The record-union., 1895-03-23
LAST DAY FOR ARGUMENT ON BILLS.
Possibility That the Jordan Claim
May Be Reduced.
Governor Budd Listens to the Claims
of the Various Candidates for
the Third Judgeship.


crowded yesterday, if possible, than the
day before, it being the last day on which
he would listen to arguments on the bills
before him. When he arrived about half
past he was intercepted by number OF
eager applicants who wished to secure
priority of hearing, and who swarmed
around him like bees, accompanying him
even to the door of his private office.
The Jordan claim, which had been
argued at considerable length the day be-
fore, was again taken up and Hon. Grove
/. johnson presented a final argument
on behalf of the claimant, claiming that
successive Legislatures have reported
favorably on the claim, which would not
have been the case, he thought, had it
not been just.
The Governor frequently interrupted
him with questions that showed that he
had familiariZed himself with all the de-
tails of the case.
Hon. Thomas Beck, ex-Secretary of
State, also made a statement in relation
to the contract and the dissension be-
tween the architect and Jordan, and the
opposition the latter had to encounter.
He detailed the visit Of Governor Irwin,
Lieutenant Governor Johnson, himself
pute in regard TO taking up a large por-
tion of the floor, which was alleged TO be
out of level, but which he said he him
self, as an architect, had examined and
found TO be level.
Judge Catlin spoke in opposition 10
Jordan's claim, giving the history of the
legislation in regard TO the prison from
its inception, the employment of the
architect to superintend the work, the
failure of Contractor Miles, and the
strong opposition TO the erection of the
prison. He claimed that Miles. the
former contractor, had done large por
ton of the work which Jordan includes
in the estimate by which he claims TO
have performed half his contract
The Governor Interjected many ques-
tions during the arguments, which
showed that he had examined the subject
closely in all its bearings, and fortified
himself with reports and documents
bearing on the case. No attorney acting
for the State could have defended its
interests more Zealously or crOss-ques-
toned more closely on important points.
He stated that while he was satisfied that
Jordan was entitled to part of his claim,
the amount asked was much more than
was justly due him. He should not pass
on the claim before next w Wednesday or
Thursday, and wished to consult with
the Attorney as to whether or
not it could be cut down. If not, there
was an item of SIl, 900 and upward that
should not be paid.
THE THIRD JUDGEsHIP.
The Jordan claim had consumed the
time till 1850, and in the meantime the
members of the bar and citizens of Sacra-
mento had gathered in the outer room
until they overtiowed into the inner one.
Nearly all the prominent lawyers of the
city were present. In addition there were
many of the prominent merchants, citi-
zens and politicians, who had come TO
urge upon the Governor the claims of
their respective friends to the honor of
the appointment
The Governor said that he wished to
make an appointment that would give
satisfaction to the bar and the people of
Sacramento County, but was aware that
1t would be hard thing to do in view of
the factional differences here. He asked
IN what order the gentlemen present
wished TO present the matter.
a. l.. Hart suggested that the friends of
each candidate toe heard in turn, the
friends of the other candidates being ex-
cluded from the room, in order to avoid
arguments arising, and the suggestion
was agreed to.
Mr.. Hart stated that he appeared in the
interest of j. W. Hughes. He presented
petition in his favor signed by twenty
seven members OF the bar of the county
out of seventy-two, also of large num-
Der OF republican lawyers, in case the
Governor did not appoint Republican
he also presented unanimous recon-
mendation by the Board Of Supervisors
and an Endorsement by a large number
of prominent citizens.
He said he supposed the Governor
would probably appoint Democrat, and
the Governor smilingly replied that he
thought 1t would probably be best. There
were number OF good Democrats in the
county who seemed to possess the neces-
sary qualifications. He had said that
while ne dld not propose to regard politi-
cal considerations in making his appoint
lnent, ali things being equal, he should
appoint democrat, and, so far as he had
been able to ascertain, there were some of
that party whose qualifications were
fully equal TO those OF the Republicans.
Mr.. hart, resumed, saying that fOrty-
three members OF the bar were practically
in favor of Mr.. Hughes, and the Governor
replied that he should certainly consider
carefully the recommendations of the bar
DR.. Glow said that the young men and
business men of the city were with Mr.
Hughes. There were a few Democrats
here, but most of those present were Re-
publicans who were indorsing him.
The Governor asked concerning MIR.
Hughes length of practice and whether
he had won any important suits or
not, and when Hart answered that hs
lately won $4,000 suit against the State.
Jocosely remarked that it might be we'll
TO put him on the bench in order TO
prevent him from robbing the State
further. lie would take the case und er
consideration.
II. NJ. LaRue, 1. Joseph and r. NJ.
Clarken addressed the Governor brietl Y
on behalf OF ID. L. Alexander.
X. /. Devlln spoke in favor of his
brother, w. ii. DevIin, saying that he
was q graduate of the high school. had
filled responsible business positions be-
fore taking up the law, in which latter
profession he had been successful. He
was positive that the majority of the
members of the bar would say they were
satisfied If he were appointed lie wouId
leave the others to speak in the matter.
E&-Sherln % Neil said lie represented
a large portion of the Democrats of the
county. He could vouch Tor Devlin's
ability, and he was favored by all the
young Democrats.
Governor Budd ventured the opinion
that as this was not Democrats county
young Democrats could not be yery
plenty.
Mayor Steinman said that Mr., Deylin
was his Private Secretary and was also an
attorney for the bank in which he was in
terested. 1t Is q hard county in which To
eject a Democrat, and he hoped the
Governor would appoint Mr.. Devlin.
The Governor asked Mr.. Devlin if he
had ever won any important cases, and
he answered that he won one on a novel
point which had never before been made.
IN relation to the validity OF mortgage
on homestead.
Revenue Collector Stairley and Re-
ceiver of the United States Land Office
Gardner also spoke strongly in favor OF
Devlin.
The friends of Add c. Hinkson next
put IN an appearance, and w. ID. Lawton