The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-02-08

proudest and most patriotic feelings of an Ameri-
can. Here, where, but a few months since, il
would have appeared that civilization had scarce
ly deigned TO pay, as 1t were, flying visit, were
now assembled grave Legislature, empowered TO
put In force the machinery Of good republican
government; and the chief executive officer OF
that system, called by the people, stepped for
ward TO take the oath prescribed by them. He
came alone and unaltended-no pomp, no cere-
mony-no vensl guards-no useless parade OF
armed men. There were with him but the people
his sudie nee and his defenders--they will he his
execntioners if he faIl TO discharge honestly and
faithfully the important dntes devolving upon HIM.
His inaugural was delivered immediately after
he had taken the prescribed oath, which was ad-
ministered to him by his honor, Kimball H. DIM
mick, the chief justice OF the Superior Court.
herewith transmit copy IL is document every
way worthy OF its author, and breathing that ra-
triotic desire for the good OF the State which
should characterize one occupying so responsible
a position
IL was most unfortunate evidence of the
I" "waDt-wit' character of our Legislature, that
they should have forgotten 10 notify General Riley
of The hour at which the inauguration would
take place. After obbgiDg the old hero to make
journey Of an hundred miles at this most ince-
mt mt season, they forgot TO give hun the notice
which the first principle of courtesy would prompt
and thus deprived him aud the ceremony itself of
Its highest honor and worihiest act. Patriotic,
as all acknowledge him TO be, you rob him of an
opportunity OF publicly evlnc'ng satisfaction at
highest aim whilst acting as Governor, and you
refuse the spectacle itself its most beautiful ad-
junct-the resignation of power by deposed go
verHment, at the nat of the people. Shame upon
such lhoughtlessness
The great fight for United States Senators took
place. IN pursuance OF previous resolutions, at the
Assembly chamber, this afternoon, at D p, M
The Pueblanos are much frightened at the pros
pect OF changing the capital, and the notice gwen
by Mr.. Tngley, This morning, that he would, on
Monday next, introduce a bill for that purpose,
has not at all added TO their feeling OF security.
Although the citizens of San Jose have utterly
failed TO make good their promises TO The conven-
tion-slthoueh the buildings for the Legislature
and public Offices are INCOMPLETE and unsuitable
although members find il difficult TO procure COM
fortabIe Lodgings and good living; and although
they are Obliged to pay most extravagant prices
tor everything they have, still adhere To my opin-
ion, expressed in my note few days since, that
the capital cannot be moved. IL requires two
third vote, and do not believe that can be had by
SAN JOSE, Dec 81, 1919.
The political, as well other elements, are
quiet Today, after the storm OF yesterday; but the
horizon betokens the coming Of another storm,
both in the political and material heavens Alrea-
DIV party politics, which have been boiling and
bubblipP in the California cauldron for the last
year, are beginning to assume hgure and form, and
the chaos that has hitherto existed exists no more.
California politics are now ia the transition state,
but the clouds foreshadow the coming OF the
wbIrlwind. As one of the first moves IN TINS great
game, the message OF Governor Burnett Is looked
10 with interest and anxiety throughout California
and the Atlantic States. That document was de-
lvered to both houses Of the Legislature, NJ IL NJ,
this day. ! have not yet read II. and therefore
cannot express an opinion OF IT'S merits or demer's;
but | am promised a copy, which will despatch to
The message was read in both houses, by their
respective clerks; but as one seldom becomes pre-
poss~ "a with n document introduced TO pubhc
fcrullny in this manner, did not listen to it.
have heard many of the members speak tavorably
Of H.. but none commend IL very warmly.
In the Senate, this morning, very little business
was done. The mt mbers appeared to be repos,ng
upon the consciousness that they had done their
duty IN the senatorial election yesterday, aud
though heard considerable grumbllne among the
outsiders, did not that II affected the equa-
nimi,y OF even one Of the "graye and reverend
seignors." The nomination OF Mr. VIM. Van Noor-
hies, Secretary Of State. was this morning con-
firmed.
day, beside the reading OF the Governor message.
The COMMITTEE on Ways and Means were in
suucted 10 call on the retiring Governor, and as
certain what moneys or securities he might have
In his possession belonging to the State com
mItiee on commerce was added TO the standing
committees. The following resolution was passed,
vIz:-
Resolved, That the COMMITTEES on Printing. be di.
rsctsd to ASCERTAIN whether ard upon what terms .
printing press ~ ke hat TO do the public printing
for this House aud that they be to report
tho rsut their proceedings at as early day Is pos
A letter was read from Mr.. Van VOORHEES,, re-
signing his Sc At as member Of the House, he hav-
ing been appointed Secretary OF state.
Ten thousand copies in English, and two thou.
saI d in Spanish, of the Governors message, were
ordered To be printed.
There are several notices before the Legislature,
Of intentions to DrinR IN bills Tor the incorporation
Of cities. IL 10 probable that many such, perhaps
ALL will pass but trust the Legislature will make
the proper distinction between cities which are
laid out on private property, and those when are
aid out on the public domain. In both cases, the
Legislature can undoubtedly grant TO the city au-
thonties all the powers which may be necessary
10 carry on q good municipal government, but they
cannot give them the right to dispose OF the land
In the case of cities laid out on private properly,
il is clear the Legislature has no control In the
matter Of selling town lots, and l believe II Is
equally so in regard TO the public domain. Every
body will admit this but unless the acts OF incor-
porstion are worded 90 as distinctly 70 Ironlhit
Town authorities from selling the public domain,
the Legislature may rest assured that the greatest
abuses will be perpetrated.
am something OF radical in my views rela-
tive to the public lands The vote yourself a
farm" doctrine Is a principle deserving OF more
veneration than 10 generally accorded TO u. IL
there be any force or truth IN that doctrine upon
the other side of the Rocky mountains, II 10 sui
more worthy OF respect ON this, where large por-
uon Of the best land in the country 10 already
GRANTED to individuals in large tracts. The treaty
of peace guarantees the sacred observance OF all
valid and legal grants and It 10 therefore incumbent
upon all who desire the greatest good OF the great
est NUMBER to see that the land Vt the public ls re-
serv, for the use and benefit Of the patriotic men
who have come and are coming, with strong and
willing hands, not alone TO delve for gold, but TO
make gardens Of the waste. True, the Legislature
OF the State a California have controIover these
matters. and therefore hope that IN any act OF In.
corporation they may pass, they Will not
sanction To action which may tend indirectly 70 ae
feat an object 80 dear TO all, so essential 10 me
prosperity of California. IL might, and think
would, be proper for the Legislature TO give TO
municipal bodice the power to lay out the puohc
DOMAIN an lots Of certain size, to be disposed OF
a nominal prIce, to bona fde settlers, VINO would
b nd IN, mseves to fence the lot, and bund upon
II within one year, or less. But such power
should be conferred subject to the ratihcation OF
Congress And ITS exercise should be hedged
round with restrictions, as TO prevent aouse .. ANY
and every character. Ii was a wise aud Just pro-
VISION of Mexicss law which gave TO every c'tuen
fif,y vsra lot, and a common right OF Pas'ufaee,
etc etc to all lands within certain distance Oh
his Pu,blo or town. This prlmitive ana pure
legislation has been defeated by Interested parties,
in many instances, already, and y should be ine
ptoylnce of the L. pslatufe not only to do all with