The Placer herald., 1858-03-13
LerislatiVe.

from the Judiciary Committee, reported
against amending the law regarding testi-
mony 50 as to admit the evidence Of negroes
or mrlattoes against white persons. Mr..
Grant, of the same committee favored the
admission of such testimony.
Surveyor General returned estimate Of the
expenses of his Office for the tenth fiscal
year at $7,64O. State Treasurer's estimate
for his office $4,000.
Mr. Baker introduced a resolution, which
was adopted, that the Governor, 1t Govern
or and Secretary Of State, be authorized to
examine eligible sites for a branch State
Prison and report at an early day.
The debate on the Constitutional measure
was resumed. Mr.. Anderson speaking for
and Mr.. Holden against the bill.
Assembly passed resolutions instructing
our Representatives at Washington, to en-
deavor to obtain for California five per cent,
of the proceeds of the sales of the public
lands in this State, in accordance with es-
taDllshed usage IN Otner STATES.
Mr.. Curtis introduced bill regulating
the conduct of State Prison convicts, and
providing rewards and punishment therefor.
On Monday in the Senate, Mr.. Garter
spoke in favor of the Constitutional Conven-
ton Bill to repeal the act granting overflow
ed lands to the Tulare Canal Company
passed.
In the Assembly resolution was passed
requiring the Printing Committee to inquire
into the expedency and economy of letting
the State printing by contract. An additional
enrolling clerk was allowed. A bill was
offered to regulate the interest of money.
The Ell Dorado County Wagon Road bills
were passed over the Governors veto. Bill
to provide for examining the accounts of S. A.
McMeans, formerly State Treasurer, and ap-
propriating $500 to pay the expense of the
same, passed.
In the Senate, on Tuesday, after debate,
the Constitutional Convention bill was put
to final vote and lost. Ayes 10; Noes 25.
The bill of Mr.. Ferguson, to amend the at
tachment law passed.
In the Assembly, the amendments to the
Constitution, to provide for biennefcial ses-
sions of the Legislature passed. Mr.. Street
gave notice Of bill recommending the cleo
tors of this State to vote for or against a
Constitutional Convention.
Wednesday, in the Senate, message was
received from the Governor accompanying
rules he had established for the government
of the State Prison.
In the House Mr.. Ely introduced a bill to
create board of Examiners and to impose
certain duties upon the Controller and Treas
urer of the State The San Francisco fund
ing bill passed The bill to suppress houses
of ill-tame carried.
In the Senate, Thursday Mr.. Burch intro
duced bill recommending the voters Of the
State to vote for or against the calling of a
Constitutional Convention. The bill to al
low J. T. Smiley $4,000 for building the
State Prison wall in 1855, passed Assem-
bly, concurrent resolution, asking Congress
for donation Of five per cent. on all public
lands sold within the State of California was
adopted.
In the Assembly, Mr.. Curtis gave notice
of bill to amend the fifth article of the
Constitution, so rs to make the Secretary of
State elective by the people at the same time
as the Governor. Mr.. Stafford intro
duced bill to amend section one of the
act to provide revenue for the support of the
State Government This bill provides for a
stamp tax upon bills of lading Of coin or
gold dust shipped out of the State; also upon
insurance policies.
T III ~