The record-union., 1898-12-31
CHATS WITH
LEGISLATORS.
Some Of Them Tell Of Proposed
Measures.
Senator Leavitt Will Have an Oakland Harbor
Bill-Other Matters Of Interest.

There was not much of a stir at the
various hotels during the forenoon yes
terday, but by afternoon legislators
and politicians, State officers, their ap-
pointees, and candidates for various
positions had begun to sun themselves
in the bright places around the corners
and corridors There was great deal
Of preliminary whispering and schem-
ing but few could be found who
would commit themselves on vital is
sues.
1t seems to be generally understood
that ex-senator William Banks of San
Francisco viii be a strong candidate
for Sergeant alarms of the Assembly,
as he has many friends and has been
making a quiet but determined fight
for the place One of his strong COM
petitors was H T. Smith, formerly of
Oakland, but for some years we'll
known insurance man of San Fran
cisco. Smith is well known to politi-
clans and business men all over the
State, and he is now in the city. He
was seen by a Record Union re-
porter yesterday. Concerning the fight
for Sergeant alarms of the Assembly
Mr.. Smith said: You may positively
state that I am not candidate for
Sergeant Arme, though 1 was in the
field for a good little time. I have de-
cided that [ cannot afford to make the
fight at present, and as there are other
good men in the battle it is understood
that strong man will be elected
It is said that Mr.. Smith will un-
doubtedly be Assistant Sergeant-at-
Arms and that he has withdrawn with
that understanding, simplifying the
fight of the other candidates. Concern
ing this rumor, Mr. Smith had nothing
to say, except that there are so many
stories afloat that one will do we'll to
believe very little'' 1t is the general
belief, however, that Smith is certain
to be the Assistant Sergeant tat Arms
Of the Assembly, as he was a strong
man for the first place and because of
his many friends.
One of the earliest of the arrivals
was H. w. Chenoweth1 Assemblyman
from Anaheirn. He was busy arrang-
ing his quarters for the session, and
had nothing to say concerning the po-
liticaI issues when seen In the forenoon,
except that he might soon have some
thing to talk about.
Assemblyman John D. Kelsey of San
Jose was one of the early arrivals. He
was Shaking hands with friends and
discussing the issues Of the day with
friends yesterday morning.
Senator S. G. Smith of Bakersfield
was in the city bright and early, shak-
ing hands with his many friends It
is his third term.
Assemblyman A. A Mckee of Oak
land arrived yesterday morning. He
spent the day investigating affairs of
interest to him, among them the busi
ness going on at the Capitol, where he
spent the forenoon.
Senator Frank w. Leavett of Oak
land arrived yesterday morning. He
has located with his family at 2022 M
street
An interesting story is told concern
ing a recent conversation between
Governor-elec Gage and Secretary Of
State-elect Curry. The new Governor
seemed to be worried about place.
hunters and the dispensation of the
patronage. n a finally said: ct shall be
glad when that part of the business is
all over, for there will be so many ap
plications that I shall be greatly an
noyed, and there are many things that
are harassing in this work"
I can suggest an easy way out Of
the matter" said Curry.
What is that?" asked Mr.. Gage
why, just turn the patronage over
to me- have had a great deal of ex-
perience in that line, and it will not
worry me in the least to place every
thing with neatness and dispatch
There is one office in the Capitol
which always involves a vast amount
of work at the outset-that of Secretary
of The 111fiaS aY.o Of c11oI1 Tlo-
culiar nature that when the force once
falls behind it is almost impossible to
catch up with the work, yet the force
that begins the work in that office each
time is generally new and inexperi-
enced in its duties, so that when it falls
behind there is a great deal of COM
plaint 1t is said that Mr.. Curry has a
scheme by which the labors of his staff
viii be greatly simplif1ed, and that they
viii be greatly aided for some weeks
by men who have had a great deal of
experience in that very office. There
is a rumor that the present boolxkeeper
viii be retained, and that others will
lend a hand until matters are in good
running order.
W. H. Cobb, Assemblyman from the
Thirty-fifth District, San Francisco,
is chairman of the San Francisco dele
cation, and he is said to be a sort of
natural leader. Speaking of him yes
1erday, H. T. Smith said: Mr. Cobb is
a fine type of a man. He was elected
Chairman without any solicitation on
his part. The men who knew him well
and admired his ability got in and
elected him, and it may be said that
there is not a more worthy young man
in the State.
Mr.. Cobb brings his family with him,
and he will live on L street, near Fiji
teenth, for the winter.
For the benefit of persons who are
not familiar with the methods of or
ganizing the Senate and Assembly it