The San Francisco call., 1897-03-18
ACCUSES DUCKWORTH.
Melick Alleges lrregularity in the
Handling Of His Bill,
No. 654

Melick Alleges lrregularity in the
Handling Of His Bill,
No. 654.
SACRAMENTO, CAL, March 17.-As-
semblyman Melick rose to question of
privilege this evening and complained
that Clerk Duckworth had neglected TO
send to the Senate yesterday Melick's
bill 654, regulating publications by State
officers and commissioners, Common
Councils, Boards of Supervisors in
counties, cities, cities and coun-
ties or towns Mr.. Melick added that
Duckworth had threatened that he would
get even on the newspapers which had
roasted him ON the temporary roll scandal
if he ever had a chance, and he Duck
worthy had purposely withheld the bill
from the Senate in accordance with his
threat.
Duckworth explained to the speaker in
voice loud enough to be heard by the
members that he had had stenographic
report taken of the proceedings yesterday
in connection with the bill, and the re-
ports showed that it had not been passed.
He had consulted his attorney in relation
to the matter and had withheld the bill
pending the receipt of an answer from his
attorney. He had, however, sent the bill
to the Senate this evening.
Me1ick said tEat the journal showed that
the bill had passed by vote of "A to %,
and that the Journal was higher authority
than Mr.. Duckworth's report.
Duckworth made the following state
ment to CALL reporter: Assent bly,
bill 654 was refused passage some days
ago. Melick gave notice OF intention to
move for reconsideration. The motion to
reconsider was carried and the bill was
amended under Special instructions.
When it was again placed on final passage
as amended 1t was again voted down.
Melick again gave notice OF reconsid era
tion. The motion to reconsider was again
carried and the bill placed on final passage
yesterday. The roll was called and the
vote stood ayes SO, noes %. Wright of
Alameda was in the chair.
When all the members present had
voted handed the rollcall to the Speaker,
who said, Ayes 39, noes %, and the bill
is lost l Immediately handed the roll
call to the minute clerks. who PACED it
and placed it with the other documents
which go to make up the daily journal.
Just then Melick asked that absentess
be called. Several CLERKS at the desk, ia
clud;ng myself, suggested to Wright that
this could not be done, as the demand
came too late. He stated to Meiick, say
ing that the result had been announced
and that the request Tor call OF aDsentees
should have been made before that action
had been made. Melick and others
claimed that he was entitled to call of
the absentees, though the proper time
therefor had passed, and Wright ordered
the absentees called. Five new votes were
added for the bill and the result was then
announced, Ayes A, noes %, and the bill
is passed
"Interested parties served notice upon
me of their inten ton TO enioin me from
transmitting the bill to the Senate. Know
ing that great deal of interest was taken
in the measure and that / was liable to
become involved in litigation over this
case, in which / had no earthly interest,
and would in all likelihood be subjected
to the expense and annoyance of defend
ing my action in the courts, held the bill
at my desk until | could consult counsel
to-day and satisfy myself that l would not
be In any way liable if 1 sent the bill to
the Senate, thus certifying to the legal
passage of it by the Assembly, when as a
matter of fact it was fairly and squarely
defeated. When ! was convinced that
would incur no personal liability / imme-
diately transmitted the bill to the Senate.
1t was in the Senate when Melick made
his complaint in the Assembly,"