The record-union., 1897-01-05
Hon. Frank |. CoOmbS Presides Over
the Assembly a Second Time.
Retrenehnent he Slogan Of the Session
Slaughter Of Sinecures All Along
the Line.

The first day or the In1rty-SecoHu
session of the California Legislature is
now a matter of history, and While
much that was interesting occurred in
open session, side lights open up other
field for labor to-day that carry much
Significance.
The present Legislature is out for
sembly has already spoken, and at least
one-fourth Of the patronage formerly
extended by that body has, once for all,
been dropped from the records.
REDUCTION OF ATTACHES.
But the Republicans Of the Senate
will go their co-laborers in the Assem-
bly, one better. There is no doubt about
the stand taken by the Senators. They
We're all willing to be bound by rules as
strong as iron. They agreed to make
cut in the number of attaches, and sub
sequently agreed to abide by that rule
and make no further appointments dur
ing the session.
for their action. Self protection is the
first law of nature, and of all deaths
that occasioned by continuous talking
is said to be the worst. During the past
few days some of the members Of the
upper house claim to have fallen into
a decline caused by the persistent ap-
peals of seekers for place.
ONE REASON FOR 1T.
eff" said a venerable Senator last
evening, sit is understood by the army
who expect to be cared for by the Legis-
lature, that not another place will be
made for anybody, they will go back to
their homes, if they have homes, and
leave us in peace, but as long as there
remains chance for preferment we Will
think the State owes them something
for services rendered to individuals.
The report of the hold-over Senatorial
Committee on Legislative Business was
responsible for most of the trouble, and
has resulted in considerable damage to
the prospects of those who have been
promised munificent salaries in return
for insignificant services, and in saw
ing to the people of the State in the
shape of taxes of S225 a day in the SEN
ate alone.
That was the reduction agreed to at
the Senate caucus yesterday afternoon,
and when it is remembered that the per
diem expenses of the Senate during the
Thirty-first session of the Legislature
amounted to S7S5, the meaning of the
reduction becomes plain. Instead of
S7S5, only $3.50 will be paid out daily.
One third less money means one-third
less people who get draw down from
the State, and the reduction made by the
Senate is nearly 33 per cent. less than
the per diem of 1895.
STRUCK HARD-PAN.
In fact the caucus cut to the line. The
cut went to the very edge of the statute
of limitations. Not one single position
OF value was allowed that is not speci-
fed in the statute governing the matter.
Several extra porters at So per day, and
a. Page or two at 50 30 a day will be al
lowed. but there the Senate caucus
called a stop. The number of employees
at the last session of the Legislature
was 10. The number of employees
in the Senate during the present ses-
sion viii be Sc. Figures tell the story,
and if, as a sage has declared, figures
are the greatest liars in the world, it is
safe to say that in this instance they are
accurate.
"And it will not" said one of the lead
ers of the Senate, hamper business in