The record-union., 1899-12-27
SOME REASONS FOR 1T.
Why an Extra Session Of the Leg
islature Should be Held.

| Why an Extra Session OF the Leg
islature Should be Held.
San Jose Herald: Governor Gage
has written reply to the
business men of San Francisco
who asked him to call an extra session
| for the purpose of legislating upon har-
bar front matters. He promises to give
the subject serious attention, but is
deeply impressed with the idea that
an extra. session would unavoidably en-
tail considerable unsual expense upon
the State" The Governor then pro-
ceeds to show that by his vetoes and
economies in appropriations for the
first two years Of -his administration
the State has been saved $4,S6S, 1876 as
compared with the corresponding term
of the previous administration. And in
carrying out this policy of a wise, but not
niggardly, economy the Governor hesi-
tates to incur the expense Of an extra
session.
| This disposition ON the part of Gov
ernor Gage is certainly commendable,
but we submit that, viewing the matter
from the mere pecuniary point of view,
his statement of economies effected is
an argument in favor Of an extra ses-
sion, so far as it goes. It shows that
we can afford it. We have saved at the
bung-hole and can spare little at the
spigot.
But that is a minor consideration.
The test of a State administration is
less in what it saves than in what it
does. 1t is a mistaken economy to cut
down expenses by Gripping effective
ness. AS Governor Gage says in his
reply to the business men, the institu
tons of the State have received liberal
though not lavish allowance. despite
his economies. But there are three
matters of great Importance which re-
quire immediate attention in behalf
of the larger interests Of the State, its
| local governments and it's people.
A United States Senator is urgently
needed to maintain the interests of Cal
| ifornia at Washington. They are suf-
fering at this moment for lack of
| efficient representation. There is
great commercial opening for San
| Francisco and the people at large in
| consequence of expansion in the Orient
and facilities are needed on the water
| front of the metropolis for taking ad-
vantage of our opportunities. The
municipalities of the State are hamper
ed by street Improvement law which
is partly an obstruction in its nature
and partly imperative by virtue of jul
dicial Interpretation.
The cost Of an extra session is a mere
bagatelle in comparison with the en-
barra ssment and loss which will accrue
from neglecting these matters. Let the
Governor throw aside all considerations
| of saving money at the expense of the
public welfare.
A REPUBLICAN DUTY.
| Amador Republican: If the Repub-
lican party of California believes it has
a right to exist, it must also realize
| that it has a duty to perform for the
State and nation which cannot be
longer delayed, but must be attended to
at once. We mean the election of a
| United States Senator. The Senate
has met, and we are represented by
only one instead Of two members in
the highest branch of the National
Congress at a time when every honor
able motive of citizen, patriot Or a
party man who believes his party is
right moves him to protest against
misrepresentation, which if continued
will be changed into Misrepresentation.
More than a year ago the people of the
State confded to our party a sacred
trust, which, in the light of campaign
discussion could not be misunderstood
| They committed the State and all it's
| interests unreservedly to the party OF
progress and prosperity, in full conf
dence that all those interests would be
safeguarded, fostered and advanced by
it's management. In many respects the
party has done well, but in this matter
of electing a Senator it has failed to
do anything. It is now abso
| lutely certain that failure to fill our
vacant post in the Senate will grievous-
| ly disappoint the people and be con-
| sidered a breach of trust. No
| intelligent Republican can question the
propriety or the necessity of this meas
ure 1t is what Republicans demand
and their opponents fear. Let the Gov
ernor act. He will have loyal support
of the majority whose votes made him
Chief Executive, and whose votes will
vindicate or defeat the party at the
next election, according as it has met
or disappointed the hopes Of the voters.
The people are not Indifferent to this
matter. Inero IS d Strung uiiuCiSui :
rent that is rapidly rising into a gulf
stream of public. opinion, and it be-
hooves all officers, representatives and
politicians to- get into midstream at
once, if they would be called leaders.
Those who are tardy now will meet
counter currents, icebergs and fogs, on
the shoals of nowhere, by and by. We
repeat, If the dominant party believes
it has right to its supremacy let 1t
not longer defer an act of plain duty
and paramount Importance.