The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-12

the plant tools of the Southern Pacific of
Kentucky. Into the ranks OF the oojectors
came one or two men whose detection was
not a source of surprise. There were a
few others whose action was evidently
prompted by superfuity of caution. 1t
was said at first that the Southern Pacific
was not going to oppose the demands of
the new road. No sooner was it. learned
what the valley road wanted than the
whole force of the railroads lobby was
turned loose For thirty-six hours the
susceptible Assemblymen have endured
state of siege. 1t is remarkable, therefore,
that the vote for the bill should be so
large.
Ex-Attorney-Gene Hart, Byron Wa
ters, Major Gillis and others have been
in close conference with many of the AS
semblymen and the Senators. The corri-
dors have been filled with whispering,
nodding groups. But the cause of the
people triumphed. This was not because
the legislators loved the Southern Pacific
less. 1t was rather because the members
would not have dared to return to their
constituents confessing that they had,
without just excuse, opposed a measure
that promised them relief so sorely
needed.
Even the most shameless advocates of
Southern Pacific interests had pretense
of an excuse to present. Among the other
interested strangers who invaded the Capt.
tol yesterday were Harbor Commissioner
F. S. Chadbourne, who owes his place to
railroad interests, and Z. C. Holmes, the
chief engineer of the Harbor Commits
sioners.
Mr.. Holmes was at one time in the en-
ploy of the Southern Pacific. These men
yesterday were in long and earnest con-
sultation with Reid of Trinity, who was
formerly violently anti-railroad. They
assisted that gentleman to draw up an
amendment to the Gleaves bill that kindly
gave the new railroad piece of land it did
not want, and made other changes that
would have been serious blows to the new
corporation. OF course these changes were
for the good of the people. They were ar
ranged by men who had grown old with
Southern Pacific collar on their necks, and
that company would not instigate them to
do anything for its interests which would
hurt the people.
Byron Waters came up from San Fran
cisco last night. On the trip he enlight-
ened several legislators by informing them
that the bill which the new company urged
was unconstitutional. This was because
the constitution forbids the Harbor Com
missioners to 'grant or sell'' the State
| waterfront property. He argued that
grant" really meant "lease." This soon
became noised around, and when an
amendment pretending to be aimed at this
alleged flaw in the bill was presented by
McKelvey of Orange it occasioned no sur
prise and was promptly voted down.
The surprise of the afternoon was occa-
stoned by Mark Devine CD of San Fran
cisco. Devine had voted with the friends
of the San Joaquin Valley road from the
beginning. His vote helped make up the
big total of so out of SO favoring the rival
to the Southern Pacific. Devine had made
no speeches and expressed no particular
interest in the bill. He had voted regu-
larly, but always for the bill. 1t was
passed by hopelessly large majority. The
only result of an attempt at reconsidera-
ton would be delay as it would be impos-
sible to get the vote changed. Knowing
this, Devine gave notice of his intention to
move for reconsideration tomorrow. The
bill, which had been ordered to the Senate,
was recalled, but it will be safe to say that
it will be before that body before 10 o'clock
tomorrow morning. AS soon as the bill
was reached this afternoon Reid of Trinity
announced that he had an amendment
which he wished leave to offer. He ex-
planned that he thought the promoters Of