The record-union., 1893-03-13
THE ACTION OF THE LEGISLA- =
TURE SATURDAY NIGHT.

@AOAAO-N OE LIE LEG1SLA-
TURE SATURDAY NIGHT.
Because of general and non-individual-
lied scandalous matter published in a
sensational form by the evening Bee
of this city, and which by reason of
the general character and its sensa-
tonal air, was unworthy consideration by
adignified body, the Legislature evidently
in spirit of retaliatory humor Saturday
night rushed through with that hurried
procedure indicative of non-sincerity
and the intention to have some amuse-
ment at the expense of Sacramento,
conditional resoluation proposing an
amendment to the Constitution, by which
the Capital should be removed to San
Jose.
While any deliberatively passed and
popularity demanded law for relocating
the State Capitol would be treated with
consideration and seriousness, it is self
evident that in this case those elements
did not enter into the action of the houses.
AAS bOSAoAaldAO OC dSSuul6u W
know what is requisite under the Con-
stitution for the removal of the Capitol,
and therefore it must be assumed
that it did not act seriously, but in the d.
rection of Righteousness, and to rap very
properly a bit of sensationalism and
scandal-monging by newspaper, for
xtrh hn ~ l.. l. IL i
sponsible; a sensationalism in which the
REcoRD-UNIoN never engages and which
is the bane of journalism, being neither
defensible nor to be excused.
For the Constitution provides how re-
location of the capital is to be accom-
plished. 1t cannot be done (Article Xxx,
Section u except by law" and that law
must be passed as are other laws, and "ret-
flied" at a general election, and how laws
are madeis well known ARTICLE ", Sec
ton 15), by bill, printed, read three times,
etc. But other amendments to the Con-
stitutlon may be submitted in the form of
proposition" That law is necessary as
"OAA 90 a PAO OpOolIlOu CledI LQo IdCL-
as the constitutional debates clearly dis
close-that the word is used in the article
providing for relocation, but is purpose
fully omitted in the Article (XVIII.) pro-
viding for proposing amendments to the
Constitution, thus showing that in the mat
ter of Capital location specific, more de-
Lucrative. slower, and wholly different
method is to be pursued from that pro-
vided for amending the Constitution
otherwise. All which confirms our idea
that the houses did not intend seriousness
in their action.
The resolution passed also is condi-
tional one, providing that it shall not
be operative except upon action to
be taken by the municipality of San
Jose. Clearly a constitutional amend
ment of that character cannot be consid-
cred valid, and certainly not under Sec
ton of Article XX., which gives the
power to locate by vote of the people
taken "under such regulations and pro-
visions las the Legislature may PROVIDE
In whatever light viewed, therefore,
the Legislature has not taken steps to in
dicate that it means seriously in this
matter, and therefore the policy of relo-
cation is not now question to be de-
bated. When it is properly presented it
will DE found to be one worthy of sober
contemplation.
We apprehend, however that the has
tily passed resolution of Saturday night
will be stricken out, the houses having
administered the rebuke they desired.
So far as the seized-upon occasion for the
resolution is concerned it is to be said
that every Capital in the Union would be
upon wheels and constantly moving if
Legislatures were to make newspaper
assaults, tacetious or otherwise, the ex-
cuse for taking steps to relocate. The
Legislature is the representative body of
cism, and it is well and wise that this is
SO, and none more freely than the mem
bers of the California Legislature will
concede that. But in such bodies human
nature is much as it is everywhere else.
Men enjoy the opportunity to return as
saults and to engage in a witty exchange
OF thrusts. We have had that repeatedly
exemplified within the Legislature at this
session. We conceive, therefore, that the
houses INDUCED in play of wit and retort
Saturday evening, and that they will now,
having improved their opportunity, re-
consider their action. Especially will
they do so when they reflect that the
people of Sacramento are not amenable
to the rebuke sharply administered to a
newspaper.
RESORT TO MISREPRESENTATION.
There has been left no stone unturned
bv the opposition to defeat Mr.. Stein