The record-union., 1891-01-24

in the bill. We do not know what kind
OF electric road we are providing for by
it, because the bill gives the fullest lib
erty to use any and all appliances that may
be required; consisting probably of posts
on either side-I do not know whether
central posts or not-and overhead wires.
am not against the object of the bill, am
not seeking to prevent the operation of
roaos by electricity, but only ask that we
reconsider the vote by which the bill
| passed, that we may ascertain whether or
| not some restriction should not be emade
as to the manner OF constructing and
operating such roads, so as to save the
cities on this coast from being, like some
Of the Eastern cities, enveloped with net
| works of wires, which, ii once permitted,
| it would be almost impossible to ever be
| rid Of
Mr.. Shanahan-My reason for voting
against this bill yesterday, and for voting
to reconsider to-day, is this: While not
entirely certain on the point, l know it
was current report in the newspapers
some weeks ago that an effort was to be
made to knock ont the free surface rail
road in the city of Oakland-I think on
Seventh street. Ii there is anything in
| this or the other street railway bills that
will bring about that thing, I want to
know it. AS already stated, this bill was
on its third reading before members
scarcely knew bill OF the character was
before the House. 1t came back from
| the Committee on Municipal Corporations
! before most members knew such q bill
| had even been introduced. There was no
discussion on it at any stage. If it does
not have the effect suggested, perhaps
there is no harm in it. But it is very inn
| portant in its nature, and it will do no in
| jury TO give it a reconsideration and eX-
anime it with care.
Mr.. Clark have a different reason for
| II tn
signed by either of the gentlemen who
have spoken. Many members know that
! in our interior towns there are little local
railways just struggling, as it were, into
/ existence, in which men have invested
their all. In some cases they have be-
come settled in the business and are
/ building extensions. Those roads are
| propelled either by cable or horse power.
Before we grant the right 10 propei street
cars by electricity l think it the duty OF
! every member to think well OF the inter-
ests of his constituents and determine
whether or not they might be sacrificed
by this measure. Like the gentlemen
preceding me, / have not given the bill
any consideration. But l flnd that elec-
tricity, which has only come into exist
ence in the United States as factor of
power lately, means Il revolution where
ever it strikes. ! believe, before we give
any person or corporation the power to
to the interests of our constituents and
the future welfare Of the people where
there are hundreds of thousands OF dol
lars invested in little railways in our in
terror towns. | am in favor of all man
ner of improvements, but when we adopt
! them we should, If possible, not allow
them TO conflict with capital already in
vested in such manner as to ruin the in
| VeStorS.
The motion to reconsider prevailed
ayes 60, noes 4-and on motion of Mr..
Phillips, amended by Mr.. Robertson, the
further consideration of the bill was made
the special order for Wednesday next, at
2P. NJ.
Mr.. Dunn-I now move to reconsider
the vote by which A. B. ll6, relative to
electric street railways, passed the House
on yesterday.
The motion prevailed-ayes 81, noes A.
and on motion OF MIR. Shanahan the fur
ther consideration of the bill was made
the special order for Wednesday next at
ppm.
A POINT OF ORDER.
Mr.. Bruner-I move to reconsider the
vote whereby the amendment offered by
the gentleman from Shasta, striking out
| Supreme" and inserting Superior in
A. B. SO, relative to qualifications of Dis
trict Attorneys, was adopted ON yester-
day.
Mr.. Shanahan-I make the point that
the motion is out Of order; that it would
4 be out OF order to reconsider the vote
whereby the amendment was agreed to
on yesterday. The House rule provides
that on all votes on final passage of q bill
| or resolution notice of reconsideration
may be given and the matter called up on
the following day. But with reference to
amendments the rule makes no provision.
The general rule of parliamentary law is
that reconsideration of any subsidiary
matter must be had, if at all, Immediately.
The reason is this: Ii permitted to offer
an amendment to a bill on second read
ing, and if defeated to give notice of re-
consideration, call it up on the morrow
and if defeated to offer another amend
ment, and if defeated to give notice of
reconsideration, keeping the bill on sec
ond reading all the while, to call it up on
the day following, be defeated, offer an
other amendment, be defeated, give no.
tice of reconsideration, call it up on the
day following, and so on indefinitely, we
never would come TO the third reading of
q bill. 1t would simply put it in the
power of any one member to defeat the
! entire legislation Of q session.
Mr.. Bruner--As l understand the rule,
on the final passage of any bill or resolu-
ton, you cannot take up the notice to re-
consider without the consent of the
mover. But in the case of an amend
ment, it may be taken up by anyone and
disposed of on the same day. In the.case
| of the final passage Of bill the mover of
the reconsideration has until the next
day to make the motion.
/ The Speaker think the point of order
well taken. The rules abhor dilatory
motions, and a special rule is provided
for reconsideration of the vote on the final
passage of any bill or resolution. 1t
seems to the Chair that to be able to de-
lay the progress of bill by simply Civ
ing notice of reconsideration on its sec
ond reading is not permitted by the rule
l therefore hold the motion to reconsider
is out of order.
SPECIAL ORDER.
S. B. 2O7, specifying number and COM
pensation OF officers and attaches of the
Senate and Assembly. Passed.
/ RESOLUTIONS.
By Mr.. Ames-That the State Printer
be directed to print 500 copies of the spe-
on A. B. 76, to pay the claim of Dennis
Jordan, together with the testimony re-
lating thereto.
The Speaker-How much testimony is
there-a large volume?
Mr.. Ames-No, sir; about twenty
pages.
The resolution was adopted.
By Mr.. Phillips-That the Sergeant-at-
Arms and Assistant be directed to super
tend the gatekeepers, porters, watchmen,
mail carriers and pages, and see that they
attend to their respective duties, and
report any neglect to the Speaker.
Adopted.
| THANKS.
On yesterday donation of magnificent
Southern California oranges was made to
the members by Mr.. Marion, Assembly
man from Los Angeles, and the following
resolution offered by Mr.. Phillips was
unanimously adopted:
ResolUed, That vote of thanks be ten
dered Mr.. Marion, member of the House
from, Los AnpalaS for hiS rnoUDificapf