The San Francisco call., 1899-01-16

charge would tax human credulity. I
supposed that Wright had listened to the
he had been deluded with promises, given
false idea of his duty, made subject to
mallgn and forceful influences, and would
in the end possibly see his error.
This was probably the sentiment of the
average observer not deeply versed in the
ways of politics. They did not know the
essential villainy underlying the scheme
of which they saw the outward manifes-
tation. They could not think the Speaker
had been bought for a price, or II such an
idea came into their minds it surely was
having sold himself to one party. had
delivered the goods to another. There Is
prevalent, and recognized as logical, q
doctrine as to honor among thieves, and
men Is to put them on a lower moral
plane than the thieves occupy. When any
to friends, the traditions of decency, as
to sell himself, he certainly sinks even
lower by a refusal to stay bought.
It is no part of my duty to try Mr.
portunity for defense. The episode Is
tragic. Here is a promising career closed
unbiased Judgment can reach no other
conclusion. Here is a good name risked
and lost and all for so paltry an induce
ment, though that such a name is rather
to be chosen than great riches" is a truth
which has stood for ages immovable and
unassailed.
There are rumors of bribery affecting
other members and they are being run
down. If any member is here with a vote
for sale or with the price of sold one,
the outlook for MIN is not pleasant, and
/ imagine him wondering when his turn
shall come to be exposed for that 1t is
coming he need have no doubt.
Several ministers here to-day took for
texts the general political situation, and
the forces of corruption can find little
f,o,-+ To- soft ON h to
touts are particularly scored and so were
the organizations which are trying to
coerce members into voting against con-
science and the desire OF constituents, A
bear upon knights Of Sacramento to
make him vote for Burns. Knights has
withstood it like a man, and his best
friends declare he VIII never yielo: Never
just as they claim almost everybody else.
They still maintain that the colonel can
not be defeated, but what they base their
assertions on l am unable to divine.
Their reserve strength" is a fiction in
reiteration of the size and overwhelming
impressiveness of which they take great
delight, but they do not trot 1t out. 1t is
evidently something too precious to be
looked at Further than to say again
that Burns has not ghost of show
/ am willing to leave guessing to others
for the present, eonfessing up TO date to
having made a few misses.
Efforts to elevate and purity the coun-
ellis of the State are not always appre-
oiated. There are threats. TO bar all Call
attaches from the Assembly. Considering
the source of the threats, they can be
taken as a compliment. do not know
that the matter will come to a vote, but
am convinced that in no event would an
honest legislator support the move. Such
as are ashamed or afraid might do so,
and by that. act proclaim the manner of
men they are. Doubtless there are mem
bers who would like to have all papers
not only barred from the Capitol but
pitched off the earth. When one observed
people so scary as this the presumption
for it naturally follows, and to exploit the
reasons may be a melancholy but impera-
tive duty.
Tomorrow the balloting will proceed,