshaw, Bennett, Berry, Bledsoe, Cargill, Dale, Dodge, Fassett, Gay, Glass, Hudson, Johnson, Jones, Kelsey, Kenyon, Laird, Laugenour, Nelson, North, Phelps, Robinson, Rowell, Sanford, Swisler, Wade, Speaker Lynch—28. Hailstorm at Santa Rosa. SANTA Rosa, March 13.—This section was visited by a heavy hailstorm at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon. For nearly ten minutes hailstones as large as peas fell. 01d settlers say that it is the heaviest hail seen here in forty years. No particular damage was done to crops, as fruit is not vet blossoming or budding. The storm ended with a heavy rain. NO FERRY BRIDGE Defeat of the East-Street Improvement Plan in the Assembly AFTER A LIVELY DEBATE Dixon Makes Strenuous Effort to Secure the Passage of the Measure. HIS ENDEAVORS PROVE FUTILE. ItIs Voted Down, Though Only Three San Francisco Members Were in Opposition. SacramexTo, March 13.—The East-street improvement bill, which was to provide for the building of a bridge across the East- street railroad tracks, so as to permit of access to the new ferr{ depot without necessitating running the gauntlet of the numerous cars and teams at that point, was killed in the Assembly to-day by a vote of 35 to 25. A lively time ensued when Dixon of San Francisco tried to effect the reconsidera- tion of this bill, which was known as Sen- ate bill 60, and which authorized the Harbor Commissioners to lay out and im- prove certain property on East street, be- tween Clay and Market, and to establish a line of streets. Price of Sonoma opposed the reconsid- eration on the ground that the bill had been reported unfayorably by the Com- mittee on Commerce and Navigation, of which Dixon was chairman and Price a member. “It was only done,” Dixon protested, ‘“‘because a number of the members were not present. There were four in favor of this bill besides myself and the committee took advantage of the absence of the friends of the measure to report it un- favorably.” “Mr. Dixon will have to admit,” Price retorted, “‘that he held the bill back several days after it had been considered by the committee in hopes of being able to get a favorable report. He did not succeed and now he wants to accomplish his end in the Assembly.” The bill was refused passage by the fol- lowing vote: Ayes—Ash, Bachman, Bennett, Berry, Bled- soe, Butler, Collins, Cutter, Devine, Davitt, Dixon, Dodge, Dunbar, Gay, Glass, Johnson, Kelsey, Laugenour, Meads, Powers, Stansell, Weyse, Zocchi—25. Noes—Barker, Bassford, Belshaw, Bettman, Colemsu, Dade, Davis, Dinkelspiel, Dwyer, Ewing, Guy, Hall, Hatfield, Healey, Jomes, Keen, Kenyon, Nelson, North, O'Day, Pendle- ton, Phelps, Reid, Richards, Robinson, Rowell, Spencer, Staley, Tibbitts, Tomblin, Twigg, Waymire, Wilkinson, Mr. Speaker—35. It is to be noted that only Merrill (R.), Ewing (P.) and Healey (D.)of the San Francisco delegation voted against the measure. —_— THE SENATE. ACTION ON THE BOARD OF ExaMm- INERS BILL. SAcrAMENTO, March 13,—Aside from the valley terminal proposition the subject be- fore the Senate to-day which excited the greatest interest was the bill giving to the Board of Examiners jurisdiction over the State charitable and penal institutions. Senator Hart offered an amendment to ex- clude all elective officers from the pro- visions of the bill. Thiswould exempt the office of State Printer, and a strong lobby, headed by State Printer Johnson and many employes, were present to see the amendment adopted. In this they met disappointment. Senator Pedlar asked why this exemp- tion should be made. This influence, he said, comes from employes of the State of California who fear an investigation. It was not a matter ‘of politics, but one of business'and common honesty. Senator Hart made his speech of the ses- sion. He declared that there had been a good deal of harping over the question of politics. He did not care whence the bill came and should oppose it. The personnel of the present Board of Examiners was a good one, but in the future oune not so good might be in power. He did not be- lieve in making the Board of Examiners dictators of California. Senator McAllister declared that he could hardly restrain himself when such arguments