The Shasta courier. [volume] (Shasta, Calif.) 1852-1872, 1853-06-04
From the Times and Transcript.
California Observation-Disclosures of the
Lute Session.


The session of The Legislature which termi-
mated on the l9'h instant, was the longest by
over two weeks that has ever been held In Cab
torna. large amount of labor has been done,
and the leading measures of the session will
bear rigid criticism. One hundred and
eighty laws have been passed, of which one
hundred and are Of general nature, and
seventy-nine either local OF special III their pro-
visions.
At the commencement of the session, and al
various periods during its progress, the Cover
nor called the attention OF The Legislature to the
embarrassed condition OF the Statess finances.
He repeatedly urged re,renchment III expendl-
lures, and the adoption OF measures TO pay oft
the public debl, as the first means of attaining
that object. For a time the opposition of varl-
Gus interests to these leading reforms de-
terlnined aud bitter, that it seemed If the Stale
would be plunged into hopeless Insolvency.
But there Were many most excellent represeu-
tatives in our Legislature, and their industry
and judgment has trnmphed TO great extent.
Ii we have not got all they desired to accomplish
for the relief OF the State, we certainly have
gained many points, and system has been com
nenced, which with wise counsels in the next
Legislature. be made to place The public ll-
terests OF California i'll very prosperous cond-
ton
The revenue law which has just been adopt
ed, levIes moderate tax on real estate and per-
sonal property, but it is intended to reach and
tax alike all classes of citizens. 1t will tLere
fore considerably increase the annual income to
the State Treasury The Foreign Miners Ii
cense Law has been materially improved and
the tax increased from three to four dollars per
month The Sheriff OF each county collects this
tax, one-ialt OF which goes iuio the county irel
sury, the other half Into the general fund OF he
Stale. 1t is thought by good judges that the
State Treasury will receive nearly $50 900 from
this source. Our other license laws have been
also amended and improved.
The " confederation" composed of certain
class OF merchants, who have sold goods OH
commission, and refused to pay over 10 the State
the tax Which they aclually'coected and peck
eted with their commissions, will be broken
up by the operation of The new law. This will
secure to the State about 500. 900 per anuuin,
which has heretofore passed iuto the hands of IA
few persons. Our laws, levying tax of three
dollars on every passenger arriving at this port,
for Which The passenger vessels are held respoL-
slble, have been amended that ship
cannot make false returns without IncurrIn2 the
severest penalties. The money derived from
this source Is entirely appropriated Tor Hospital
purposes
AT a moderate estimate the acts already emu
merated will secure $4U0, 600 to the general fund
Uf the State. Ut course soud zeal more Will
be collected, but by referring to uihrr laws it
money CO lected under nearly all our revenue
acts, is set apart to pay interest on the funded
debt, Oh tile school fund, TO support hospitals,
asyiums, etc, etc. 1t must be apparent to every
one, that something than have euti-
merated above, needed to meet the accrli-
ing expenses OF our government, and at the
lime redeem The public credit. The act provld-
ing Tor the sale OF portion OF the States propcr-
ty In this city, 1t is believed will meet the ener-
IIs-h q 81 IN IaWV n city
estimate that the Slate will realise from ii mil
lion and half to two millions Df dollars from
the sale OF this property. Taking the lowest
Inmates of The sum to be realised from all
revenue measures, therefore it apparent that
two millions of dollars will be paid into ON
State Treasury during the ensuing year, as
soon as this property can be sold.
We have room only to glance at few OF the
other leading measures of the session.
Orr old, extravagant partial and Inefficient
hospital system has been abolished. he three
State Hospitals, at SACRAMENTO Stockton anu
San Francisco which have been maintained al
an expense of $500, 900 per annum. ali
consolidated into the State Marine Hospital in
San Francisco to be maintained for 500 900
per anuum. This economy however, Is not al
the expense of the sick. Experience had proved
it unnecessary to rent three hospital buildings,
and pay large salaries to three sets OF ply scIans
ana nurses, when all The sick of The State can be
better cared for at one thoroughly organised III
sttution, under the managenIt ut OF set OF
Directors and Physicians. In addition 10 the
State Hospital, where all transient OF uon-resl-
dent persons, no matter where taken sick, are
to be treated, we have also sy stem Vi county
hospitals. so that the INDECENT sick in every coun
ty in the State, will receive relief. To support
this system one half OF all the monies collected
as licenses from auctloneers, places OF ainuse-
meni, billiard rooms, gambling houses, ETC, is
to be distributed ill quarterly instruments to
each county, proporlionately 10 lis population,
which tile Courts of Sessions Boards of SUI
pervisors are directed TO in establishing To-
cal hospitals. A State Lunatic Asylum has also
been established. located at Stockton, in The
building commenced for that purpose and par
TALLY completed last year. Iwoftils of the
money collected from passengers at this port is
appropriated to sustain this institution.
The Legislature have provided for erecting a
State Prison TN San Quinten Point, large enough
to conhne 80 cnnvicts. It's cost is not to exceed
$l35 900, payable i'll bonds, due ten years after
dale, with annual interest thereon Of seven
per cent.
By new law. Comptroller's Warrants are
receivable for taxes. which will prove satistac-
tory provision, inasmuch opportunity is
given for tax collectors to speculate Ill scrip.
while the State in this manner resleems her
obligations par, matter what The marker
price.
The seat of government is permanently loca-
ted at Bencia, which will put stop 10 au-
nual expense of Sl0O,0O0 more, for moving
the State Capital from place to place.
The law Of last year, To fund the State debt,
has been amended, so as 10 fund all warrants
issued py the Comptroller up to the 30.h OF
June, 1858.
The terms of the District Courts throughout
the State are, under new law, fixed at detiuite
periods, alternating SO that the sessions in adj
joining districts will never occur al the SAINT
time.
The act to regulate proceedings in civil cases
has been amended, aud very many wholesome
returuts infrplucetl ftudiuu In lessen fht. fusr