Weekly Trinity journal., 1872-03-09

V.
Long. Mott OF Sacramento, Mccullough,
Sammons, Seibe, Spencer, Turner; WEI
ty. Wheaton, Woodward, Wright-S5.
Noes-Messrs. Andrews, Baird, Bay
lev, Bell, Burckhalter, Caldwell, Connoi-
ly, Cooper, Dannals, Days, Egan, ElIIs'
Gibson, Goodall, Hays, Hopper, Little,
Lotion, Luttrell, Meeker, Mott 'ot Los
Angeles, Munday, Pardee, Rector heeu'
Sargent OF Santa Clara, Schrack, oehsa-
baugh, Slaughter, Spllvalo, Stlllwagoh'
Tinnin, Walker, Whiting, Wilcox, Mr'
Speaker-37
Further discussion followed, till at last
the previous question was sprung and the
bill was passed by vote of, ayes 49,
noes 80.
EXEMPTING CHURCHES.
Another question that has excited some
attention in the Assembly this week, has
been the proposed amendment to the Con-
stitution OF the State exemptingschurches
and schools from taxation. A long de-
bate followed the motion to adopt, and
many of the members had ample oppor-
tunity of presenting their religious views.
The bill, however, was refused engross-
ment by large majority-ayes Is, noes
SO. The views expressed by Mr.. Spen-
GER, of Santa Clara, conceded with those
of your correspondent in this matter. He
said he believed the Constitution was
very good as it stood now, in this respect.
All property should be taxed. Every
man should pay for his religion, and he
did not propose to pay for any other
mans religion unless it suited him.
CONCERNING ACTIONS FOR LIBEL.
On Saturday the Senate ordered TO en-
grossment Splivalo's bill concerning ac-
tions for libel, which requires the plaintiff
in every action brought for libel, shall
first file a bond in the sum of $500 as Sc
cnrity for the payment Of costs should
the suit be dismissed. The bill was orig
nally intended to apply one to actions for
libel against proprietors Of newspapers,
and was sent up from one of the leading
papers in San Francisco. In the Judi
ciary Committee the bill was amended to
to meet any constitutional question that
might arise. There was considerable OPP
position to its passage. Luttrell, of Sis
kiyou deemed it in opposition tr the in
terests of the poor man, all of whom he
would make believe is his especial hob
by, but the true objects of the bill being
shown to be nothing more than for the
protection of certain classes, its engross-
mcnt was ordered by vote of 40 ayes to
IL noes.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
Days bill for the appointment of a
commission to propose amendments to
the Constitution has passed the House,
and there is little doubt but that it will
go through the Senate, while the Gov
crnor is known to favor the plan. The
bill requires the commission to propose
fitting amendments to the Constitution
which are to be submitted to the people
and the press and criticism invited. The
commission shall then meet again and
make their final report to the Governor,
who will call a special session of the Leg
islature in January, 1873, when they will
be passed upon. The session to last
thirty days, unless the business shall be
sooner concluded, and shall be for this
purpose only.
TIE CONTESTED SEAT.
The contested election case of Flint VS..
Beck, for the representation in the Sen
ate from Monterey and Santa Cruz coun-
ties, was finally decided on Friday last.
Hon. j. q. Eastman, counsel for the con-
testant, made an able argument, contend
ing that number OF illegal votes were
cast for the respondent, which if deducted
from his count would give the contestant
fair majority. But direct proof of this
was wanting, and though Mr.. Eastman
did the best that could be done consider
ing he had little to work on, the Senate
by unanimous vote of of 80 Zone MEM
Der was excused from voting, the others
were ABSENT decided that no case had
been made out, and Mr.. Beck retains his
seat. Mr.. Flint is out of pocket to the
tune of.several thousand dollars. He is
reported as a millionaire, so perhaps it
will make little difference with him. Z.