The San Francisco call., 1896-02-26
California People Pillaged and
Plundered in the Name of
Kentucky.
RINGING APPEAL FOR JUSTICE
Legislators Should Undo the Wrons
Done in Granting the Southern
Pacific Charter.

FRANKFORT, KY, Feb. Ex-senator
GoebeI's bill TO repeal the charter of the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company came
up as special order in the Senate this
afternoon and was debated at length. the
discussion being cut off by the hour of
adjournment. The great interest which
is taken here in the subject of the repeal
was indicated by the presence of large
croSd in the Senate lobbies. The Senate
reconvened at 8 clock.
Senator GoebeI. the author of the bill,
opened the debate in a speech of three
quarters OF an hour, during which he was
given the closest attention. Senator HAYS
of Louisville, who is interested with Hunt
ington in one OF his roads, followed, speak
ing against the repeal, and Senator Weis-
singer OF Louisville, also speaking on
that side, had the floor when the Senate
adjourned.
Senator Goebel in advocacy of the bill
made what was generally pronounced one
OF the clearest and most forcible argu-
ments heard in the Senatein recent years
His exposition of Huntington and his
methods were alike scalding and brilliant.
He reviewed the history of the organiza-
tion of the ROAD, the duping of the Gov
ernment by him. and how Huntington,
Stanford and Hopkins under corporate
disguise contracted with themselves in
constructing the road.
He then detailed how they had prac-
ticed a fraud upon the people in Kentucky
by coming here and securing the charter
through the influence of some of their
friends in this State. He asked if the
Senators were willing to see California
people piilaged and pIundered in the name
OF Kentucky, as the road was doing, and
made an earnest appeal in the name Of
right, honor and justice to vote for his
bill.
When Senator Goebel had concluded
Senator Hays took the floor and read his
speech, which was made up largely of ex-
tracts from newspaper editorials defend
ing the Southern Pacific. He read the
card of Harrington published in the
Capital, in which Huntington was pic
tured as benefactor: also other cards and
extracts against the bill, and displayed
the matter that has been sent in favor of
the passage of the bill, including the
valentine which created considerable mer-
riment among the galleries and the unac-
quainted.
He asserted boldly that he was a di-
rector in one of Huntingdon roads, which
fact was noted and will probably be
brought up at the proper time, and pre-
vent his voting on the BILL when it comes
to ballot, on the constitutional prohibi-
ton of a personal interest. There was no
question raised, but a quiet smile played
over the face of Senator Goebel and friends
of the measure as Senator Hays thus re-
IaA u-ifh ba II.
declared that no money had been used by
Huntington and the Southern Pacific peo-
pie. and claimed that the repeal bill was
the result of spitework emanating from
Mayor Sutro, who he declared was a
sycophant and slanderer. It's passage, he
said, not only imperiled one hundred and
seventy millions of stock in the Southern
Pacific, but also railroad securities all
over the country. Huntington was held
up as almost an angel and the greatest
benefactor of the age.
Senator Weissinger's address was of a
much more dignified character and was
devoted solely to the legal phases of the
bill and the probable legal effect the re-
peal would have. The bill will be taken
up again on Thursday evening and further
debate will be had.
Senator Hays said to THE CALL CORE
spondent tonight: 1.-THE bill will never be
passed. The vote will stand fully %
against the measure"
This is known to be a wild boast and
sentiment for the measure was seen to be
strong this evening. There will probably
be ten votes for the bill. Senator Goebel
believes that the bill Will be acted on by
the Senate during Thursday evenings ses-
sion and will be passed by large major
ity. Efforts are now being devoted on
members of the House, as the Huntington
people hope to there prevent the passage
of the measure.