The record-union., 1894-12-18
STATE DIVISION COLLAPSE.

At Supervisors convention held the
other day in Los Angeles, lot of resolu-
tions, prefaced by long-winded "where-
as,' were introduced, demanding di-
vision of the State. After going in with
whoop and discussing the document with
a rush, the matter was Withdrawn from
consideration as unwise at this time, and
liable to create antagonisms without ac-
complishing the desired result. That is
all right. Someone with a long head
moved upon the convention discreetly.
The Los Angeles Herald hits the nail
on the head when it says that the south
end is not now strong enough to effect
State division, and when it is it will not
want it, because it will be able to dictate
terms. Let US add that it will not then, as
it does not now or ever viii, need to die
tate terms. The idea of dictation in State
economies is absurd. The whole State
interest is the interest of the whole peo-
pie of the State. This idea of distribution
of State patronage by scattering State in
stitutions we shall some day get away
from. 1t is all wrong.
The tendency of the time in all States
is to avoid wide distribution of State in
stitutions to conserve the pride or selfish
ness of sections. Institutions should be
located with a view to the wisest econ
omy for the State, regardless of local
claims. Any section that needs the
droppings Of State institution to
live upon is not worthy of con-
servation. The proposition, for instance.
to consolidate the two State Prisons is
wise, because it means economic admin
istration, better enforcement of discipline
and the better promotion Of the reform of
the criminal if he is not incorrigible. and
his safer keeping if he is.
Summed up, all the pleas made for
State division disclose these two motives
only, namely the local ambition to have
State institutions. and the desire of pol
iticians to have Office. There is but seem
ing in the claim of unfair treatment. 1t
been as fairly represented and treated as
any others. Legislation has not been
inimical to their prosperity. If it has,
let some one point out wherein. The
southern counties have fair share of
public institutions; an Insane Asylum, a
Reform School, Normal School, and
there might be added to the list the Sol
dier's Home and a term of the Supreme
Court. For twelve successive years, ex-
cept few months, it has had the Guber-
material Office. In the late election it
was given a majority of the State offices,
and not one went to the vast territory
north of Sacramento. But no one hears
of any complaint from the northern coun-
ties on that account.
We agree with the Fresno E.rposit0r
that if ever the time comes when good
reason can be advanced for State division,
it will not bear record of single one of
the reasons now advanced. The San Jose
Mercury has wisely changed its tune,
also, and now soberly says that the peo-
pie of the State do not want State divis-
ion, and that there is no reason for it.
All the talk about ''irreconcilable differ
ence," ''inharmonious relations" differ
ences in soil, climate and commerce." is
veriest nonsense, and the sensible pro-
gressive men of the southern counties
know it.
California is grand State geographic
cally, in variety of climate, resources and
promise, and its importance is not to be
diminished by a division that is called
for by no pressing need, will not lessen
the burdens of taxation, or promote the
development of this. the best heritage Of
our race on the American continent.