The record-union., 1897-05-14
VOICE OF PHE PRESS.
Extracts From Editorial Expression OF
Journals
Of the State and the Coast on Sub
iects of Living and News
Interest.

Oakland Enquirer: Detailed informa-
ton shows that two influences Whlch
had a great deal to do in defeating the
arbitration treaty in the senate were
the Irish opposition and the attitude OF
the English Government toward the
seal controversy. The Patriotic League
of America, which is now the ledulns
Irish organization, had agents III
Washington from the time when the
treaty was first submitted, ana they
did energetic work, but the most eftec-
tive work. but the most effectlVe work
of the Irish party was performed py
their representatives throughout the
country, operating upon the local poll
ticians and by them upon the Senator'S
1t is said the votes of the two PennsyI-
vania Senators, Mason, Roach, Hans
borough Carter, Heittield and Shoup
We're controlled in this way. here
We're eight votes secured by one 1nf1u-
ence. but even this would not have de-
feated the treaty had not the justifia-
BILE feeling excited by the delay Of Eng
land in consenting to make new regu-
lationS which are absolutely necessary
for the preservation of the seal herds,
cut figure. So, Indirectly, England
should hold herself responsible for the
treaty'S defeat. for if she We're on good
terms with Ireland, as she ought TO be,
and We're reasonable on the seal ques-
ton. the treaty would have gone
through all right.
THE NEW ROAD LAW.
San Francisco Chronicle: We are in
receipt of communication from AS
semblyman James w. Clarke of Ala
media County in relation to the new
road law, which becomes effective
June 1st and of which he is the au-
thor and champion. Mr.. Clarke uses
the data compiled by the Bureau of
Highways to prove that the people Of
this State are now paying for good
roads and not getting them, and reciteS
the provisions of the new law, which
We have already published The only
new point brought out by Mr.. Clarke is
the suggestion that the Supervisors will
have the power to appoint the new
road officers for the first year, instead
of themselves continuing TO care for
them until July, 1898 as has generally
been assumed. There may be some gen.
eral law giving the Supervisors this
power. but it is not in the road law.
Mr.. Clarke states that an opinion may
soon be expected from the Attorney
General on this and other points. 1t does
not speak well for the social efficiency
of the people of this State that We are
unable to elect legislators with the in
tellectual power TO pass laws which
can be understood by common men.
We do not doubt that Mr.. Clarke
fully believes the new law to be a good
mo T0F a tsslx no 81
TO agree with him. We certainly do
not We think it viii be repealed az
soon as a Legislature can get at IL.
Meantime we shall have TO live under
it. In justice to the Legislature, the
"Chronicle" has already explained that
this bill was intended to provide only
for the residuum of neighborhood roads
left after the location of the State and
county thoroughfares. When the Gov
ernor killed the two companion bills
which We're passed with it he made
this the law for the management Of all
roads, and the responsibility must rest
upon him. The bill is, perhaps, un-
Objectionable as a mere neighborhood
measure, but if it is a good law for the
management Of all roads, then all who
have had wide experience in road man
dStlllGlll anu VIII nav = ~ Ji tSSG1 lIttill-
selves on the subject are wrong.
Were the bill still under discussion 1t
would be our duty TO point out in de-
tail the objections to it. AS it is q law
it is a waste of space to discuss them.
When the Legislature meets again
everybody will know them. We cannot,
however. forbear to comment upon the
utter folly of paying a large sum of
money for two years of expert study of
road management and recommends
lions based upon that study. and then,
with no discussion or public knowledge
of the purpose. doing the exact oppo-
site of the recommendations in every
thing. while continuing the commission
which made them in office for another
two years with nothing to do in the
world but to draw their salaries. And
for this condition OF affairs Governor
Budd is almost alone responsible.
Having the power to approve or disap-
prove a series of road laws, he disap-
proved those parts which had any
friends or supporters and approved on
ly those which are meeting with uni
versaI condemnation.
IRRIGATION ADVANTAGE
Tulare Register: Unless rain comes in
TeET y III Fca