The record-union., 1895-01-10

number of cases unless he be willing to
devote all his time to their consideration.
The records relative to all these cases
are systematically kept and reference to
eacn can be had at moments notice.
have also prepared a general index,
Which will be found great convenience,
TO the pardons, communications and re-
prieves granted, from which at glance
can be found either OF the above without
the task of a search through many prison
registers which the Governor is required
to keep, to ascertain dates, reasons, etc.,
in granting Executive clemency.
Many reasons are advanced for the eX-
Cessive number confined in our prisons,
but find it is largely due to two promi-
nent facts: First, our statutes create a
large number of State Prison otfenses;
second, because the Judges of the State,
in their discretion, impose excessive SEN
tences, as compared with other States for
like oflenses.
L would recommend that you pass a
joint resolution requesting the Governor
TO commute every Chinese subject now
connned IN our prisons, upon condition
that he be deported to China at his own
expense, never to return. We now have
ABOUT loO OF these in our prisons, and it
would seem to be wise to return them in
ms manner, if they are willing to 60
w ME the Governor needs no change IN
the law 10 empower him to do so, yet
feileYe him from assuming the entire re-
sponsiblllty, and apprise the people OF
the State OF its object.
PAROLE LAW.
This law has been IN operation for a
year, and seems to answer its purpose.
At the time of its passage much opposi-
ton was manifested to its enactment.
Since testing 1t, many of the objections
have been withdrawn, and, under the
stringent rules adopted by the Board of
Prison Directors, 1t promises to result
Den6nclaIIy to all concerned. 1t certainly
acts as a great incentive to the prisoner,
and aids in better maintaining Of prison
discipline.
The report of the board on this subject
is SC full and clear that l recommend it's
careful perusal and consideration.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
This subject was fully treated in a
former message, My opinions on the
suggestions therein presented are un-
changed, and should you desire to refer
to them, they will be found on pages
45-41 OF my first biennial message. Since
the adjournment OF the last Legislature l
have cOmmuted two death sentences TO
Imprisonment for life. One of them, the
case OF John McNulty, upon the merits of
the case, and the other, Anton Vital,
upon the information of Warden Hale of
San Quentin that the prisoner was hope
on examination by DR.. Clark of the
Stockton Insane Asylum, DIR. Gardner of
the Napa Insane Asylum, together with
the resident physician of the prison.
Their report was most emphatic as to his
lncurable dementia. Therefore, under
the law, without regard to his guilt, the
cOmmutatlOn was granted. All other ap-
pliCatiOns have been denied.
Those not familiar with the actual work
ana mental anxiety devolying upon the
Executive in the consideration OF these
murder cases, cannot appreciate his posi-
ton. 1t is trying ordeal, for on the one
side are the relatives OF the condemned,
who, up to the last moment are suppli-
eating in every known form Tor mercy,
while on the other hand, the ineXorable
demands of the law are to be satisfied.
EXTRADITIoN.
The law on the matter of extradition as
1t now stands on our statutes, provides
that the State should bear the burden of
all expenses incurred in arresting and
bringing back fugitives from justice.
Experience has demonstrated that radical
changes should be made in this direction.
Except certain crimes, such as murder,
arson, incest, and otfenses OF like enor-
nifty, the county should be made to bear
the expense; and for embeZZlement. col
lection OF debts, ETC., OF private indivld-
uals and corporations, the charge should
be borne by the party desiring the extra
ditiOn.
l also recommend that the fee of the
Secretary OF State, for attaching the seal
OF State TO these documents when issued
by the Governor, be remitted.
GOVERNORS MANSION.
Retiring from office, l cannot be &C.
cused OF selnshuess in recommending a
moderate appropriation for the providing
uI a residence tor future Governors. /
am aware such action would have been
taken at the last legislative session had |
urged IL, but the reasons which prevented
me then are rendered iuapplcable now,
as personal interest cannot be imputed as
a motive. Experience has demonstrated
It's necessity, and while opposed to ex-
travaganL expenditures for any purpose
however urgent the necessity, l feel justi-
ned IN asking a reasonable sum for this
speclnc object.
REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF EX-
ANINERS.
This most valuable report is replete
with information affecting every interest
OF the state. If the pIeadIngs for econ
omy and the appeals for reform in the
management OF the financial business of
the State are TO receive consideration at
your hands, they VIII be found within
the pages OF that document. | doubt if
ever clearer or more explicit statement
OF the pernicious system which governs
was ever exhibited. There is no sugges-
ton embodied therein but evinces la
borlOus investigation and desire to aid
the taxpayer IN his endeavor TO reduce
the burden imposed upon him by eXUrav-
agant and sometimes thOughtless ex-
penditure of the public moneys During
The last four years, through the efforts OF
the eIuclent secretary of this board, Geo.
j.. Pratt, over SlJO,OUU has been saved the
state. / cannot praise too highly the la
bors OF this officer. | am aware that the
general rule tor acknowledging fidelity
10 public trusts and dilgeut faithful per-
1ormauce OF public duties, is rendered al
ter death. AS there are exceptions to all
rules, desire 10 offer my testimony to
his worth and integrity while living.
CARE OF UNFoRTUNATEs.
In my message to the last Legislature l
called attention to the number of uutor-
tunates which were cared for wholly or in
part by the State during the one year pre-
ceding that date. Il was about Is, 300. CON
slstiug OF insane, orphans, halI-orphans.
abandoned children and ioundliugs, aged
INDECENT, prisoners, feebie-minded,
juvenile offenders, deaf dumb and blind
soldiers widows ana orphans, veterans
at the Ountyllle Home and adult blind.
l have examined and estimated the same
for the last year, and find there are about
22,3OO, or an increase over that OF two
years ago OF about 5000. 1t is for you To
determine whether the State shall con-
tinue this work, or ask the counties
whence they come TO stand the expense.
STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
This board, in its report, suggests three
important changes in the law. First
that University mortgages be treated like
all other mortgages as 10 taxation, not so
much on account of the mortgage itself,
or its effects upon the University, but for
tba ,rraar iniuStice inflicted uDOn' coTn-