The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, May 29, 1896, Page 16

16 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1896. RAILROAD MEN DID NOT OPEN THEIR BODKS Four Officials of the Mar- ket-Street Company Up for Contempt. COUNSEL ADVISED THEM TO KEEP MUM. Accountant Folsom to Appear for Sentence Before Judge Wal- lace To-Day. MILLIONS SAID TO BE SPENT IN CHANGES, Mr. Freidenrich Intimated That Mr. Clunie Committed Perjury When He Swore to the Complaint. The proceedings in the Siebe examina- tion in Judge Wallace’s court yesterday were enlivened by the flat refusal of the railroad officials to produce their books showing the operating and legal expenses of the Market-street Railway Company. Judge Wallace thereupon adjudged Vice- President Alvinza Hayward, Auditor Thomas, Secretary Willcutt and Account- ant Folsom guilty of contempt. Ata later stage of the proceeaings Judge Wallace ordered Accountant Folsom to appear for sentence at 2 o'clock this afternoon, his contempt having been committed in the presence of the court by his failure to pro- duce certain inventories which were produced in court on the day before and which he was allowed to take away on the theory that he would return them yes- terday morning. Affidavits in the case of the others were made out in the afternoon and will be actea upon to-day. Something of a breeze was created by the announcement that Mr. Clunie pro- posed to prove by the books of the com- pany that Assessor Siebe had been paid $10,000 by the Market-street Railway Com- pany. This statement was denounced by Mr. Freidenrich as an absolute falsehood, whereupon Mr. Clunie remarked that he remained in this City during the exposure of official corruption. He did not leave town as Mr. Friedenrich had done. This example of superior bravery had a pleas- ing effect upon the lobby. Auditor Thomas was the first witness yesterday morning. He was asked whether he had brought with him the books, as requested by the court on the day before, and he replied that he bad not - because he had been instructed by Secre- tary Willentt not todo so. “‘So;" asked Judge Wallace in surprise, “you decided to disobey an order of this court because Mr. Willcutt requested youn to do so?” Mr. Thomas admitted the impeachment, was adjudged guilty of contempt of court and was ordered to appear for sentence hereafter. Secretary Willcutt was called to the stand and stated that acting upon the ad- vice of Alvinza Hayward, vice-president of the company, he had instructed Mr. Thomas not to produce the books. The court adjudged the witness guilty of contempt. Then Mr. Hayward was called He ad- mitted having instructed Mr. Willcutt not to produce the books, but denied that SBec- retary Wilicutt had informed him that Judge Wallace had ordered the books to be brought into court. Judge Wallace therenpon informed Mr. Hayward that he was adjudged guilty of contempt. Chief Accountant Folsom, he who on the day before had lightened up the gloom of his black skull-cap with venerable gray whiskers and a glad smile, came on the stand as a sheep to thelshambles. The smile had gone the way of the last rose of summer, and he cast an appealing eye upon his Honor. “Mr. Folsom, you had certain invento- ries here yesterday, which were records of this court, and you were ordered to bring them back. Why are they not here?”’ Mr. Foisom explained that he was un- der the orders of Secretary Willcuzt, and that the secretary instructed him not to take the inventories into court. “You took them away yesterday,” said Judge Wallace, *‘by permission of the court, with instructions that they should be brought here this morning. I cannot permit such disobedience. The order of the directors must not be allowed to super- sede the order of the court.’” Mr. Folsom hastened to explain that he was simply Mr. Willcutt's assistant. and he could not tell whether he had brought the inventories or not before com- ing into court. He had been obliged to ob}eiy the orders of his superiors. ere Secretary Willcutt arose and in- ————————————————— NEW TO-DAY. Brown'’s Jamaica Ginger is made of pure gin- ger. No adulterants —no brandy. Nothing but ginger in solution. An infallible corrective for stom- ach troubles and similar com- plaints. A natural stimulant for the system and nerves. Be sure and get the genuine wBreans e FRED BROWN CO., Philadelphia. formed the court that he had sent for the missing books, and Lawyer Freidenrich followed with a statement to the effect that no contempt had been intended. Mr. Willcutt was recalled to the stand and testified that a meeting of directors