The San Francisco call., 1899-12-09
AN EXTRA SESSION.

HEADERS OF The Call have recently been made
~ familiar with our view that the Legislature only
satisfactorily adjust the Senatorial situation
so as to preserve the strength OF the Republican party
unimpaired for 1000.
Therefore no one need be surprised that we con-
template with philosophy an extra session Of that
body, in the belief that it will make such adjustment
We feel rancor in saying that the only shadow
upon the party's future has been the candidacy Of
Colonel Burns. II he had declared himself as Grant
did, candidate in 1898 and had gone before the
people as frankly, and won, might have silently
deprecated the popular choice a mistake, but we
would have refrained from drastic criticism OF that
choice. AS he did do this, his candidacy stands
just where it did upon its avowal after the Legis
lature was elected.
The fate OF the party in California next year IS
still bound up in the selection OF Senator. We are
still of the opinion that the choice OF Colonel Burns
will decide that fate adversely to party success in
1000
All men have the tendency OF party sentiment
in this city. 1t is toward greater independence OF
action than before 1t is in the direction of
bukng improperly in the acts OF party managers
and leaders. We have had no doubt whatever that
If Governor Gage appointed Burns he would put
the knife into the vtals OF the party. We applaud
his decision TO refrain from such slaughter He has
decided wisely. Now let the Legislature be as wise
No will be found TO dispute the proposition that
il it elect Colonel Burns the party will go into the
Presidential campaign handicapped beyond the
probability OF carrying this State. No friend of
Colonel Burns whose advice is worth giving
taking will dispute this. All men will admit that
purpose has been only preserve for the party
the strength that to it out OF its conspicuous
victory in 1898 The necessities of the situation the
IL.
session, compelled drastic and at times seemingly
harsh presentation OF this view, but it in an
emergency that left no time for selection Of phrases
The Legislature comes together now with the
situation spread before it like a map. Every member
knows his duty and is advised OF the interests at
stake. A Senator is to be chosen. The party has
wealth OF well-seasoned material choice may easily
be made that will not only command party approval
but the commentator OF the whole State The Call
has candidate. and has never had any. When the
proper appears in the baloting he will have
support. This paper has no individual purpose to be
forwarded by a Senator no interests that require his
support beyond those which are general and common
to the whole State
Il is devoted 10 but one purpose and that is the
success OF the Republican party and its broad prin
cples We feel with great sincerity that every selec
ton made by the party TO important place affects
the partys strength useully or harmfuly according
it is proper or improper
We deny that the party is at all lacking in trained
material and respected personalities Such are nu-
merous in its ranks To them we invite the atten-
ton OF the Legislature and from the midst OF them
confidently believe a proper choice will be made
We propose to pursue course OF watchful wisdom
TO the steps which precede and accompany the
action OF the Legislature. Improper motives in any
individual will be observed and reprobaed with un-
diminished vigor. But also expect and believe
that the wise and loyal Republicans in that body will
take the direction OF in their own hands and
that its action when completed will command the re-
speot and receive the Endorsement OF the whole State