The morning call., 1893-03-03
KNOCKED 1T OUT.
Leeds Schedule Defeated
in the Assembly.
ABSENTEES. RESPONSIBLE.
Warm Debate Followed by a Vote in
Which the Necessary Two Thirds
Was Nearly Gained.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

SAcRAMENTA March 2-The Assembly
to-day refused to adopt Leeds schedule of
trelghts and fares, as Incorporated in God
chauX's constitutional amendment.
Barlow had introduced a substitute which
provided for allowing the railroads to make
per cent on their assessed valuation.
When the matter came up for discussion
Schlesnger opposed the Barlow substI-
tute, and said that the one presented by
G0dchaux, which was framed by Leeds,
was the one the people wanted. He said
the same law obtained in twenty-seven
other States of the Union and was found to
be proper practical system.
Vann. who is a brother Populist of Bar
low, favored the adoption of the substi-
tUte. He claimed that it cost more to oper-
ate some roads than others, and a uniform
rate throughout the State was impractical
bic. The Barlow substitute would, he said.
bring the railroads down to doing business
at just rate. II Injured no one, gave spe-
cial privileges to none, and there was no
road in the Stale, no matter how much it
cost 10 operate It. but could make reason
able percentage in its business ana at the
same time the people would not be charged
extorGionate rates.
Adams, another PopulIst, also favored
BaTlow's scheme. He declared it to be
fair proposition for all concerned. He
th0ughta a uniform rate on all roads, as pro-
posed by the Godchaux substitute, would
work hardship on many. and might result
IN the abandonment Of many small roads
that were a great convenience to the public.
" ade said he did not believe the Der
cent proposed by the Barlow substitute
would pay the railroad interest on their
bonded indebtedness and leave enough for
operating expeE ses.
Okeefe declared that be was against the
Godchaux resolution. because 1t was, in bis
opinion, in defiance of all law. II was
conglomeTation of figures known and under
stood only by its author, and should never
be allowed placed in the California consti-
tuition. There had been enough legislation
IN behalf Of corporations, and he believed
the time had come when the interests of the
people should be looked after. He believed
the day was dawning when legislation
would be turned in its proper channel and
the farmer and mechanic, the laborer and
the professional man would be placed at
least on an equality with the corporations.
He favored the Barlow substitute and
thought it in the interest of good govern
pent, and measure that was demanded
by the people.
these proposed substitutes IN the consttu-
lion, as such action would be in violation of
all precedent Alj the Populists declared
themselves in favor of the Barlow substi
tute.
Kennedy said that the relief the people
wanted could be found in the Godchaux
amendment. He argued that any road that
earned $4,000 per mile could be operated at
q profit at maximum rate of three cents
per mile. The GOdchaux substitute had
been carefully prepared by men who had
devoted their lives to the study of the sub
1eet Of freghts and fares and he was willing.
TO lake their judgment, which was the result
OF years of experience.
Afford said he was in favor Of the God
chaux substitute that was prepared by the
Traffic Association. ''AlI this resolution
does" he said. sis 10 fix the maximum rates.
Beneath that rate the Legislature can make
any lower rates for freight they desire. Il
does not apply to any road that does not
earn $1,000 per mile annually. 1t has many
good features and not a single bad one
Railroad Commissioners have become tools
of the corporations, State officers have been
polluted and Legislatures have bowed to the
potency OF gold, but the passage Of the
GOdehaux substitute viii remove all such
temptation and give the State the relief
asked for"
Barlow closed the argument and reviewed
the speeches that had been made in opposI-.
tion to this substitute. He was Of the
opinion that the operating expenses and the
earnings of the railroad com panies could be
e easily ascertaned. He said the Traffic
Association led its lambs around, and the
latter knew not whittier they were going.
He said the members had been sent here to
. give the people some relief. and If they did
not support his measure they were going
:. back upon their promises and were obstruc-
!, tiOnists
The roll was then called on the Barlow
=; substitute, and the House refused to adopt
It by vote of % ayes to 90 noes.
.. Afford mgved the previous question and
Z: the roll was called, which resulted In the
: lossaRf the GodehauK amendment by q vote
OF 46 ayes to 29 noes. 1t requiring a two
thirds vote to adopt constitutional amend
:. ..menr. :
:: 1:Shanahan then demanded a call Of the
II E0Rse In order .ta try and increase the vote
Ito the z@QniTed 81. TIE absentees were
Iierie and. Hamilton. 1t was announced
.,tflat. Enefic was dangerously III from
ICON Sesti6s, Of . the lungs and Hamil-
.@tQn. who is scarcely ever in his seat,
was dsportin g himself in the warm sun
'::$$lignt:>. Ha = could not be found by
-: the sergean at arms, although business.
was DELAYED for more than an hour. If
:. they had been present the Godchaux
neHaneRt would. have been carried as
1.-The final vote showed 30 ayes and % noes.
.Reh hanahan changed his vote and gave notice
(: Of Reconsideration. e.