had been held in the morning before the opening of court. There were present Al- vinza Hayward, Secretary Willcutt and Charles T. Lathrop, two less than a quorum of the nine directors, but they held a conference on the matter of Judge Wallace's order for the production of the books. “Was any one else present but you three?” “No, sir.” “Were any of the attorneys of the road present?” *No, sir.” “You took this action on your own re- sponsibility, without consulting your at- torneys?” “Yes, sir.” “Messrs. Hayward and Lathrop advised that, did they ?” ““Yes, sir.” “Do I understand,” asked Judge Wal- lace in glacial tones, “that the wishes of three of the directors are to supersede the orders of this court?” Mr. Wilcutt denied this proposition. His evidence as to the fact that no one but the three was present was flatly contra- dicted later on by the evidence of Director Lathrop, who swore that Russell Wilson was present and advised the directors not to allow the books to be broughtinto court. Mr. Hayward was recalled and the oath was administered by Judge Wallace. In response to questions put by Mr. Clunie he said that he was not famuliar with the value of the property of the road, but he knew something about it. He did not know much about the cost or the value of theroad. In his deliberations as one of the directors he had been gnided with reference to those matters by the reports of the construction committee and other committees. “It is a pretty large concern,” he added, with an apologetic wave of his hand, “and L have not the time to examine personally into all its affairs.” On. being further interrogated the wit- ness admitted that he did not know how many committees there were or their per- sonnel. He had served as a member of the finance committee, but could not re- member who the other members of the committee were. “Did you, as a director, vote for the is- suance of $17,500,000 of bonds?'’ asked.Mr. Clunie. “I did.” Mr. Freidenrich rose with a hasty ob- could raise the money he would pay as high as $10 a share, probably $15. Then he was asked why he had paia $40 a share for thirty-six shares when some- pbody else owned the remainder, but Mr. Lathrop’s memory went to sleep again. He finally explained that he did not pre- tend to be an expert as to the value of the property. He simply represented the Stanford estate, and that is how he came to be a director. When he cast his vote in the board he voted with the majority of the nine who were supposed to know all about the affairs of the company. On objection being made by Mr. Freid- enrich to this line of examination, Mr, Clunie announced that he proposed to show that Mr. Lathrop represented 15,000 or 20,000 shares of stock in the road; that he had familiarized himself with the value of the stock, and that the fact that he did put his thirty-six shares on the market at $47 or $48 per share, was an indication that he had considered the stock to be worth that vrice. Judge Wallace remarked that Mr. Lathrop had sworn that he was not an ex- pert as to the vaiue of the stock, or of the property of the road, and Mr. Lathrop was excused from testifying further. Becretary Willeutt, with a very solemn countenance, took the witness’ chair and ‘was asked whether he would produce the books as ordered by the court. He replied that he would doso if Mr. Hayward would give permission. “Do you mean to say, sir, that you will not obey the orders of the court?”’ de- manded Judge Wallace sternly. ‘“You are ordered to produce those booksat 2 o’clock, and see to it, sir, that this order | shall be obeyed. You are here, sir, not as | this community I would deem it worthy of my resentment. I will state here that when the corruption of courts and officials was being investigated here I remained in this City, while the counsel on the other side left the City. * * * I proposeto show by these books that $10,000 was paid to Mr. Siebe, not on this occasion alone, but on others.” Judge Wallace asked Secretary Willcutt whether he was willing to produce the books which were in court yesterday, and Willcutt, after consultation with Mr. Mc- Enerney, announced that he would do'so N. T. Smith was recalled and explained that at the time the resolution authorizing the issue of $17,500,000 was adopted, neither he nor any one else knew anything about the value of the property. It was not a question of the value of the old property. It was proposed, with the revenue to be de- rived from the sale of bonds, to build new roads and extensions, to the valve of five or six millions or more. He did not re- member what roads were in contempla- tion. It