Weekly Trinity journal., 1866-02-17
OUR SACRAMENTO LETTER.
SACRAMENTO, February 10, 1866.

has rendered the crossings of the streets almost
impossible, don't neglect the Theaters and
other amusements, and | believe that last week
there were some eight dancing parties, to say
nothing of the audiences attracted by ''Arrah-
na-Pogue," which play entertained the people
here two weeks-somethng unusual for this
place, which Mcguire says has run him in debt
about $50, 900 in his endeavors to provide amuse-
ments for them The Governors reception-the
first one of the season-took place last Tuesday
week, and was attended by large and fashion
able concourse | believe the intention is to
give one of these levees every two weeks during
the remainder of the session, night of each
intervening week having been set apart by citi-
zens for Club dance and all for the entertain
ment and amusement of our legislative popua-
ton and the friends of the parties giving them
1t is really excruciating to see some of the
"honest miner" persuasion now here in legis-
ative capacity, endeayor to accommodate them
selves to tight boots and kid gloves, and the
fascinating entertainment of group of charmers
of the tender sex, and apprehend that during
the initial performance they would willingly
swap their position for one under a forty foot
bank, armed with pick or hydraulic pipe.
Everything about the Capitol goes along in
much the same old style, and notwithstanding
the habitual growing of a fault-fndng press, l
presume as much is being accomplished as is
consistent with the measures under considera-
ton. When we consider that the sessions are
biennial. and enactment can be reconsldereo
for two years to come. we must submit that 100
much care cannot be bestowed upon business
coming before this body.
The Assembly, on Thursday, had under con-
sideration Mr. lIansbrow bill appropriating, by
additional taxation, further means for the COM
pletion Of the State Capitol This bill raises
the Capitol tax from five to fifteen cts. on each
one hundred dollars worth of taxable property.
The Senate bill introduced by Mr. kutz, provides
for an increase of five cents, instead of tcn
the rates of taxation levied for that purpose.
1t is difficult to ascertain the precise sentiment
of the members on the proposition, and do not
believe that either bill will become a law for
some time to come, or until near the close of the
session.
There has been great deal of time spent in
the discussion of the bill amendatory of the
present law respecting the carrying of concealed
wepons. The bill, as originating in the Senate,
confcrs upon officers the power of search when
in their opinion it is justified. The Assembly
amended by changing the language, and the
Senate refused to concur in their amendment.
The Assembly adhering to their amendment
Committee of Conference has been appointed,
the result Of which will be that the old law will
remain as it now stands, apprehend.
Some time in December last Mr.. Evans intro
duced bill granting the right of way through
this State TO certain persons to construct tele-
graph line, and for nearly two months the COM
how. ham of trvID
to come to some conclusion, and being unable
to agree, n majority Thursday reported in
favor of the bill. If, as is claimed by the old
company, their franchise debars for stated
number of years any company from erecting
telegraph line to parallel with their own.
there should be some remedy adopted for such
unlinited monopilization, as public measures
are enacted for the benefit of the community at
large, and not to enrich individuals from the
necessities of the public. That the Overland
Telegraph Company have endeavored to conform
to their franchise, and perhaps have dealt justly
by parties dealing with them is not denied; yet
what should be accommodation to the public
is made a luxury too expensive for the indul-
gence of any but wel-flled purses.
Senator knoxs bill. amendatory Of the reve-
nue law of the State, which exempts from taxa
ton the property of charitable societies, church.
es, &c. is under consideration by the COM
mittee on Claims, to whom it was referred. This
bill provides for the taxation of all property
now exempt except public buildings of State
and counties, and certain class of property in
cluded in the term 9 charitable" F." which the
bill now reads is indefinite as prescribing what
properly comes under that designation. That
the buildings belonging to certain societies, and
which now exempt, will be included is GER
tain. For instance, the most valuable buildings
in this city. owned by the Masonic and Odd Eel
lows orders, which represent many thousands of
dollars, do not contribute a tthe towards the
burden of taxation which bears down the prop
erty owners of this unfortunate locality. The
expression of opinion far as I have learned
from members of these societies in both branch
es, is in favor of the law proposed to be
amended. The committee will undoubtedly pre-
sent substitute for the bill, rendering its pro-
visions more complete.
Another opportunity was afforded the public
to listen to a speech the Specific Contract
Bill last Friday, by Mr. Belden, of Nevada, who
certainly did his subject justice so far as facts
would justify him, but not covering points urged
by the opposition which it was hoped would be
more fully replied to by him. If the law of
Congress is liable and exposed to constitutional
objections, and therefore null in effect, we must
concede that the principal point on which the
advocates Of repeal relied has been very sum-
marily disposed Of As there is almost unlmit-
ed room for consideration of this subject in the
various aspects it presents, it is unwise to jump
at any conclusion in the premises. | am not
prepared to deny that it is impracticable to adopt
this measure at present, bat as before remarked
there is much ground to be travelled over, and
more thorough intellects than mine deny that
such is the case. If the advocates of repeal want
the support of the Democrats they will have to
support very bitter pill in the form ofa resolu-
ton introduced by Pearce, who intends to have
value received for any assistance he renders that
measure The trial is a severe one, and it re-
mains to be seen whether they will refuse the
assistance, and reject the resolution or make
virtue OF their necessities.
Inc San Francisco Fire Department bill has
at'racted quite number of representatives of
me volunteer interest hither, and much feeling
IS oiSpiayed by parties concerned. Mcclellan,
Assemoiyman from that city, introducer of the
reform bill, and one McCarty, a volunteer who
mad come up to do the outside legislation, had
some words IN the Assembly Chamber Fri
Gay' IN which pretty strong language was in
duiged ln An informal invitation to McCarty
10 70 denver the lobby of his presence suspended
,u.tner ni hostilities and Mac, Ia political SYM
pathizer with defunct namesake) became mas
Ter OF the situation.