The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-08

CALL HEADQUARTERS, SACRA-
MENTO, Jan. All day there has
been drizzIing rain, which is good for
farmers, but makes the face of nature
look as though slapped with a dishrag.
1t may be a rain full Of golden prom
Use, but the Immediate effect is de-
pressing. 1t drives statesmen TO cover,
and some Of them, in view Of the III
effects Of the dampness, il has driven TO
drink However, sobriety is the rule,
because a gCodIy proportion of the
crowd has no capital but hope and can
partake only when invited. This, Of
course, includes those who came here
in quest of jobs. The men touting for
candidates appear 10 be supplied with
funds. Possibly these funds represent
the Federal salaries many Of them
draw.
While Barnes and knight have gone
home, and members Of the Legislature
boarded outgoing trains, there will be
many outsiders in the city over Sun
day. From Inquiries delicately put l
learn that this will not augment ap-
probably the congrega tons in the local
churches. The skrmish for votes will
go right on. II is remarkable how
easily fooled some Of the enthusiasts
are. There are names shown by follow
ers Of each candidate as those members
certain 10 vote for their man. Inls IN
dIcates a multitude Of second-rate
prophets. but II also tends 10 prove
that the prevalence Of bribery may
have been exaggerated Certainly If a
man were purchased the purchaser
would know II, and when there are half
a dozen claiming TO have his support
the inference is fair that they do not
know what they are talking about
To write a daily letter from here Is
not an unmixed joy. Naturally such &
letter contains an expression OF opIn-
ion. and up TO date it has not pleased
anybody, at least nobody has taken the
trouble TO say so. Those in whose ia
vor the opinion happens to be kick be-
cause l have not made II stronger, and
those whom il touches On the raw spot
declare that il is all wrong. In country
stores there used TO be displayed Ie-
geud: our aim is 10 please. have
no similar aim so far as any OF these
politicians is concerned. II they do not
like the stuff the blessed privilege OF
not reading it IS one which cannot be
taken away, and, while l may be mis-
taken. most Of them are, too. 1 make
no pretense Of liking the average poll
rician, and don't want him 10 like me.
He is in dirty business. There are ex-
ceptions. There are men who seek Of
fee and are worthy Of it.
The chances Of Burns have not
Frightened since the Governor injured
them through the assertion that any
one voting for Grant would affront the
executive, this meaning that any vote
not given to Burns would subject the
voter 10 any indignity Gage can put
upon him. This position excited amaze
ment and indi gnatiOn which have not
passed away. There appears no pre-
cedent for such piece Of arrogance.
II the Burns people realize that their
friend Gage has given them a swtpe
they still maintain a bold front and
count votes which they will never be
able 10 count after the balloting has
begun.
The Federal brigade has mostly gone
to the city, thus indicating that the
Ioaves and fishes Iinger at the bay.
believe these patriots might as we'll
stay there, for the nerve Of them has
not soOthed the savage breast Of the
country member, and the fact is be-
ginning 10 be understood that for q
man to declare for Burns is TO thrust
himself into suspicion. l met one Burns
follower to-day who pointed with pride
to the certainty Of fifty-seveu votes on
the first ballot. and yet none Of the
other side seemed TO view this with
alarm. On the contrary, they informed
the gentleman that he had reached the
condition Of seeing more than double.
While there could not be a quieter
fight than that of the Burns people.
there could lot be one more desperate,
every art Of intimidation, every promise
being brought to bear Some OF the
cappers for the colOnePs game are of
a sort TO inspire the Sacramento police
with an idea of the necessity for sleep
ing with one eye open The very cir
CI1ustance Of these FOUNDERS being in
the Burns camp ought TO be enough to