Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1875-11-10
An EXTRA SESSION OF THE
LEGISLATURE.

An 6AAMA 0E<SSAON VT
LEGISLATURE.
The following is from q late issue of
the Carson Appeal:
At q meeting of the Citizens Com
mittee of Virginia, Judge Lewis Of
Iered Q resolution calling on the Gov
ernor to convene the Legislature in ex-
ira session in order to invest the mu-
nicipal authorities there with certain
powers not nov belonging to them.
De Long and others opposed the sug-
gestion and it was voted down. AL
though the expense of an extra ses-
sion would be very considerable, still
we believe we reflect the sentiments of
large majority of the people OF the
State when we aay, that If the cOnven-
ing Of the Legislature at this time
would bring about q substantial ale
Walton of the distresses experienced in
that fire-devastated city, they would
very willingly consent to such an ok
traordinary proceeding. In other
words, II the Virginians want an ex-
ira session we think it ought to be had.
They must decide the matter among
themselves, however. The
of the State, to all reasonable extent,
should be placed at their disposal.
We have copied the remarks of the
Appeal with the view of correcting the
erroneous impression which some of
u contemporaries appear to be labor
Ing under concerning the cost ofan ex-
ira session. The Enterprise, the other
day, made the alarming statement that
1t would involve an outlay upon the
part Of the State of $4,000 to 500 900.
We are astounded at an estimate like
this coming rs it did from so respecta-
BILE Q source. The Enterprise could
mt have given the mattermuch thought
or otherwise it would not have missed
the mark so badly. Without at all adj
vocating the converting OF an extra se>-
sion, we desire to produce a few fig
ures for the consideration of the jour
mails that are more directly interested
In this matter. To begin with, the
Legislature could not, under the con-
stitution if convened in extra session,
] gislate upon any subject not espe-
cially pointed out in tho pro
clamation Of the Governor. Thus,
OF course, the labors Of the
session would be co MINED to two or
three bills designed for the relief of
Virginia City. This could be done in
three days. but WI will place the time
ut one wee k-six working days. The
aggregate per diem of IS members
provided that all put in an appearance
= for six days, amounts to $1,000. The
total mileage of Senator'S, a. allowed at
the last session, was $4,l97 so, that of
Assemblymen, $7,704. The cost for
services of attaches for one week, and
stationery, would probably, at a liberal
estimate, not exceed $1,000; SO it is
thus shown that the outside limit of
the cost of an extra session Of the Leg
islature would only reach 3l6,50l So
about sixty cents a head for each quail
fled elector in the State. As a matter
al fact we believe the session could be
held for less than $4,000, all told. I'm
der the circumstances it is highly prob
able that members would not exact
anything beyond their actual expenses.
in which event the total cost ought not
to be in excess of $1,000 or $1,000.
We have devoted this much space to
the subject simply to correct tn,
figures Of some OF our contemporaries,
and with no intention of urging the me-
cessity for an extra session, because
we are not altogether familiar with the
wants OF the people Of the stricken city.
Nor are We prepared to defend the ca
l.mitous effects Of Legislative sessions
generally. in this State, against which
the Enterprise raises It's hands in holy
horror. 1t Is enough to say that the
Enterprise has usually succeeded in
electing about two-thirds Of its men to
each House, and IL things have not al
ways gone right, . discriminating pub
lie ought to know by this time whore
~ lodge the blame.