The San Francisco call., 1899-03-08
THE PEOPLE VS.. THE RAILROAD
The Lines in the Contest Are Clearly Defined and the
Cohorts Of the Corporation Stand Against
the Commonwealth

when the people were voting for mem
bers of the Legislature, and he has no
right now to demand a caucus.
Apart from all these considerations
he is not the man from a moral or in
tellectual point Of view to represent
California in the Senate. Fifty eight
of the eighty-tive Republicans OF the
Legislature are unwilling that he shall
be chosen. 1t is possible that these Re-
publicans, who are mindful of the honor
and welfare of the State, may lay aside
personal preferences and cast their
united strength in favor of some able
and clean exponent of Republican prin-
ciples.
1t is acknowledged that U. S. Grant
has rendered the State of California
distinguished service in holding his
supporters in line to defeat the designs
of Herrin and Huntington to force
Burns in the Legislature. Before the
session adjOurns he may see his way
clear to advise his supporters to render
the people and party another great
service by joining a movement to Sc
cure the election of a Senator whose
choice will enlist the commendation Of
the people.
The lines of the present struggle are
now clearly defined. On one side the
people are ranged and on the other the
agents of the railroad are masSed. The
railroad forces are concentrated on one
side. Burns has the support-the open
and scandalOus support of the corpora
ton. The representatives of the peo-
pie are divided, giving their support to
three candidates, and are daily coming
closer together and before adjourn
ment may consolidate the whole
strength of the people in the Legisla
ture on one man for Senator. The de-
feat of Burns and the election of an
acceptable and reputable man to the
Senate would teach the corporation
lesson that it would not soon forget.
At a late hour tonight there are no
signs of material changes in the Sena-
torial situation tomorrow, although
Wednesday of this week was the time
designated by Grove L. Johnson for
the election of D. NJ. Burns.
Irving NJ. Scott did not arrive from
San Francisco tonight as expected.
There have been rumors this evening
that Mr.. Scott would gain two votes
tomorrow, but the reports cannot be
traced to a definite source.
There is a deal of comment among
the members of the Legislature over the
utter failure of the tOuts to influence
legislators. The pet measures of sew
eral pronounced anti-Burns men have
passed both houses and received the
approval of the Governor. Early in the
session the hint was hourly thrown out
that member who should have the
temerity to oppose the election or Burns
would stand but little chance of secur-
ing the enactment of any cherished
measure of legislation.
Members go down the line and point
to the success of Senators Stratton.
Davis and Smith in getting their ia
vored bills through both houses 1t is
clearly evident now to all the legisla-
tors that The Call was right in assert
ing at the beginning of the session
that the boast of the touts that they
could control legislation was nothing
more than bluff.
public knowledge of these facts has
materially weakened the Burns candi-
dacy.
Senator Currier, who went to Los An
geles two or three weeks ago for the
benefit of his health, did not return to-
day as his friends hoped, but it is ex-
pected that he will arrive tomorrow.
The special election in the Eighth
Senatorial District to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of Senator John
Boggs will take place tomorrow and
Republican victory is predicted.