The Nevada Democrat., 1859-08-24
a. A..emblyman,s Record.

| An AsBembhymane EAeeore.
Among the candidates nominated by the LIE
comps of this county is Mr.. W. r. Armstrong
who served as on Assemblyman during the last
session. We have nothing to say against Ar
Armstrong personally, bat as he is q candidate
for reelection his course during the last ses.
sion is legitimate subject for criticism, and
judging from the record he has not the first
qualification for the position Of legislator
The Journals OF the Assembly do not show that
be introduced bill or resolution Of any kind,
or that be even made motion during the ses-
sion. Upon all party questions, be had no
mind Of his own, but blindly followed bis lead
ers. He had no influence except his own vote,
and that we generally find recorded in opposi-
ton to the interests Of the people of bis county.
Upon the question of the removal Of the State
capital, Mr.. Armstrong voted to send special
committee to Oakland, at the expense Of the
State, to examine the site, and was appointed
ence to Assembly Journals, page 4Os. He re-
ported with the majority Of the committee in
favor OF removing the capital from Sacra-
mento to Oakland, but when final action was
taken on the measure he ''dodged" the qucs-
tion--thst is, did net vote; (see Assembly Jour.
pages 44S 81. He voted to pay an official re-
porter fourteen dollars day, out of the State
funds, for the purpose Of keeping up bigoted
partisan paper. and il be should be reelected,
be will Of eonrse again vote away the peoples
money for like purpose. On page SCI his
vote is recorded against the bill to reduce the
fees in the Office of Clerk Of the Supreme Court.
The bill was defeated on its engrossment by
nearly q strict party vote, when it is notorious
that this officer does not receive less In fees
than $25, 900 year. During the session, q bill
was introduced to repeal the act creating the
office OF State Grager. This ofdcer, whose du-
ties do not require him to do more than to as
certain the quantity Of liquor in hogshead or
barrel, receives in fees yearly. i! is estimated,
not less than 10000, which is direct tax up
on the consumer without any corresponding
benefit By reference TO the Journals, page
to reject the bill; on page 334 his vote is re-
corded to indefinitely postpone the bill; and on
page 337 We find that he voted against the mo-
tion to reconsider the vote by which the bill
was one of the most salutary measures Of the
session, and at every stage Of the proceedings
be aided by bis vote to defeat the bill. On page
TT we find his vote recorded in favor of Jay-
ing Mr.. Walkup extra compensation, (not con-
iemplated by law,) as Warden Of the State
Prison, at the rate Of eight dollars day from
the time Of his appointment. He voted to pay
VIM. T. Barbour, as District Judge of the 10th
Judicial District, the sum of $1,000 q year, in
addition to his yearly salary of $4,000, for the
term Of five years, which in the aggregate
amounted to 81 500, more than the salary al
lowed by law. Upon the FINAL vote on the bill
introduced by Mr.. Slingerland, to secure liens
TO laborers upon mining claims, we find that
Mr.. Armstrong again "dodged." This was
measure Of great Importance to miners who
work for wages, and designed to make their
pay more secure. We might mention other
voSes about Is objectabls, but the above are
sufficient TO show the people OF the county bow
we'll he has represented their interests. If he
is elected again, pretty good idea can be
formed Of what be will do by reference to his
past acts. ......
Upon party questions, Mr.. Armstrong will
always be found "sound," no matter with what
party accident may classify him; but men like
him, who were never designed either by nature
or education to become leaders, perhaps should
not be blamed for following the lead of others.
By pursuing this course such men will always
be safe SO long as they manage to keep with
the majority party; but it is very unsafe for
the people to trust their interests with men who
have no opinions of their own.