The San Francisco call., 1896-04-03
A Removal and an Appointment
That Embarrass the Super
viSorS.
BITTER PERSONAL QUARREL,
Saloon Men Watch the Situation With
Interest, as They Will Be the
Winners.

SACRAMENTO, CAL, April 2.-Thers
is strong possibility that the revenues of
Sacramento County may be decreased
some $4,000 per annum, and primarily
because OF the decision of the Supreme
Court in the Ventura County license COL
lecting matter.
For wears past the Board of Supervisors
OF this county have regularly employed
special license collector, and although 10
was well known that there was no law
which provided that they were so empow-
cred still no objection has ever been raised.
During the past three years Henry Miller
has held this position, but something over
a month ago the board declared his posi-
ton vacant and elected George p Royster
In his stead. The latter gentleman. who
possesses undoupted ability, has, II ia
claimed, several bitter personal enemies
who have been using every endeavor to
oust him, and some of the memb bers of the
board have become convinced that they
will take immediate advantage of this de-
cision OF the Supreme Court and will en-
deavor TO impress upon the mind of
County Auditor Cohen the absolute ne
cessity of his refusing to issue any war
rant when Royster makes his demand for
salary after the meeting of the board on
Monday next. 1t is also claimed that Dis
trict Attorney Ryan will render decision
upholding Cohen in his refusal
This alleged enmity against their chosen
candidate has aroused the indignation OF
sew eral members of the board, and ii ia
claimed that they threaten TO retaliate by
declaring the ordinances which fix the ra-
ito OF licenses throughout the county all
off, thereby reducing the revenues some
$50 900. The board claims that. in reality.
they are empowered by the provisions or
the county government act 10 collect all
licenses as they see fit and refer to suodi-
vision q of section 25. which defines the
rights OF Boards of Supervisors to levy IL
censes and fix rates thereof and collect
the same by suit "or otherwise"
This latter term is certainly very broad,
they say, and if they deem il advisah bic to
engage the services of collector they be-
heve they are entitled to do so under the
provision, ''or otherwise" In conse-
quence, they passed an ordinance which
provided for the engagement of a collector,
who was to receive per cent of all moneys
collected, not to exceed S125 per month.
County Auditor r. Cohen, when inter.
viewed upon the subject said: "There Is
certainly no personal feeling in this mat
ter as far as am concerned. Under the
decision of the Supreme Court 1 cannot
see how it is possible for me to do other
wise than refuse to issue warrant. l shall
probably request an opinion from the
District Attorney and act on his advice.
As far as / am concerned 1 am certain in
my own mind that license collector will
more than save his salary to the county
in collecting licenses which the Sheriff
could not well bother to collect"
District Attorney Ryan, while con-
vinced that there is no provision under the
law which authorized the Board of Super
visors to employ tax collector, says that
all licenses must be collected by the Sher-
iff. He also Indignantly disclaims that he
has any personal or private aims to SUBJ
serve through the removal of Mr.. Royster,
and says that he deeply regrets that if
called upon for an opinion he would be
Obliged to advise, as he claims that under
the recent decision of the Supreme Court
he has no option.
In the meantime rumors are prevalent
that Sacramento County will become
paradise to saloon men by having the
county license annulled.