The record-union., 1896-08-12

that II Will pass. There is SHOWN no
good reason why it should not. There
is advanced against it no argument
suggestion that Congress has not the
power to construe the Act of 1861 so as
to make it's provision applicable to
claims accruing subsequent to the date
of the approval of the Act But spec
ulation as to the result of the passage
OF the resolution is cleared away by the
official decision given in the CORE
spondence elsewhere published, to the
effect that should Congress adopt the
Johnson joint resolution the Treasury
Department will consider the California
and Nevada claims as primarily COW
cred by that resolution, which is to say,
that they would be considered, and If
sustained by vouchers be paid as have
been the claims of the other States
When this Interpretation is given, as
Mr.. Johnson will endeavor to have done
at the approaching winter session of
vouching for the claims before the
Treasury Department, and the depart
ment will then be competent to order
payment.
This will turn over to the State of
California nearly 100000. Assuming
that this is done, and it will be in all
probability if the matter remains in the
management of Congressman Johnson,
as it will by his return by the people,
the approaching Legislature should be
advised to provide for the proper use Of
this large sum Of money when
it is finally awarded. The school
fund does not need it: it is already
richly endowed and lends money for
profit. There is use for it, however, in
other directions.
For instance, it might be we'll applied
to carrying out the suggestion that the
Legislature, namely, that the State
construct four main or trunk highways,
two through the State from north to
south, and two from east to west. Such
expenditure would solve the problem of
revenue for the highway purpose which
is now bothering the Commissioners.
Or other uses can be found for the
money, SO as to reduce taxation and to
put it into circulation and lend activity
to industry But however used, what
ever belongs to California ought to
come speedily into her treasury, and
once there Ii Is benefit to every tax
payer.
True, the accumulation of such fund
will be temptation to legislative ex-
travagance and waste in construction
not warranted by need or State economy.
It. may be frittered away in erecting
more useless State institutions instead
Of consolidating those we have, and re-
ceding from the unwise policy of placat-
ing sections by voting them some sort
of State hospital or other public insti-
tutions. But this liability does not mil
itate against the justice of the joint
resolution procedure to recover the
money due the State from the Federal
Government
Whatever the United States owes Cal
ifornia ought to be paid. If nothing is
coming to the State we will very quickly
develop the fact when we come to prove
the claim before the department. IN
less something Is due to US, we are not
going to receive anything. The Federal
departments can be trusted to guard the
interests Of the Federal Government, so
that no moral considerations are in
velved, and we are justified in pushing
what are held to be just claims, estab-
fishing them. and drawing down what
ever is our due. Congressman John
sons plan promises to succeed, and it
should have all encouragement, since 1t
will settle forever the justice or insta-
bility Of our claims, and will secure us
the money due, or give US to understand
that the Federal Government denies
the Indebtedness.
ISQCdl. IL lAG JOuHSOA joint
resolution passes, California should
by appropriate legislation provide
for the employment Of the
money as will best conserve the in
terest of all the people, and most speed
lily put so large a sum into active opera
tion in promoting Industrial activity
along lines approved by wisdom while
| ton OF self-helpfulness.
The present suffering and misery from
the humid heat at the East, resulting In
death and insanity, in complete pros
tration and the killing of domestic an