was understood, however, at the time, that the population of the City would increase, and that more carrying facilities would be necessary to accommodate the increased demand. There was no definite basis upon which the ten millionsof bonds had been added to the old seven millions of bonds. The oid bonds were bearing in- terest at 6 per cent, and were selling in the market above par. 1t was necessary to re- serve enouch of the new bonds to take up the old bonds when they should become due. The interest on the old bonds was paid by the Market-street Rallway Com- pany out of its earnings. The new bonds bear interest at 5 per cent. The witness admitted that $7,000,000 Assessor Siebe Taking a Note of Some Testimony. Alvinza Hayward Puts on an Expression Indica- tive of Poverty. Accountant Folsom, Minus His Beaming Smile of the Day Before, Takes a Peep at the Stern Face of Judze Wallace. Treasurer Smith Tells What He Does Not Know About Railroad Finances. Charles T. Lathrop Hears Himself Adjudged Guilty of Contempt. jection and moved answer, but Judge Wallace denied the re- quest. The bonds were issued, Mr. Hayward explained, for the purpose of taking up outstanding bonds and for improvements, He, however, did not remember what was the amount of the bonds outstanding, but he thought a little more than $7,000,000. He had carried 15,000 Omnibus bonds and surrendered them for cash at par when the consolidation with the Market-street Railway Company was effected. Charles T. Lathrop was called to the stand and was asked as to his knowledge that the court on the day before had ordered the books of the company to be produced. He replied that he did not know. He admitted that he was present at the meeting of the directors yesterday morning, and that he had been then and there advised by his counsel, Russell J. ‘Wilson, that it would not Be necessary to vroduce the books. Mr. Wilson was present when he and Hayward and Wilicutt were in conference. He had not known what the object of the conference was. On being pressed for the reason why he had taken Mr. Wilson there if he did not know the subject of the con- ference, he said that he brought Mr. Wil- son there to tind out what was the matter. After consulting they decided to keep the books in the office, the books being under control of the board of directors. , He ad- mitted that Mr. Willcutt was instructed not to produce them in court. Mr. Clunie asked that Mr. Lathrop should be adjudged guilty of contempt, and the court granted the request. When Mr. Lathrop, in answer to other questions, said that when he voted for the issuance of $17,500,000 of bonds, if he did 80 vote—but vhat fact he did not remem- ber—he must have had a general hearsay idea of the value of the property, but he had made no examination as to the value of the stock. After the bond issue had been voted he bought thirty-six shares of the stock. He did not remember what he bad paid for them. He knew, he said, that the bondshad been authorized at that time. Mr. Freidenrich came to the rescue at this juncture and asked the witness whether if the entire number of shares of stock, amounting to 186,000, had been thrown upon the market at once the market value would not have been depreciated. Thus, if thirty-six shares were quoted at $40 the 186,000 shares would not fetch near that price. The witness re- plied that the value would be depreciated. He thought that ne paia $40 a share or thereabouts for the thirty-six shares. Mr. Clunie then inquired whether if the entire stock, 186,000 shares, were thrown upon the market the witness would give | Mr. Freidenrich’s whiskers: to strike out the | a director, but as a citizen, and you must obey the orders of the court.” Mr. Willcutt meekly promised that he would. But he didn’t. N. T. Smith, treasurer and one of the directorsof the Market-street Railway Com- pany, testified that he was not familiar with the value of that property, and did not think it possible that any one else was. If he wanted to obtain information as to the property owned by the company he would apply to Secretary Willeutt. Asto the value of the property he would say | that outsiders, such as real estate experts, mechanical engineersand railroad experts, would be most like]v to know. Of the $17,500,000 of the new bond issue I W. Hellman made a contract with the company for $3,700,000 wortb, most of which were delivered to Mr. Hellman for a syndicate represented by him, Of this amount $1,800,000 worth had been sold at par with commission included, and the remainder had been sold at $105 with com- mission. They were sold to Hellman