The herald., 1897-01-05
THE HUNGRY HORDE
CROWDS THE Capital
AS the Legislators Gather
for Business
The roster OF THE UNEMPLOYED
Would Make the State Direc<
tory Look Sick
ORGANIZATION IS EFFECTED
And . Program Of Rigid Economy
Mapped Out
Whereat the Wiser Members Simply Smile
Ia Unconcera
The Perkins Men Claim Entire Cont
dence of Success-The First Reso-
ORGANIZATION IS EFFECTED
And Program Of Rigid Economy
Mapped Out
Whereat the Wiser Members Simply Smile
In Unconcera
The Perkins Men Claim Entire CONT
dence of Success-The First Reso-
lutions Introduced Oppose the
Railroad Funding Bill n
Special to The Herald.

Special to The Herald.
SACRAMENTO, Jan. 4.--Never betoes
in the history of this city was there q
more eager crowd of visitors on hand
at the opening of the legislature than IL
here now. The city Is swarming with
persons from nearly every portion Of tbs
state whose business here is to find busi-
ness. Almost any kind Of a job Is well
come that will last a couple of months,
and involves a minimum Of labor with .
maximum Of compensation. Many place
hunters are reputable citizens. respected
at home and here only because OF hnan-
cial necessities; others constitute a class
prone to hang upon every legislative
body or public official that may seem
likely to bestow patronage without re-
gard to merit, but as a matter of purely
personal interest.
The resolution adopted to reduce the
expenses of the assembly $197 day has
caused widespread CONSIDERATION among
the grand army Of needy seekers after
fat positions, and many of them wear
long faces tonight, yet still come more
place hunters Every train brings them
A special train from San Francisco this
evening was filled with them. All the
hotels are crowded, packed. jammed
with excited guests. Many Los Ange-
les county visitors are at the@Great
Western and others are scattered about
the city wherever they can find a place
to bunk.
There is vast amount of caucusing
in both parties, but much of it is unim-
- lac,
The senatorial contest overshadows
everything else just now. At this writ
ing Sam Shortridge seems to be the
only opponent of Perkins, but the gen.
eral opinion among Republicans is that
Perkins will win. 1t is believed that the
entire Republican delegations from tho
south will stand by him. Yet Short
ridge assumes great confidence.
New members of the legislature laugh
at what they call the "spasm of econ
omy" displayed in the legislature today,
and freely predict it will not last long.
Concerning the senatorial hight there is
much difference of opinion as to the OBJ
legation of Republicans not attending
caucus to vote for the caucus nominee.
Mr.. Perkins friends hold that all are
bound, while the opposition claim that
the caucus binds only those who parti-
cipated in it. Martin Kelly made prop
osition to the Perkins men to the effect
that the opposition will caucus. provided
vote be adopted making q two-thirds
vote necessary to choice. He says the
matter is under consideration.
On the other hand General Dickinson
and other legislators interested in the re-
election of Mr.. Perkins, ridicule the prop
osition. They say they will follow the
time -honored precedents. go into cau-
Gus, nominate, and present their nomi-
nee to the senate and assembly. If any
Republicans bolt, the responsibility will
rest with them.
l hear of great number and variety
Of new measures prepared. or about to
be prepared, for introduction whenever
the two houses shall have been organ
lied and ready for business. Senator
Bulla, of Los Angeles, is deeply inter-
ested in several reformatory enact
ments, one beirg in the direction Of q
constitutional amendment opening the
door for imports. and changes in the
tax laws Of the state. In due time he
will be heard from on that subject So
will Senator Stratton of Alameda. There
will be four or five primary acts intro
duced. While they will be similar in
many respects, in others they will be
quite different. The various measures
will be carefully studied, their best fea-
lures noted and q composite bill incor-
porating them all recommended for pas
sage. Senator Stratton, Assembly man
North Of Alameda and Judge Dibble Of
San Francisco, have all prepared bills
providing for new primary acts which
will be general in operation and not re-
stricted to particular cities, as was the
one enacted at the last session.
All things considered. indications point
to very important, lively and perhaps
senSat tioral session.