The San Francisco call., 1896-01-11
THE COMING CONVENTION.

The fact that only one of the three
| Mayors of California cities responded in
| person to Mayor Sutros call for prelim-
| mary meeting to arrange for holding a
| convention of delegates appointed by the
Mayors of the State is no indication OF a
lack of interest in the railroad funding
BILL AS the two who did not appear sent
! notice that they would abide by the deci-
sion of those in attendance and that their
sympathies were with the movement. As
time is pressing the notice for the conven-
tion is short-W Wednesday of next week
has been selected as the date for the con-
vention. The basis of representa- ton is
one delegate from cities or towns.wlth
population ranging from 1000 to 5000 and
an additional delegate for each 5000. These
delegates are to be appointed by the
Mayors of the respective municipalities.
The character of the memorial which
this convention is to address to Congress
is foregone conclusion, as there is a una
nimity OF opinion in California against
the passing of a funding bill, except it
might be prudent to say in those indi-
vidual cases where railroad influence has
been able to determine private and official
opinion. II such q pro-railroad sentiment
exists to any considerable extent there is
no present evidence of the fact. The pop
ular avalanche of opposition to any fund
ing scheme has completely overwhelmed
the railroad influence in California.
The holding of the convention will be for
the purpose of giving formal expression,
by representatives of the people, Of the
practically unanimous belief that fund
ing bill would mean the ruin of California.
The strongest words in our language
would be none too forcible for use in urg-
ing the importance of making the conven-
ton thoroughly representative of the
State. 1t should express all that Califor-
MIA thinks feels and means on this sub
iect. 1t should make clear the will of the
people, manifest their resolute determina-
tion and show forth the energy with
which they intend to make their fight
against the monopoly from now on until
1t ends in victory.
1t should be a strong convention. From
every county, from every city and town
there should come to it the men whose
words mean business, whose influence is
potent, whose action has force and
whose leadership is recognized by the COM
munity. Such an assembly would gain
the attention and compel the respect of
Eastern Congressman who remain as vet
ignorant OF the effect the funding bill
would have on the industry, the commerce
and the development OF this section of the
Union. 1t would impress the minds of
the careless, win over the Indifferent, and
materially aid our congressman in the
contest before them.
1t is useless TO multiply words on a sub.
ject so well understood. Instruction is
needed by Eastern people, but among
Californians nothing is needed save de-
termination to do that which every one
knows should be done. The long fight
against monopoly has reached a crisis at
last. Failure at this juncture would en-
tail on the Pacific Coast evils greater than
can be now estimated. The convention
must meet therefore determined to make
the fight resolutely. 1t must be vigorous,
bold, independent. aggressive. 1t must
speak and act for California in such a way
that Congress will know that all Califor-
mans stand with it.