Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-01-27


Engineer, as TO question of facts relating TO the
Bear river dam. It is not believe pretended that
human vision can explore the turb.d, tavny tide
that flows over the scene OF the autumns abors on
that river. Mr. Calnron says, the dam is brokcn'
The Engineer and those who have labored upon the
work say "it has not Now, this le islative ex
with its trimmings ~ cannot doubt
it will be appropriately ''ieed will cost The state
fully S2, GOO and one may fifty ask, What shall we
get for it What figure does a break, no bre K
cut in the deb.is question: Has it come to this that
the continuance or abandonment of 4 great state
work shall be made to hinge upon the accident Of
moment IN engineering skill? Should we not
say rather this question rises above any single sue
cess or single failure in first effort we have
the forces against u.s. our second
shall seize them with the grasp Of giant
Mr. LoSG, replying to Mr.. Del Vale, said The
friends Of the debris law do not fear Investigation
but they :re OF the opinion that this Assembly can
gain but little Information in half an hours visit
We court investigation both OF the works OF the
Commission, and TO the resources that the law
was made to protect By investigation we can show
the intelligent that the scheme is practicable and
one that should be fostered
Mr. GRIFFITH said: Mr.. Speaker did not antic-
ipate that should be drawn into this discussion
The gentleman from San Francisco and the gentle
man from Nevada have diverged from the proDosi.
ton before the House. The gentleman from Ne.
yada (Ar Long) argues though we were discussing
the repeal of the "Debris Act" The question is
Shall we visit the dams and arrive az intelligent
conclusion? The gentleman from San Francisco
(Mr Masl is willing to accept what he hears in
preference to what he sees as to this proposition
Sir tits the duty OF every legislator 10 have some
assertion and self-reliance If he would faithfully
represent his constituency. l take mans
dictum as a criterion by which to be guided,
hut prefer to see for myself and dl my own con
elusions. II we are unable TO reach just conclusions
when matters OF great moment like this before
u.s. it better that home aud take our
places between the plow- handles and at the me-
chanic's bench, and reegate this work TO heads
wiser than ours This question Involves the possi-
40 pynep1iturp Of millions of dollars md f-
eumbent on u5 to determine whether these dams
have beeG skillfully engineered-whetler the work
is Of an enduring character, or whether the first
flood that sweeps down the mountain gorges shall
leave not relic to tell the tale Of all arduous but
fruitless enterprise; whether when hundreds of
years shall have elapsed, this labor shall still Ike
the Pyramids OF Egypt, stand in solid walls as q
testimonial OF the engineering skill OF i former
generation
gested that ii it not desired TO tax the State
the members might pay their own expenses.
Mr. HENDRICKS said am in favor of the reso-
luton. | have full confidence in the intelligence
and integrity OF the members Of the debris com
mittee but one think l remark, the members of
this House are about evenly divided on the debris
question, and yet, By accident of course. the mem
bers of the committee on drainage are unanimously
in favor OF the debris bill No man would be will
ing, upon question so important TO the people Of
this State TO rely upon the eS parte Investigation
or report of a committee SO constituted Moreover
am informed that the testimOnyO witnesses before
that committee has been directly conflicting ; some
swear that the dam has been washed away, some
say not. For my part before vote upon this
measure would like to see for myself | would
prefer my own observation 10 the report of any
engineer, however expert or impartial he might be.
Ii is clear question OF fact well capable OF ocular
demonstration. | am also informed that last win
ter when this debris question first came before the
people of the State, the friends Of that measure
were not only wiling, but anxious, that the men,
bers OF that Legislature should visit those Of
dtsolation believing then, we do now, that men,
bers could form better Judgment after having
for themselves than upon the report or testimony
of any experts. For these reasons favor the pss-
sage of the resolution.
During the course of his remarks Mr.. Hendricks
was interrupted by Mr.. Van FLEET, who asked h.m
how he knew that the members OF the committee
were all in favor Of the debris BILL to which hIr.
HENDRICKS replied that such was the common re-
port
Mr. LANE said [ don't see why so many members,
are adverse to the resolution. The whole State of
California vas taxed for the dams which have been
built since the last Legislature, and the Assembly
should visit the locaitlss and how the money Of
the people hao been expended.
Mr. KELLOGG said believe the dams should be
vis ed by the members Of the Assembly but that
they should do at their expense and not ask
the State for holiday and to pay the expenses
MIR. LONG said: We desire full nd impartial
investigation but we do not think that any peril
nent information can be gained in half hours visit
to the dams.
Mr. CAMRoN said After listening to Mr. Long
am led to almost believe that ataxpayer has right
on this floor Ny reasons for asking for an lmmedi-
ate visit are that on Saturday last there was break
in the dam and row the friends Of the debris bill
say there is no break and never one | say If
the money OF the people has been properly ex-
pended and the dams well constructed. they viii be
glad to have YOU ay a visit to this dam.
