The herald., 1897-05-25
THE BURDEN OF THE LAST
LE0ISLATURE

For many yeare 1t has been said Of our
legislatures that .'the last was the worst
we ever had" Good people have been
hoping that the time would speedily
come when 1t could truthfully be said
that the last was the best.
As has been customary. after the late
election. 1t wac claimed. with the ap-
pearance of great confidence, that the
legislators chosen were remarkable for
their good qualities, and the people
really expected good work, but that ex-
pectation did not continue beyond the
first days session. The Duckworth out
rage was dieclosed, involving a large
number OF the Republican assembly
men. The numbering up Of the pay roll
of the house with double the number OF
employees necessary and paying salaries
to men who rendered no service, and
even to those who were not in Sacra-
mento. was unparalleled for audacity
in disregarding the public interests and
in defying public sentiment. Duck
worth's defense was that he was pushed
10 it by the members. which only made
them particeps criminis, but did not
exonerate him. The assembly rendered
itself etill more guilty by voting down
proposition for Duckworth's expulsion
The members voting against 1t indicated
what low opinion they have of the in
80 ~
California.
The last will always be the worst un-
less the people manifest disposition to
punish political ragcals by keeping them
in private life.
The passage Of the coyote scalp bill
was another scandalous act, and how
many more diegraceful schemes were
before the legislature has not yet been
fully discovered. but they are gradually
coming to light.
The latest Is the amendment to the
county government act of 1893. Ex-
Judge Frick of Oakland has sued George
w. McNear Of San Francisco to recover
for services in lobbying that amend
ment through the legislature. For
twenty years McNear has occupied pub
lie ground at Contra Coeta for a wharf,
chute and a pier, under a license or
lease granted by the board of super
visors Of Contra Costa county without
paying rent. This privilege Is about to
expire, and he wants a renewal without
cost, but the county government act of
1893 was in the way, as it required all
franchises to be put UP at auction. The
amendment passed by the legislature
excerpts franchises for wharves. chutes
and piers outside Of cities and towns.
McNear evidently expects that he will
be able to secure a renewal of his fran
chise from the board of supervisors
without rental, as heretofore.
What public reason there is for exemp-
ton OF such franchises California
solone may be able to see, but none is
apparent to an ordinary and disinterest-
ed citizen.
1t is humiliating to see an ex-superior
Judge become lobbyist for a measure
not for public benefit, but to promote in
dividual interests. If the franchise IS
valuable. let it be paid for, and the peo-
pie be given the benefit Of it, as is pro-
vided by law for other franchises 1t is
still more reprehensible for representa-
tives of the people to indulge in such
legislation. According to his statement
Judge Frick was aided by some Of our
assemblymen and senators. We should
be glad to hear those gentlemen explain
the reason for engaging in scheme to
benefit McNear, in Contra Costa county
What will be the next development ie
the question. Anything may be expect
ed of a legislature that expended great
amount Of time in investigating itself.