The herald., 1895-02-14
THE LEXON MISSIONARIES
A San Francisco Delegation at
the Legislature
WORK FOR THE DRAG-NET
Railroad Rates of Freight and Fare to
Be Looked Into
Bulla Gets His Tax Bill Through the Senate
The Appropriation Bill Changed
in Hany Respects

Sacramento, Feb. 13.-The Assembly
changed its mind, and instead of waiting
until Thursday, took up the general ap-
preparation bill today. Several items
were cut down. When the agricultural
fair appropriations were reached Bulla
rose to oppose them. He pointed out
that the appropriations were already dan
gerously near the limit set by both par
ties for the rate of taxation. He said a
5O-cent limit would yield $12 049, 900, and
already the appropriation bill, school fund
and sinking fund amounted to SO, S34, 600.
He was proceeding to speak on this sub
ject when a delegation from San Francisco
arrived to urge the passage of the Lexow
committee bill, and the Assembly ad-
journed to give the delegation hearing.
Speeches were made by r. j. Truman,
DR.. Dill, who presided, H. N. Clements,
B. W. Reed and several clergymen, all of
whom wanted the bill drawn up by the
Attorney General providing for non
partisan committee, passed.
Devine asked who would pay the bills
of the investigation, and DR.. Ollie replied
that San Francisco would pay her share.
The Senators were present with the AS
semblymen. The only applause was by
the visitors, most of whom returned by
ther special train after the meeting.
Hatfield introduced and the Assembly
unanimously passed the following resolu-
ton:
Whereas The fruit. vegetable and vitcul-
tural industry of the state of California is of
such great magnitude as to constitute one of
the principal sources of wealth to the people
of the state of California, and
Whereas, 1t is well known the cost Of trans
portaton of such products from the points of
shipment in this state to the markets OF East.
ern and other states is greatly in excess of the
actual probable cost of transportation; and
Whereas 1t is very commonly understood
that very large proportion of the charges in
cident to transportation are occasioned by the
use of patented devices for the preservation of
such shipments, and that the amount paid for
the use of such patented devices is greatly in
excess OF a reasonable return to the owners of
such devices. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Board of Railroad Com
missioners OF the state of California be request
ed to report to this Assembly within ten days
from this date detailed statement of the
rates charged for the transportation of the pro-
ducts of the state of California to the Eastern
and other markets, and that they advise this
Assembly as to what devices are used, and the
additional cost of transportation occasioned
by the use of such devices for the preservation
of fruit; and to report whether or not it is not
possible to provide for the use OF fully salts
factory devices or plans at greatly reduced
rates; and that they give the Assembly such
other information as may enable it to initiate
such legislation as will relieve the industries
of this state in the greatest degree possible.
Whenever the report is received it is
proposed to pass some legislation regulat-
ing fares or abolishing the railroad COM
mission. An effort was made to cut off
all appropriations for the commission to-
day, but the appropriation passed,
although many members declared they
were willing to vote to abolish the COM
mission, which it was declared was use
less.
Governor Budd was attacked by rheu-
matism so severely that he was forced to
leave his office and go home.
Bulla was congratulated on getting
through his tax bill, which passed the
senate by 30 to 6. 1t now goes to the
Governor, who will undoubtedly sign it.
Two years ago Markham vetoed a similar
bill, though he said it was good meas
ure. Strong efforts are being made to
knock out the appropriation for agricul-
tural and district fairs. The amount ap-
propriated is nearly 5000, 900 and the
claim is made that it can be put to much
better use than spending in fairs.