The herald., 1897-03-02
Will Investigate the Charges of
Senatorial Bribery
MOREHOUSE MADE A SPEECH
Indignantly Protesting Against Malicious
Slander OF Honest Men
The Days Proceedings Are Rather Dull, bat
Vast Amount Of Business Is
Disposed Of

Special 10 The Herald
SACRAMENTO, March 1.-The back
down of the Examiner from its charges
of bribery against members Of the legis-
lature deprived the discussion of the
matter today of much of the interest it
would otherwise have had. But every
one knew that Senator Morehouse could
make a good speech if he would and con-
sequently there were many present to
hear what he would have to say on the
subject. AS soon as the journal had
been read. the senator rose and amid
hreathless silence, in clear and I'M
passive voice said: Just before ad-
journment on Saturday, l rose to a
question of privilege, and 1 rise to
question of privilege now. At that
time had just read an article in the
San Francisco Examiner accusing SEN
ators of being bribed, and l owe an
apology to the senate for some of the
language l used at that time. 1t sprang
from me involuntarily, but as to the
purpose. the depth. the meaning of the
words. l have nothing 10 retract. The
Examiners article was headed Bribery
in Aid of Thievery. Thousands of Dol
lars Paid to Members of the Legislature
to Influence Their Vote. 1t did not say
it was so rumored or so discussed, but In
most emphatic and unmistakable Ian
guage, says we have been paid for our
votes. Now. has any man in this SEM
ate received money to influence his
vote? If such is the case, II Is the duty
of this senate. of every honest man, to
know the fact. i do not believe that 1t
,e VI aor rly WI n1ontbS I have
had the honor of sitting in this senate
with these gentlemen, and have found
them to be gentlemen of culture and In
earnest and in my heart of hearts, be-
lieve that they are doing their duty
honestly and earnestly and that no man
has dared or would dare to approach
them with a bribe.
floor, if a senator had been bribing the
members, it is the duty of the senators
to find 1t out. The charges in the Ex-
aminer's article are direct, and the SEN
ators," he declared, lowe ii to them
selves to find out the particular senator,
if such there be, who Is guilty.
IF it be not true" he continued, then
we owe 1t to ourselves, to our families
to our state, to show that even great
newspaper cannot stab honest reputa-
tions with malicious ISLANDERS without
being punished. Good name in man or
woman dear my lord, is the immediate
jewel of their souls Who steals my
purse steals trash All my life my one
ambition, my one purpose, has been tnat
when the fever of death fell on my brow
/ could leave to my family reputation
that would be as sunshine to them So
it is, too. with every member here. Real
izing that the Examiners charge Is
positive, that 1t says beyond shadow
of a doubt, we cannot allow this to pass
by. 1t must be investigated"
The senator then moved that COM
mittee of three be appointed to investi-
gate the charges, and closing said: AS
the charge seems TO be specifically
against those who voted for the bill,
move that committee be appointed
from those who voted against It, The
charge is here; If it be true, the paper
should receive support; II false, let 1t
be known to the world that you and l
will not allow integrity and innocence.
honor and manhood, to be blackened
and injured. To quote the immortal
words, give me honor or give me
DEATH
Senator Simpson indorsed More
houses position and said he did not be-
lieve there was any truth in the charges.
Senators Dickinson, Aram and Sea-
well were appointed committee OF In
vestigation.
In the assembly Camlnett expiaineu
the BILL of which he is the author and
which it is claimed was passed by brib-
cry. He said 1t was good measure and
there had been no bribery connected
with it. BY vote of 4S to a committee
to investigate the charges in the assem-
bly, was also appointed.
The governor today sent to the senate
all his appointments since the last ees-
sion of the legislature, including Prof.
Keyes, formerly of Throop institute to
be trustee al Whittier.
The senate today passed all the ap-
preparation bills including those before
referred to in this correspondence for
Highland asylum, Whittier state school
and LOS Angeles normal school.
Judge Lamme is here to fight Bulla's
bill granting right of way for five con-
secutive blocks for one street railway
over another's track He expects the
bill will be amended in the assembly
through San Francisco influence, so as
to give right of way over ten blocks. He
objects to the word consecutive" blocks
in BullaG bill and presents the resolu-
tions of the Los Angeles city council In
opposition to 1t. FRASER.