were used. What the bill at- tempted was to control the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars. There should be some supervision. That super- vision did not exist. Senator Ford asked if the Board of Ex- aminers had not the right under the law to examine and expert the reports of these institutions. “In an indirect way may be so,”’ replied Senator McAllister, “but it is insufficient.” “Whence comes this opposition to the bill?’ asked Senator Withington. ‘More than three-fourths of the tax levy of the State is spent in salaries. We can, under this bill, retrench on three-fourths of the expenditures of the State and place the de- termination with a board, two of which are of one party and the third of another party. Every party in the State was pledged to economy. Now, will the Senate vote against the last measure of economy of the session?” A vote on Hart's amendment, the pur- pose of which was to exclude the State Printing Office from the provisions of the bill, was taken, and this is the way the Senators voted: Ayes—Aram, Arms, Androus, Bert, Denison, Earl, Flint, Ford, Hart, Holloway, Hoyt, Lin- der. Mahoney, Martin, McGowan, Shine, Ship- pee, Stmpson, Voorheis—19. Nocs—Burke, Dunn, Fay, Franck, Gesford, Gleaves, Henderson, Langford, Matthews, Mec- Allister, Mitchell, Orr, Pedlar, Seawell, Sey- mour, Smith, Tomer, Whitehurst, Withing- ton—19. Absent—Beard, Biggy. The secretary tallied the vote as 20 for, 18 against, and the chair announced the amendment carried. Senator Gleaves declared the result was wrong, to which the president pro tem. mn:l:d answer 2cllmt the result had been de- clared by the chair. l It wn{ tfound Zthat Gesford’s name had been tallied for the amendment when it should have been recorded against the amendment. After a time it was decided to call the roll again, and the vote, 19 to 19, was announced and the amendment de- clared lost. Then Senator Ford moved to amend by striking out section 3, which gives author- ity to the board to discharge any employe of any of the institutions referred to. Certain Senators opposed this who had opposed the other amendment, but when the roll was called it was found that the enemies of tje bill, along with the friends of the bill, were voting ‘“No.” *‘They are voting ‘no’ to kill the bill,” declared Smith, who voted “aye.” The friends of the bill hastened to change their vote to aye in order to save the measure and the amendment was accepted by 23 ayes to 14 noes. The bill wds sent to the printer with a rush message and will come up for final action to-morrow. The Assembly resolution to adjourn sine die on Saturday next was concurred in. In this connection, Dunn of San Francisco, against whom Biggy of San Francisco has made charges now under in- vestigation, asked that the Senate do notad- journ until the charges are fully investi- gated. Simpson of Los Angeles, chairman of the investigating committee, said he was satisfied the investigation would be con- cluded by the end of the week. The Senate refused to recede from its amendment to the insurance bill which compels only foreign fire insurance com- panies to deposit $200,000 with the State Treasurer before engaging in business in the State. The Assembly has refused to agree to this, so the gonference committee will adjust the difficnlty. The county government bill was amended so as to compel all the Superior Courts to employ an official reporter, and the bill as amended went to the State Printer. A petition was presented from 200 San Francisco merchants holding unpaid claims for supplies furnished San Francisco public institutions, asking that the Super- visors be authorized by an enactment to in- crease the tax levy for the next year suffi- ciently to pay all claims. Bills were passed as follows: Creating a Justice’s court for Berkeley, such a court having been abolished by the adoption of a new charter. Appropriating $200,000 for the support of the Whittier School. -Amending the Political Code relative to the election of trustees of reclamation districts. Authorizing the Attorney-General to obtain the necessary lawbooks from the State library. Amending the police*pension uct. Appropriating $5000 for the