on behalf of a syndicate represented by him, of which he said Daniel Meyer and the Bank of California were members. The other members he did not remember. By the terms of the resolution under which the $17,500,000 bonds were voted no bonds could be issued until work on the road had been actually done, said Mr. Smith. Here Judge Wallace requested Mr. Fol- som to appear for sentence at 2 o'clock P. M. to-day for contempt. After the noon recess Secretary Willcutt was called up. He looked troubled, and the reason became apparent when he an- nounced that W. F. Herrin of the Southern Pacific law department had advised him to disobey Judge Wallace’s order. Mr. Clunie announced that he expected to show by the books that money had been paid to Mr. Siebe by the Muket-‘ltuet Railway Company. This remark brought Mr. Freidenrich to bis feet in a white heat. He denounced the statement as an absolute falsehood, and added that Clunie's affidavit, on which the warrant bad been issued for Mr. Siebe’s arrest, was also false. The proceeding, he charged, had been instigated by pique. “This man,” he continued, ‘‘has the effrontery to state that this accused has been bribed and that the books show it. It is an absolute falsehood, as false as the oath which this man took when he filed the complaint before your Honor.” Mr. Clunie remarked that he did not understand that Mr. Freidenrich’s state- ment would have any weight with the court. If he had taken a false oath the courts were open and the machinery for his punishment was ready. Then he went on with a fierce glare at ‘If this state- $L a share. The witness said thatif he | ment came from an» ana of standing in worth of the new bonds were reserved for the redemption of the old bonds at ma- turity; then between $3,000,000 and $4,000,- 000 worth had been sold to Mr. Hellman's syndicate. The remainder was to be re- served for the construction of new roads and improvements. The stock of the road was quoted in the market at $43 and $44 per share. He had 1000 shares or so, but he had not offered them for sale. The witness explained the manner in which money was drawn through him from the treasury of the Market-street Railway Company. All vouchers for legal expenses were signed by William F. Herrin and Secretary Willcutt. The wit- ness was asked particularly as to the manner in which the salary of E. Black Ryan was paid, but he could not remem- ber how or by what company Mr. Ryan was paid. He knew nothing whatever about the books or accounts of the com- pany. Mr. Clunie failed to extract any informa- tion of value from Mr. Smith and he turned the witness over to Mr. Freiden- rich, who tried to lead him gently along the pleasant paths of inquiry into moneys expended for construction, or as to the dates on which horse-car systems were changed into cable or electric systems, but Mr. Smith declined to be led out of the treasurer’s office, and to almost every ques- tion responded, “I do not know,” or, ‘[ am not aware of it.”’ He deviated from .this method of an- swering when he replied that it cost the Market-street Railway $3,000,000 to change from a horse-car to a cable system, for which sum it incurred a bonded indebted- ness. He did not believe that the Market-street system could find a purchsser at all if it were thrown upon the market at the pres- ent time. ‘It requires a whole lot of money to pro- tect it from injurious legislation,” contin- ued Treasurer Suith; “a railroad property is very sensitive. You can’t find all capi- talists willing to invest their money in property that they cannot control. If it is decided that the Railroad Commissioners have control of this property it will affect the value very materially. I, for instance, the company were obliged to carry passen- gers for 3 or 4 cents a head instead of 5 cents the value of the property would be destroyed.” % Mr. Freidenrich argued that a cable road costing millions became valueless as a cable road when converted into an electric road, and that therefore the $3,500,000 ex- pended in making the change from a horse to a cable system did not add that much to the value of the road. Mr. Clunie said thwt the change in- creased the value by diminishing the op- erating expenses, because it was not to be assumed, as Mr. Freidenrich seemed to want it to avear, that the company made the change solely for the purpose of losing three miltion and a half dollars. Mr. Smith explained that the change did not increase the receipts, it simply re- duced the expenses of operating the sys- tem. He added that the value of a road would be seriously affected by the pros- pect of a competing road paralleling it. “We had to fight very hard to keep a trolley line from running down Market street,” addea the witness. “How bard did you fight to keep out that opposition?” was asked. “How did you win that fight ?’