Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-03-04
IS THERE EXTRAORDINARY COCA
SION ?"-TEE VOICE OF TIE PRESS
REFLEcrIEG PUBLIC SENTIMENT.

In the contemplation of the Constitu-
ton, " extraordinary occasion must arise
to justify call for an extra session of the
Legislature This, of course, must be
such Occasion as so deeply involves the
interests of the people as to threaten in
jury to the State, and against which legis-
lators in extra session convened can pro-
vide.
We have already shown that there does
not now exist, in the opinion of the best
thought of the State, any threats or
menaces to State interests, or the rights of
the people, as contemplated by the Consti.
tuition as cause for "oall II the Ex-
ecutive was led to believe, by those who
clamor for an extra session, that the rail.
road tax cases constituted cause, it is now
clear that even that excuse has been re.
moved, since the taxes have been paid,
and the issue relative to penalties thereon
is in Court for determination, with every
right OF the State preserved, and no legis-
lation on the part Of the State can affect
it, and this is conceded on all sides.
There remains, therefore, only the con.
sideration of certain other topics to justify
the call. None of those advanced, we
submit, are of such a pressing nature as to
fall within the constitutional provision.
There is no such emergency relating to any
State institution, the condition of any
State department, or the administration of
any State trust, as to justify the always
expensive and doubtful, and seldom profit.
able, " extraordinary session.
This, we take it, is obvious to every
citizen who looks upon the State and its
present administration. Men will search
in vain for evidence of tn, Sc pressing
causes which, to Justify special convoca.
ton, should be go patent and vital as to be
clear to the vision of every citizen, and SO
oppressive and extraordinary as to be felt
by every taxpayer.
That there is TO such occasion as those
who urge the Executive to declare exists,
is obvious also from the tone of the press
Of the State. Certainly if the common.
wealth were in such extremity as some
would have Us think, an echo of the pains
of travail would be found in the press.
Now we challenge the proof that in all the
recent clamor there has been such express
sion of public prints, save among few,
and then only concerning the railroad tax
issue, the remnant of which, we have al
ready shown, is removed from present pub
lie consideration and beyond the reach of
legislative interference, while the tax prin-
cip.l has been paid over to the State. to
answer any possible need of her treasury.
But, on the other hand, the thoughtful
press Of the State opposes the extra session
and advises against it. Extraordinary
occasion" it would seem, should bring
about a very near approach to unanimity
of expression in the affirmative. But here
is a case where the better portion OF the
opponents OF public opinion occupy posi-
ton in opposition to the demand for an ex.
ira session, and this very fact, it appears
to us, should have sufficient weight to set
tie the matter and dispose of the clamor.
GUS company of patriots who would have
the Governor believe that State interests
are in such peril that an extraordinary ses.
sion OF the Legislature, the very legality of
the existence of which is involved in doubt,
is necessary.
We cannot quote from great number
of State papers in this brief space, but a
few representing wide area of the State
reflect the sentiment of the many.
With but one exception, al the Ieadiag
aails papers Of the metropolis Of n, STATE
oppose an ertra session. Not single one
of the journals published at the Capital
favor it.
The Msrysville appeal exclaims "What
in the name of common sense can q
legislative body do in regard to the col
lection of a tax which is before the Courts
for official Adjudication
The Yreka JoHrHaI declares that the
Democrats of the State are nervous about
the proposal, and while some favor it, the
great majority earnestly hope the Gov
ernor will not Issue his proclamation.
There is bit one Of all the daily press Of
the city Of Oakland favoring the call, and
the Leading Democratic Journal OF the in
terror, published in that city, declares that