Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1891-01-06
THE LEGISLATURE.


ing them; so far as knowledge of the pri-
Vate lives of fully third of the members
OF the two houses goes, the Legislature
now In session promises to be clean, eco
nomic and discreet body. We believe it
to be fairly well representative of the peo-
pie OF California, to have intelligence
equal to the demands that will be made
upon it. and to be actuated by conserva-
tive and patriotic spirit.
In short, we are impressed very favor
ably by the composition of the houses, and
shall be grievously disappointed if this
proves to be an extravagant Legislature or
one that, like its predecessor, will bring
disgrace upon the high Office of legisla-
ton. 1t comes into power under an ex-
press agreement with the people to pro.
vide for the support of the State Govern
ment within certain fixed tax levy limita-
ton, and it is expected that the promise
Will be kept to the letter. While it falls
heir to certain burdens created by the late
reckless Legislature that founded State
institutions and scattered money without
regard to the dictates of prudence, it will
be possible to bring the expenses of the
State Government within the aggregate
that can be met by the limitation of the
tax levy referred to.
1t is probable, however, that there will
be general consent to the proposition that
whatever sum is set apart as wise invest
ment to promote cumulative exhibit of
California products at the Columbian Ex-
position, may be considered as outside of
the limitation. At least, there should be
settled policy upon that subject before
the Legislature begins to cut its cloth.
There is not, it would seem, need for
any extraordinary amount of legislation !;
against the disposition to load up the cal
endars with bills the members ought to set
their faces. When the calendars become
encountered, the worthy measures are as
liable to be whelmed and put beyond res
ilCNtAOi a. alC tdHb OISo.
There is a wise demand for revision
of the election laws in three
or four important particulars; it is
to be expected that the system of tax
alton will have attention to relieve it of
hardships in one or two directions; that
the Legislature will adopt modified
form of the Australian ballot system;
that it will respond to the earnest
appeal for more effective preserva-
ton of game; that it win encourage
by all proper legislation the restoration of
the navigable rivers by the Federal Gov
eminent; that it will conserve a uniform
system by which owners of low lands may
reclaim them and drain the valley; that
it will consider several propositions to
amend the Constitution, notably one for
the relief of the Supreme Court, and that
it will renew the one proposed last session,
amending the Article on municipal corpo-
rations, so that cities may be enabled to
set up charters that will not be liable to
be upset by the most ordinary general
laws.
The Legislature will probably be called
upon to adopt system for closer super
vision of asylums by the State which
draw partial support from the State. 1t
is possible that it will be confronted by a
proposition to submit a constitutional
amendment to abandon the State school
book system, and we entertain the hope
that it will have the courage to refuse to
give ear to the proposition, but that it
will investigate if it has doubts, and if it
finds i'll administration in the matter, that
it will fearlessly apply the necessary rem
edies, but not for one moment think of
playing into the hands Of the book rings
by entertaining the idea of abandonment
of the system.
These subjects, with few others affect
ing law practice, and those relating to the
maintenance of State institutions, and the
possible provision of a suitable dwelling
for the Governor of the State, are the
main topics, so far as we can foresee, upon
which the Legislature will be called to
pass. We may expect that there will be
effort made to reconstruct the county
government bill and the road law-it
would be unconventional for any Legisla-
ture to meet and not have these questions
presented to 1t. But we are inclined to
think that this session both can be left
alone, with profit to the people and credit
to the Legislature.