* “Well,” replied Mr. Smith, gazing con- templatively at the ceiling, ‘“‘that isso long ago that I don’t remember.”” The answer provoked a smile. Edward Barry, a broker and secretary of the Caiifornia Stock and Bond Association, was called and by request of counsel hand- ed to the court a list of the thirty members of that organization. He produced the records of the board to show the market value of the stocks and bonds of the Market-street Railway Company. He was not a member or an employe of the rail- way company and his memory was excel- lent. He answered all questions unhesi- tatingly and showed that he understood the operations of the Stock and Bond Association. The hour of 4 p. M. having arrived an adjournment was had until 10 o’clock this morning. ———— UDGE WALLACE’S REALTY. His Honor Closely Questioned In the Siebe Perjury Case. Assessor John D. Siebe appeared for pre- liminary examination on the charge of perjury before Police Judge Campbell at 7:30 o’clock last night. C. L. Ackerman, attorney for the de- fendant, moved to dismiss the complaint. He thought the court should take into consideration the apparent malice in the allegations of the complaining witness, Darragh, and also note the evident incon- gruity existing between his testimony in the Superior Court and the facts sworn to in the present complaint. He was answered by Messrs. Bacgeit and Bernard for the prosecution and the motion to dismiss was denied. Judge W. T. Wallace was called to the stand and Attorney Baggett kept his Honor answering questions concerning his financial standing and taxable worth for over an hour. His Honor was an interest- ing witness. “‘How much 1s your furniture worth, Judge? Do you mean to say that it is not more valuable than these figures ($1500) would indicate?” was asked. **Well, I don’t think it would sell for more than that. It was bonfht many years ago and we keep it for old associa- tion’s sake.” To other pertinent questions as to the Judge’s worldly ssessions the latter made frequent reference to his business agent, William Geizelman, saying that he intrusted all of his affairs to him. He al- lowed him to make out his assessment schedules, collect rents, superintend im- provements, etc. A query as to what his Honor was worth on the 1st of March, 1895, brought forth the announcement that he owed $20,000, and was not aware that any man ;m earth was in his debt to the extent of 100. As to his income—well, Mr. Geizelman did all his business for him, and he could not be exact in his statements. ““What did you pay for your family resi- dence on Van Ness avenue, Judge?” “Fiftv-two thousand dollars.” “Has it not improved in value since you purchased it?"" “I really cannot say. The house is old and has deteriorated much In value.” “But the property on the avenue has greatly advanced in value, Judge, has it not “Well, I suppose so, but—" “Would you sell it for the assessed val- uation placed on it?” I really could not say,” and so on to the end of tne chapter. Judge Wailace was explicit and to the point in his answers, and they sall pointed to his busiuess agent as being the only one who was in possession of the exact figures and facts regarding his real and personal proverty. The examination was continued until this afternoon at 2 o’clock. HE MAY CONFESS. Charles Favor Expected to Turn State’s Evidence and Implicate Others. Some months of solitary confinement in the County Jail have had effect on Charles Favor, who was recently held to answer by United States Court Commissioner Heacock on charges of bribery and extor- tion. 1t is generally understood now about the Appraisers’ building that Favor is ready and willing to turn State’s evidence and fasten guilt on at least one man who is be- lieved to be implicated with hiia. Favor and Martin Cleary, both Custom- house Inspectors, were suspected of doing crooked work in Chinatown, and espe- cially in connection with tne Wong Sing case. Clearg was arrested first at the instiga- tion of Special Agent Major Moore, but he was exonerated upor a preliminary ex- amination on account of lack of evidence. Now, it is_expected that sufficient evi- dence from Favor and Wong Sing may be had to prove Clem&y'l zuilt. An incident tending io lend color to the statement that Favor intends to make a confession is the fact that United States Judge Morrow has reduced his bail from $1000 to $500 at the