The record-union., 1893-01-21


significant, but not nearly so as the fact
that the power of the funeral directors
extended even further than this-that it
was in cahoots with the big Eastern COM
bine, too. He then read letter to the
same Humboldt undertaken from the
Illinois headquarters of the trust, inform
ing him that he could get no goods there
until he became member of the Funeral
Directors Association. There was moth
ing the matter with his credit, said the
letter, but it was considered better for
"all hands around' to join the associa-
ton.
WOULD RUN THINGS.
'Now," said the Senator, "these heart
less directors would have the law with
them, so as to become invincible. They
would, according to this bill, appoint
their own examining board, adopt their
own rules and, in short, run things in
such high-handed manner that nobody,
unless subservient to their dictates, could
exist in their line Of business, and the
people would have to dance to their music
as regards charges, ETC., as well. They
have their rules and regulations now,
and they are simply tyrannical. But
what would they be when the law was on
their side, instead of against them? Well,
think can give you an idea by simply
giving you a few extracts from their
present bylaws and constitution"
The Senator then produced a copy of
the directors rules and regulations and
read some of the provisions. Here are a
few of them:
The members Of this association shall
not deal with any manufacturers of
caskets and cof1ins or dealers in undertak-
ers' supplies. who shall sell or offer to sell
any OF these goods to private parties not
in the business, or to any person or firm
who is not a member of this association,
or to any person who violates the pro-
visions of this constitution, or to any ex-
PEELED member of this association
The members of this association shall
not loan, hire, SELL or exchange, either
directly or indirectly, any equipments
or supplies to any person not a member
of this association
"A member summoned to appear and
testify for or against brother member or
wholesale dealer, and refusing to do so,
may be subjected to the penalties pre-
sented in Article X. of this constitution" !"
Another provision is that any manu-
facturer or dealer in supplies who sells to
a non-member, or enters into competi-
ton with the members for the burial of
the dead, or assists any non-member,
shall receive the rebuke of all the MEM
bers of the association by Withdrawing
their patronage"
Another provides that Schedule of
prices shall be fixed, below which every
member of the association is prohibited
from selling"
Still another law of the association is
that no member shall be permitted to
furnish funeral requisites to persons who
are already indebted to another mem Der
Of the association. until such debt is paid
or guaranteed to the satisfaction OF the
creditor.
THE DEATH LIST.
Senator McGowan commented sarcas-
tically on the various rules as he read
them. He referred to the association as it
now stands as being one ofthe most heart
less trusts in the State. For example, he
cited the "black list'' section, which he
said would work great hardship on the
poor and compel them to accept all sorts of
humiliation in order that their departed
loved ones might have a decent burial.
Senator Simpson wanted to know if it
were not a fact that nearly all classes of
business men formed associations and
had black lists.
But this is death list" quickly re-
piled Senator MCGOWAN, and the Ala
media Senator sat down.
Mr.. MCGOWAN concluded his speech
with one of his characteristic bits of elo-
quence, and at its conclusion, had the
roll been called, the measure would have
been ANONYMOUSLY defeated.
Senator Burke saw the danger his bill
was in, and in order to save it asked that
it be referred back to the committee in
order that an investigation might be
made.
Senator Everett, who moved to kill the
bill, consented to this, and an order to
that effect was made.
The bill stands very little show of get
ting through the Senate.
HE'LL BE BOUNCED"
Chamberlain, the Oakland shyster law
yer, will hardly permit his undignifed
presence to be inflicted upon the Assem-
bly, again. The Sergeant-at-Arms has sit
in for him. and pursuant to the instruc-
tions of the Assembly Chamberlain will
be unceremoniously bounced" to use a
somewhat vulgar expression. if he in
sists on looking on the Assembly.
The investigation of the Bretz charges
brought to light Chamberlain's real
character-or rather lack of character.
He is the man who offered to deliver to
John Galley four Populist votes to aid in
the election of Stephen M. White to the
United States Senate for a consideration.
Assemblyman Dodge of Alameda heard
Gaftey's damaging testimony, which has
been published in these columns. and
which Cham berlain could not denv. and
this morning Ia resolution introduced bv
Dodge was unanimously adopted by the
Assembly preventing Chamberlain from
entering the legislative halls.
The business of the Assembly was con-
Quoted in a sing-song fashion yesterday
and nothing whatever of importance
transpired. Many Of the live members
were in attendance at the investigation
of the Bretz charges and the proceedings
were consequently dry and prosy.
There was an aching desire to adjourn
over until Monday on the part OF
many members of the lower house.
but they were too timid to ven
ture motion. This Legislature
is fortunate enough to have a few work
ers, and their presence is so felt that rest
less Lawmakers hold themselves under
subiection. In all probability. however