The Nevada Democrat., 1856-12-31
The Lerislature.


California will convene at the State Capital.
In both branches there will be, perhaps, con-
trolling majority in the hands of the Democrats.
In the Senate, at best, the majority can be but
small In the Assembly it will be larger, per-
haps, than is desirable. Out of an aggregate of
one hundred and thirteen members elect, to
both branches, seventy-seven are regarded as
members of the Democratic party. With such q
command over the acts and measures to be pass
cd, the responsibility of wise and discreet use
of the power placed in their hands, becomes the
more imperitive, if that were possible That
the people of the State will look to their repre-
sentatives with keen scrutiny we fully believe
1t is their right and duty to do SO. They will
look to them to elevate to the places of distinct
ion provided by the Federal Constitution, men
of ability and integrity. Nor will they readily
excuse wanton waste of time, which should be
devoted to legislative business, in q contest in
stigated solely by personal motives.
The vexed question of the Senatorial Offices is
attracting and absorbing all others. Nor do
we think that undue Importance is attached to
it. The interests of California at this time,
apart from the ordinary obligation to select the
best men, require that those of superior qualif-
cations should receive the credentials to the
seats to which our State will be entitled. If
however, the representatives, faithfully reflect
ing the wishes of their constituents, should find
it impracticable to agree upon those who should
ill the stations, it were better even to put an
end to the controversy by adjourning the ques-
ton to another year than to squander the ses-
sion in fruitless efforts, that could be attended
only with evidences of ill feeling, and it may be
with violations of the decorum which should
ever be preserved.
1t is scarcely to be apprehended that the duty
devolving upon the present, will be deferred to
another Legislature. With a large and efficient
majority in joint convention, there will be no
difficulty in arriving at choice after eflecting
nominations. Under the usages of all parties,
of first making caucus nominations, there may,
however, be some in arriving at choice among
the numerous aspirants for the honors. A few
sittings of the members together, with dispo-
sition to cultivate a sentiment of harmony, will
doubtless lead to some honorable concessions,
and show the futility of attempting to place in
the office of Senator any man who will be OBJ
noxious to the sentiment of any considerable |
portion of the people of the State. The really |
more prominent candidates, would doubtless,
prove acceptable to the vast majority of the
party, and although to each of them personally,
It may be matter Of deep concern, the people
estimate it of more consequence to fill the posi-
lions with those of sufficient ability and expert
once, than is usually recognized. The truth is,
that in advance the vast majority of the people
10 not enter into the contest, for or against
particular men. They have delegated to their
representatives the task of making discreet
and yet, for all the consequences of
That selection, either for good or evil, the Dem
Dcratic party must stand responsible.
There will be for this Legislature other i'm
portant duties. Many former acts require
amongst which, we hold, the laws
regulating attachments.
The eXigencies of our affairs will doubtless re-
qurc some new cnactments, and one which
should not be overlooked, is that made necessary
for submitting the State debt to the vote of the
people. Others will be proposed which will doubt
less be designed for private agrandizement and
therefore, however specious may be the defense
offered in behalf Of them, the inexperienced
should never give his sanction to any without
fully informing himself of their nature and
bearing. The people of the State have just
given most signal evidence of their confidence
in Democratic principles, it is for this Legisla-
ture to confirm them in confidence of Demo-
cratic men.