request of United States District Attorney Foote. The latter, at the time of Favor's incar- ceration, was strong in his demand that the prisoner be shown no favors. His bail must be heavy, and no one must be al- lowed to see him excepting in the presence of a United States Deputy Marshal. His change of tactics at this time fs regarded u: being the result of the expected confes- sion. 3 THE INCOME REDUCED, Mrs. Stanford Has Her Allowance Cut Down. Upon her own petition the monthly al- lowance to Mrs. Jane L. Stanford from the millions left by her husband has been re- duced from $10,000 to $2500. She saysin her petition for a reduction that $2500 a month is a fair and reasonable amount, and is sufficient to meet all of her ex- enses. The payment of the bequest of 2,500,000 to the Stanford University re- cuces the income from the estate by $120,000 a year, and this makes it neces- sary to reduce the allowance. To Be Tried Here. I F. Ramacotti, arrestéd Wednesday for forgery in Los Angeles, will be tried here first, and yesterday he was detained on two charges of forgery, the complaining witnesses being Berns'rd nnelly, g'lr)oeer, g\uh and Fillmore streets, and H. {Z Meyer, 5roear. Ninth and Mission streets. If he should not be convicted here he will be sent to Los Angeles. Rama- cotti was traveler for Eberhart’s brewery in l&e: York. He was at one time a deputy Sher- ere. e —— Carrie Sankey’s Note. Carrie Sankey will have to pay the $1000 note she made in favor of Ernest L. Kriske. She bought & lot of trinkets at Kriske's llo‘m, and to secure ent she signed a note for $1000, *1n courtyesterday b signed the note under duress and when she was not responsible, but all the same she will have to p-s it. Her evidence was not strong enough, and judgment went for the plaintiff, - —————— Accused of Assault. Felix Heiman, a butcher, 21 yearsof age, 'was arrested last night on a warrant charging him with assault. The complaining witn ie Annie Kelly, 1, 13 years of ag livitig 801708 Fillmore steser. - Hotman dented the e, and said he could prove an alibi. NEW TO-DAY—DRY GOODS. DON'T T1ISsS TO-DAY FOR TO-MORROW (MEMCRIAL DAY) STORE CLOSED. 000000000000 EXTRAORDINARY MONEY'S WORTH AWAITS YOU: BUILDED BETTER THAN WE WE KNEW. THE MAYER STOCK WAS THE RICHEST BARGAIN OF THE YEAR. CHOOSING EASY. ALL THE FOPULAR STUFFS OF THE SEASON. STYLES SIMPLY PER- FECT. PRICES VALUE. COATS=========-= REEFERS ======-= LESS THAN % =CAPES SUITS===========SKIRTS. 27 LADIES' ULSTERS, WITH CAPES—Fancy mixtures, 60 inches long. Mayer’s price $10; our price.. 53 LADIES’ JACKETS, in price. light and dark shades. $2.50 $1.50 Mayer’s price §7; our 37 LADIES’ DOLMANS, in silk and velvet, suitable for 61d ladies. 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Special 25¢c toe, i Pair (INCORPORATED] 937 to 945 Market Street, SAN FRANCISCO. MINERS' HOPES T0 BE REALIZED, Tirey L. Ford Returns From Washington Encour- aged. LOBBIED FOUR MONTHS. Mineral Lands Bill Now in a Way for Final Faverable Action. RIVER BILL T0 BE VETOED. But Both Houses Sure to Surprise Grover by Carrying It Over His Wish. Ex-State Senator Tirey L. Ford returned Sunday from Washington, where he has been for four months working in-the inter- ests of legislation beneficial to the mother industry of California. Speaking yesterday of his mission and of whatthe miners may hope for, he said: I was never so glad to get back to a place in my life. For me there is but one place to live; there is but one California. When I left Wash- ington the weather was oppressive and the heat was sweltering and as I came through Missouri I was dodging cyclones. As to my mission to Washington we had two principal measures before Congress. One was & bill to create a commission to examine and classify the mineral lands i1n the railroad land grents in California. That bill passed the House without much effort. We had some opposition in the House committee, but on that committee were Bowers of California, Wilson of Id;ho fl_lnd Hlnnnunndnf )lonlnn!