maintenance of the Yosemite Valley. The appropriation bill also allows $15,000 for this purpose. Appropriating $20,000 for the support of the State Board of Horticulture. Apvropriating $15,000 for the completion and revision of State schoolbooks heretofore authorized. Appropriating $8000 to pay claims of four San Francisco papers who published constitu- tional amendments in French, German and Italian. Requiring commissioners of paid Fire De- partments to grant all employes yearly vaca- tions. SANTA CRUZ TELEPHONES. THE ORGANIZATION OF A RIVAL COMPANY LEADS TO A CUT IN RATES. ENDEAVORS TO DRIVE THE NEwW LiNe OutT oF THE Busl- NESS. Saxta Cruz, March 13.—A telephone war is on here, brought about by the organiza- tion of a local telephone company with a capital stock of $25,000. The new company has poles and wire ready to begin work this week. Forty miles of wire will be in this city, and the | line is to be extended to Soquel, Aptos, Watsonville, Felton, Bowlder Creek, Los Gatos and San Jose. Already it has eighty- six subscribers. The Sunset Telephone Company wanted to make a compromise with the new com- pany, but it was refused. The new com- pany has fixed the monthly rental of tele- phones at $2, while the Sunset people have placed the rental of what is known as the ten-mile line telephone at §1 50. The price before the new company was organized was $4 per month. TRIAL OF SOTO FOR MURDER. The Defense to Show the Alleged Bad Character of the Slain Man. Saxta Cruz, March 18.—At the trial of Abram Soto for the recent murder of J. Gonsago, near Watsonville, the courtroom to-day was crowded with the friends of accused. W. E. Spinosa testified that Soto and deceased had been drinking at one Castros’ house and on the road home engaged in a quarrel. He saw Gonsago fall but did not see a knife used. Attorney Murphy for the defense, in his opening statement said he expected to prove that deceased was of a quarrelsome disposition ana had a habit of stabbing people. One witness to-day testified that Gonsago once attempted to run a pitch- fork through him. Other witnesses testi- fied to Soto’s good character saying he was a hardworking boy while Gonsago’s char- acter was not good and that he was always wanting to pick a quarrel. The case will be resumed to-morrow morning and will go to the jury on Friday. Convention of Druggists. SaNTA Cruz, March 13.—The California Pharmaceutical Society will hold its an- nual session here on May 20 and 21. The society is composed of druggists of the State. The session was secured through the efforts of local druggists. About sev- enty-five members are expected to be in attendance. - Murder of an Indian at Auburn, Wash. Tacoma, March 13.—The body of Jim Boachibs, an Indian doctor, was found to- day six miles east of Auburn, in King County, with bullet holes through his heart and shoulder. He had been missing a week. An Indian named Jerry was ar- rested and confessed to a Deputy Sheriff that he killed the Indian doctor because he failed to cure two of his children whom the doctor was treating. The murderer carried his victim’s body three miles from the place where he killed him. O — A Tacoma Child Badly Burned. Tacoma, Wash., March 13.—Pearl Dwar, 6 years old, was left alone two minutes last evening by an open grate fire. Coming into the room her mother found her en- l'x:l:sed in flames. The child’s face and s were badly burned, but she may re- cover, | pardon from San Quentin. THE PACIFIC SLOPE, Two Female Shop-Lift- ers Caught Stealing at Fresno. LOOTING OF DRY GOODS, The Thieves Are Both Elderly and Respectable Ap- pearing Women. TRY TO BRIBE AN OFFICER An Offer of One Hundred Dollars to Be Permitted to Escape Going to Jail. Fresyo, March 13.—Mrs. Annte Holkey and Mrs. Carrie Libbee, two respectable- looking, middle-aged women, supposed to have come from Sumner, were arrested here to-day while stealing from a dry- goods store. One engaged the attention of the clerk, while the other s 1 small articles into a long sack concealed in her They confessed when arrested and promised the oflicer $100 if he would let them escape without notoriety. Cutting the Prices of Flowr. Fresvo, March 13.