Mr.. FELTON, moved to amend Mr.. Youngs motion
by changing the time 20 Saturday instead of Thurs.
day.
SIR REYNOLDS said that iii a problem ike the de
bris problem which OF such interest the peoi
pie Of the State, visit to the premises would be
eminently proper. Ii the expense to the State was
any reason why the visit should not be made, why
let members pay their own expenses
The ayes and noes we're demanded, and the roll
was called on Mr. Young's motion to postpone.
which was lost-ayes 62, noes 4.
The vote was then called on Mr.. Felton'5 amend
mert to the original resolution. Lost-3i aye9 to
36 noes. The vote was then taken on the original
resolution which was adopted bya vote OF 49 ayes
to 10 noes.
Mr. BRANCH submitted a resolution inviting the
Senate to accompany the House on the excursion
to Bear river.
Mr. BAKER OF Yolo, and Mr. JACKSON of the San
Francisco delegation, demurred TO the extra expense
withdrawn by its author.
The Committee or Public Buildings and Grounds
granted two days leave OF absence. Also, to
Messrs. Hale and Daggett.
Mr. MAY presented petition from the members
of the Board of Health OF San Francisco. asking for
the passage Of the bill introduced by Mr.. May ap-
prOprlating SO,UUU Tor tne purchase OF steam
launch for the use of said Board of Health.
By Mr.. HESDRIcRs-A etiti0n from citizens OF the
State asking that the same rights as to the dspOsi
ton Of community property be granted to women as
are now en- joyed by men. Judiciary Committee.
By Mr.. FRAsER-Pe.ition from the citizens OF
Georgetown, asking that no reductions be made in
the charges of telegraphc corporations
The Committee on Engrossment reported the cor
rect engrossment OF A. Bs lS6, 1877, 130, le7 200,
49, 1919, 1e8, l64, 149, l36, 20S, ISL 9nd Y.
The Committee Roads and Highways reported
back A. B. 24s relating to road poll taxes, recon-
mending that it do not pass.
Also a. b. 253, relating TO the same subject, re-
commencing that it do not pass.
The judiciary Committee reported back A. 3. 81,
recommending tina. it do pass as amended.
Also a. z. 213, recommending that it do not pass
Also, A. b. 14s, recommending that it do pass as
amended.
Also, A. B. 200, recommending that it do not pass.
Also, A. b. 2e1, recommending that 1t do pass as
amended.
Also, a. B. 274. recommending that it do pass.
Also, A. B. 232, recommending that it do pass as
amended.
Also A. B. $50, recommending that it do pass as
amended.
Also. a. B. 2e3, recommending that it DO pass
Also, A. B. 800, rec, mmending that it do pass.
Also, A. b. 297, recommending that II do not pass.
Also 4. B. 2SS recommending that it do not pass.
Also, A. b. 30l, recommending that it do not pass.
Also A. B. 300, recommending that it do pass
A B. 206, recommending that it do not pass.
A. B. 27O, recommending that it do pass as
The Committee on Fish and Game reported back
A. 275 amendatory of Section $50 of the Penal
Code, recommending that it do pass
Recess.
Reassemblei at 2 r ".
The Speaker appointed Messrs. Platt and Van
Fleet as additional members Of the Committee On
County Governments.
The Committee on Agriculture reported back A.
B. 2o6 relative to the forming Of agricultural dis
tricts, without recommendation.
Also, A B. 2i6, relative 20 county statistics etc,
recommending that it do pass.
The Committee on State Hospitals reported back
S. b. 49, relative to the appropriation of money for
| the support of aged and INDECENT women, recon-
mendng that 1t do not pass.
The San Francisco delegation reported back A. B.
27S for restricting members Of the police force in
cities cities and counties and towns within the State
from transacting business while Members OF the
force recommending that it do pass.
The Committee on Public Lands reported back A.
B. 2s4 for the relief Of pu chasers Of State lands
recommending that it do pass.
Also. A. b. 81, amendatory Of the Political Code
relative to the public lands, with substitute,
ommending that the substitute do pass
Also, A. B. 245, amendatory OF the Political Code,
relative TO the repayment Of moneys for lands ie-
galy sold by the State, recommending that it do
pass.
Also, A. B. 251, for the relief Of purchasers Of
State lands, recommending that it do pass.
Also, A. b. 252 for the relief OF holders OF uno-
Gated school land warrants recommendlg that ii DC
pass
The Committee on Mines and Mining Interests re-
ported back A. y. 2S5, to foster and encourage the
legitimate mining interests Of California, rect m
mending that it do pass.
The Committee on Labor and Capital repo ted
back A. B. 255, compelling the of a trade mark
on all manufactured commodities, recommending
that il do not pass