The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-02-04

/ testimony, can come to any other con-
clusion. / am for the contestant because
believe he received the largest number
| of votes cast. I care not whether he be a
Republican or Democrat The fact is
he was elected and ought to be seated,
and that is why l argue that the vote of
! yesterday should be reconSidered, in the
interest of justice, of right and oflaw.
Mr.. Baughman-The gentleman from
San Francisco (Dibble) is not at all con-
sistent. tie states now that our time is
very valuable. but one afternoon last
week he stood in his place here and stated
openly that he would stand there making
dilatory motions until the thing was de-
cided his way. The time of the House
| was not very valuable then.
! MIR. Dlbble-The suggestion of the gen.
! tleman from Tehama (Matlocl1) that there
has been any abandonment of their duty
to their party by the Republicans of the
House is absolutely and entirely without
foundation. In my judgment, and 1 be-
| lieve that of the majority here, the con-
testant was not Republican candidate,
nor the choice of the Republicans of
Colusa. He never ran in that county as
a Republican at all, but ran in the inter-
est of local question involving county
division. He went before the people and
told them he was not a Republican candi-
date; that if the selection of United
| States Senator should depend upon his
vote it would be cast for Stephen NJ
White.
Mr.. Bledsoe-That deny.
| Mr.. Dlbble-There are men in the hear
ing of my voice to whom he made that
admission.
Mr.. Bledsoe-I have his exact Ian
guage.
Mr.. Dibble-He made the admission to
a gentleman whom we all honor, and who
presides over US.
MIR. Bledsoe-Is not the House bound
to decide contested election according
to the law and testimony-as much so as q
jury in q court of justice?
Mr.. Dibble-Yes. But it is within the
province of u jury to disbelieve witness;
and do not believe the testimony offered
i'll behalf of the contestant. I believe it is
perjured.
Mr.. Bledsoe-Are not Witnesses pre-
sumed to speak the truth, and the jury
bound to take their testimony if unde-
MED?
Mr.. Dibble-Not in q political case. I
would not believe anybody in political
case.
Mr. Bledsoe-Do you understand this
to be a political case?
Mr.. Dibble-Yes. And I do not pay
any attention to the testimony, or ut
least do not regard it as l would ia ease
between citizens. ] heard some OF It
read, where parties Swore they took
| money for the purpose of exposing IT.. A
man who lends himself to such scheme
is not worthy Of belief under any cir
cunlstances. Now | have no desire TO
shut off debate; but we consumed nearly
all OF yesterday on this matter, and every
ona had full opportunity to be heard.
and it was finally determined by nearly
a two-tnirds vote. There ought to be
some limit, ard this discussion ought to
| be terminated.
! Mr. Brown-The gentleman from Hum
boldt (Bledsoe) arraigns the gentleman
from Sacramento and Shasta for influence
ing the laymen on this floor, by their able
arguments, in their votes upon this ques-
ton. AS one Of those laymen, l wish to
say that | voted upon the merits Of the
! proposition, as presented to me and as
saw them. | did not vote as I did be-
cause either of the gentlemen named
made an able argument. And [ further
| wish it understood that the very exhaust
live and e1ihausting argument of the gen
tieman from Humboldt had no influence
whatever with me in arriving at my de-
cision.
Mr.. Clark-We ought not to get mad
and become personal on question of this
kind. Every gentleman should take the
matter home to himself and his con-
science, and if, after hearing the testi-
mony, ne can in his heart say ~ can de-
eide this way" and reconcile his position
with his conscience, let him do so. This
is free country and every man has Il
right to decide according to his honest
convictions as they come TO him from the
testimony. For one, L am fully con-
WINGED that the contestant is entitled to
his seat under the proof If gentlemen
on the other side are convinced to the
contrary, by the declarations of the gen
tleman from Shasta or anybody else, not
sworn, they have right to their decis-
ion. We should not become angry or
personal, but look at the matter from the
standpoint OF men sworn to do their duty
to themselves and their constituents. If,
after so looking at tive can corscien-
tiously render u decision in q certain way,
it is our duty TO do it. | listened carefully
TO the testimony-which every one here
has had an opportunity to examine-and
TO my mind there is not q syllable in the
record, or that was offered before the
committee, showing that Mr.. EaEle is
entitled to his seat. On the contrary,
there is not a syllable but shows con-
clusively that the contestant is entitled to
it. If members are to be governed by
the testimony, it is their duty to vote 10
seat the contestant If they are to be
governed by the fact that the contestant
said that if elected he would vote for
White, or that somebody said that he
said so, or by any other outside matter, it
is their privilege, and I have no fault to
find, criticisms to make, or personalities
to indulge in. But l realize that the
/
to give an account for the deeds done in
the body, and when that time comes /
shall have no cause for regret because OF
my action in this matter.
Mr.. Barnard-I had hoped that night
of rest would bring members back to the
question at issue, which 1 do not con-
slider to be whether Campbell ran in
Colusa as candidate for or against
division. 1 understand the question to
be, Who was elected? The evidence
shows who was elected, but in the temper
it seems manifested on the part of the
House will not take up time in arguing
the proposition.
4 Mr.. Bruner-For the purpose of shut
ting off debate, because the matter has
been fully discussed, i move the previous
question. Agreed to.
The motion to reconsider was then
voted down-ayes IL, noes 81.
PETITIONS.
By Mr.. Stabler, from State Horticult-
ural Society, asking that the regular APP
BY Mr.. Gould, three, for free wagon
road to Yosemite Valley. Roads and
Highways.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
By Mr.. Weston, declaring Pstaluma
River a public way. Commerce and
| Navigation.
SENATE MESSAGES.
S. B. Y, relative to form of acquisitions
for stationery by members and officers of
the Legislature. Ways and Means.
S. B. s., amending Political Code rela-
tive to eight hours being legal days
work. Labor and Capital.
s. B.. 8, providing for payment of re-
pairs on quarantine launch. Commerce
and Navigation.
WORLDS FAIR APPROPRIATION.
A: B. I06, making appropriation for