—A flour war is going on among the retail merchants of Fresno, some of whom are selling at 17 centsa sack less than the price quoted by the wholesale Only one sack at a timeis sold to a family. A merchant from Fowler, ten miles distant, secured a four-horse wagon-load to-day by hiring tramps and loafers to buy a sack at a time for him. Many families are secretly laying in a large supply. 2Southern Pacijfic Land Patent Filed. Fresyo. March 13.—The Southern Pa- cific Railroad Company to-day filed & United States patent with the County Re- corder for 107,794.04 acres of land lying in the Independence, San Francisco, Visalia, Los Angeles and Stockton land districts. B County Insurance Policics Canceled. Fresyo, March 13.—The Board of Super- visors to-day ordered the cancellation of the fire insurance on all county buildings, bridges, etc. The total amount now car- ried is $170,000. Under the new insurance rates a saving of 40 per cent in premiums will be made. An Angry Deputy Sheriff. March 13.—Deputy Sheriff Ben ncensed at the report, published in San Francisco, that he has applied for a He tad asked for a position as guard there. e ACCIDENT AT SANTA MONICA. An Unknown Man Killed by a Southern Pacific Train. SANTA Moxica, Cal., March 13.—A South- ern Pacific freight train ran over a man yet unknown in a tunnel here this after- noon. His head was mashed and his body otherwise badly crushed. Itis thought his name is 0'Donnell or O’ Donnelly, and that he came from Los Angeles, where he leaves a widow and children. It is claimed he was blacklisted on account of tne strike last summer, and that he was here in search of employment. Rain Insures Big Crops. Saxta Moxica, March 13.—The rain, which commenced to fall early this morn- ing, registered a fraction less than an inch to-night, and insures the largest crops ever known in this vicinity. CLOVERDALE ORANGE INTERESTS. Incorporation of a Company to Propa- gate Citrus Fruits. CrovzrpaLg, March 13.—Orange inter- ests at this place are assuming large pro- portions. More trees are being put out than in the past. To-day articles of in- corporation of the Cloverdale Orange Com- pany were signed. William T. Brush, 8. Pinchower, W. P. Ink, E. F. Woodward and G. B. Baer were elected directors. A large orange and lemon grove will be planted at once, with extensive improve- ments to follow. The main purpose of the company is to advance citrus culture in this district. T ARG SAN DIEGO EMBEZZLER HELD, Evidence Points Strongly to @ Real Es- tate Man’s Guilt. Sax D1eco, March 13.—J. McCormack, a real estate man charged with embezzle- ment, was bound over for trial to-day, the evidence pointing strongly to his guilt, and bail was fixed at $750, which he was unable to furnish. He therefore returned to jail. McCormack was at one time a partner in the real estate business with J. Walmer, the man who committed suicide Saturday to escape prosecution for forgery. Several other arrests will be made for real estate frauds perpetrated in this city, but action has been deferred from day to day to allow time for collecting more evi- dence of guilt. Drowning of a Miner Near Cherokee, Cal. OroviLLE, March 13.—Henry Heath, a miner living a few miles above Cherokee, on Feather River, is supposed to be drowned. He was building a raft on the stream a few days ago, but since then has not been seen or heard from. It is thought he fell into theriver and was drowned. e Desires of Tacoma Grain-Dealers. Tacoma, Wash., March 13.—The Tacoma grain-dealers held a meeting to-day and petitioned the Legislature to pass the Miles bill, providing for State grain inspection, after amending it to allow the selling of grain by samvles, without grading. A committee of five went to Olympia to pre- sent the petition. The bill comes up in the morning. — Rain at Redlands. REpLANDS, March 13.—The rain of last night and to-day will stop the orange picking for several days. It will enable the Eastern markets to get free of the re- cent imports, and thus strengthen the prices, which have shown an evidence of weakness. —_—— Pioneers Will Picnic at Aubwrn., AvuBurN, March 13.—The Society of Pla- cer County Pioneers of San Francisco will hold its annual picnic at Auburn this yeat on May 17, (¢