The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-17
RECKLESS EXPENDITURES.
An Inquiry Proposed That May Only
IncraaSa the Flow of State God.

An Inquiry Proposed That May Only
Increase the Flow of State God.
SACRAMENTO, CAL, Jan. 16.-The in
quiry concerning the make up of the tenn
porary roll of organization in the Assem-
bly, has caused deal of confusion. The
Republican caucus committee composed of
Anderson, Cutter, Fontana, Melick and
Hill have been holding secret sessions and
has about resolved to report in favor OF the
House appointing a committee with power
to administer oaths and examine wit
neSseS.
The committee accepted as fact COM
mon gossip that Hooking of San Bernar-
dino never came near the Assembly, but
through some other person placed on the
roll to represent him drew $l73 for mile
age and tenn porary service.
The true facts in the case are that
Hooking came to Sacramento in response
TO q telegram from Parkinson, sergeant
alarms of the previous session; that the
committee allowed him mileage on his
own statement; that he served week.
was reappointed bookkeeper of the SER
geant-at-arms by Speaker Coombs on
January 13, and is now here serving in
that position.
The caucus inquiry brought out state
ments that quite mum Der OF men were
placed on the roll by Duckworth at the
request of Parkinson and Lamphrey. 1t
was found that Breiling of Alameda.
chairman of the committee, was hood
winked by clever politicians OF San Fran
CISCO. He had never before bossed the
| Job OF making out roll ana accepted 100
much outside advice.
Tho EauoOq C1no Doitfap finds that the
| expense should not have exceeded $500
whereas, $4,000 was allowed, of which 1914
| has not been drawn.
| The Assembly Committee on attaches
which is expected to report to the House
next Monday has not gained any more
| light than he Caucus Committee sheds.
A long secret session was held this after
noon and adjournment taken until Mon
day morning at O'Clock. A sentiment
was expressed against sending the matter
TO the Grand Jury. Some OF the unso-
phisticated, who are not familiar with
Legi> lative tactics, fancied that the over
paid ,aches might be persuaded to- dis
gorge the money. 1t was also suggested
that the Assem- blymen who placed the
"extras" on the roll might be persuaded
to REIN burse the State.
The proposed Investigation by COM
| mit,ee empowered to administer oaths,
send for witnesses and employ clerks and
stenographers will not make he affair any
blacker or winter, but will cost the State
| more money than the attaches were al
| lowed 10 grab. As an object lesson con-
science fund might be established to as
certain Low many members would con-
| tribute to it.
AS Democrats Populists and Republi-
cans are all guilty of extravaganza in the
same degree it would appear as though the
sensible course to pursue is to denounce
| the wrong, apologize to .sthe people and
| protect the contingent fund from further
raids.
| The reckless purchase of new furniture
| for which there is no earthly use is fully
| as reprehensible as the grab OF the at
taches. The Assembly resolution, follow
| ing quickly on The CALLS exposure, has
given the Senate a hint and so the upper
| house will request the Controller to with
hold warrants.
Monday will be ''washday" in both
| houses, and alter the soiled linen has been
| exhibited the regular legislative work OF
| the session may begin.
The contested election cases of two San