}, three men who effectively stopped any opposi- tion. McRea ot Arkansas also helped us. After the bill passed the 'House and went to the Senate and was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Lands then our first sren battle began. The opposition made & letermined stand in that committee and had the assistance of the National administration ogermn. through the Interior Department. This wasone of the hardest fights we had. Senators Perkins and White deserve special F"he' for tho&exened themselves tirelessly n the cause. mator Dubois of Idaho, chair- man of the Committee on Public Lands, was our friend and his position gave him an oppor- tunity to do effective work for us. Our other special friends on the committee were Senator Berry of Arkansas and Senator Pasco of Flor- ida. We got & unanimous favorable report from that committee. In the Senate there was also much opposi- tion, and it was led by Senator Stewart of Ne- vada. The bill was Telayed considerably in the Senate while we were waiting for data from California for which I had telegraphed. As soon as the data was received the bill was vig- orously pushed in the Senate,and througl some very skillful parliamentary work by Senators Perkins and White the bill passed the Senate some two weeks 8g0. The Senate had added some amendments in matters of detail, and it became necessary for the bill to go back to the House for concur- rence on these amendments. Upon {ts return to the House it was referred to the House Com- mittee on Public Lands, which committee promptly reported it back to the House with recommendations that the Senate amend- ments be concurred in. The bill is now on the House calendar await- ing an opportunity to be called up for final action. ere is certainly no reason why this bill should not pass and become a iaw. There ‘e seven membeYs of the House looking after it and thare ought to be no difficulty now. It would be a great misfortune if by any chance the bill should now fail of final passage. The other matter in which our people are especially interested was to procure an appro- riation of $250,000 for restraining barriers to protect the navigable rivers of the State and {o permit the resumption of hydraulic mining if the same can be done without material in- jury to other interests. Our great fight in this matter was before tha House Committee on Rivers and Harbors. We soon discovered thai the appropriation could not be obtained as an independent proposition and that the only possible way to secure it was to have it incorporated in the riverand harbor bill, and thus be carried through by that meas- ure. Our efforts, therefore, were all concen. trated in securing its insertion in the riverand harbor bill by the House Committee on Rivers nnld U;rbnr&h‘ A n this fight we had the opposition of th Anti-Debris Association of the Sacramento an’ ley, and had, furthermore, to overcome the idea that seemed generally to prevail in the committee that the apgrorrin!ionwl! intended to aid a privite industry. It took s vast amount of hard work finally to secure the in- sertion of this item in the river and harbor bill. In fact, when the vote was first taken the committee was adverse to the insertion. Things looked pretty blue and it seemed that all our efforts were lost. Then it was that the hard work began that finally resulted in suc- cess. Two members.of the committee, Bare rett of Massachusetts and Hooper of Wiscon« sin, continued their opposition until the last. Hooker of New York, chairman of the com- mittee, Herman of Oregon, senior Republican memuoer, and Catchings of Mississippi, senior Democratic member, were our steadfast friends. At the last moment Speaker Reed was per- suaded to come to our assistance and to his influence was largely due the final result. When the bill reachea the Senate Senator White, who was & member of the Senate Com= mittee on Commerce, secured some needed changes in the language of the item, which were afterward agreed to by the House. The item &s it now stands is precisely as the miners have always asked for it, and in the only shepe in which it could possibly have been obtajned. The river and harbor bill containing this item has gone to the President, where it will doubtless be vetoed, but the executive veto will be overruled by both houses with a celer« ity that will startle the occupant of the White House. In short, the two principal measures desired by the miners of California have made much better progress than we had hoped, and we may now indulge the highest expectationsof & speedy and complete success. NEW TO-DAY WI'IZ‘Z‘/'IZQ PURIFIES THE BLOOD, RESTORES LOST VITALITY, NOT A PATENT MEDICINE, but the prescription of a well-known physician, used for many years in private practice. MANUFACTURED BY THE VINTINE COMPANY Of New York, London and Melbourne. BROOKS' PHARMACY, 119 Powell 8t., Pacific Coast Agents, To be had at druggists. Price, one dollar. $75m4 ROOMS CONSISTING OF FURNITURE PARLOR,BEDROOM, DINING-ROOM, KITCHEN EASY PAYMENTS. (')II Cloth, per ylrlw i Matting, per yard .. Solid Oak Bed Suit, 7 pieces - Solid Oak Folding Bed, fl Mirror. T. BRILLIANT, 410 POST ST.,above Pawell OPEN EVENINGS ° “Room Catalogues Mailed gmmum-r;‘:an~