The San Francisco call., 1899-03-17
THE END OF THE SESSION.

The session of the Legislature is drawing to a
close It has been successful session IN many
I respects Theiinaugural admonition OF the Gov
ernor touching the ucdity and simplicity OF statutes
had its effect and the Governor has been at pans to
aid the Legislature in the direction OF his very wise
and pertinent suggestion. Up to this stage economy
in has not been lost sight Of and we are
persuaded that proper oversight of boards of control
Of the State institutions will enable the covering back
into the treasury of considerable sums which it has
been considered expedient to appropriate.
Much of the paternal legislation proposed by some
of the members has met its fates and what remains OF
such propositions will probably fail to become law
The session will go to respectable position IN the
legislative history OF the State.
In one respect it has so far been remarkable in
most respectable and praiseworthy direction, in re-
fusing to make improper selection for United
States Senator. The Republican majority IS respon-
sble for the and the place in history OF this Leg
islature That majority and Republican Governor
have done we'll by the people in legislation And that
majority has done still better by the people in its re-
fusa to sadden the spirit and tarnish the fame OF the
State by an election OF Senator that cannot be just
fed on the very highest grounds The Legislature
might have earned even more credit law making
body and yet lost all and the credit OF the Repub-
1ican party too by defiance OF public opinion and
public decency in the election OF Burns.
If the majority leave the seat vacant it will be clean
vacancy, and the best and most upright judgment in
the State will approve it. Then the party represented
by the majority will get the full credit and lasting
benefit OF the good legislation passed and the useful
economies effected and will go into the battle royal
OF 1000 under banner stainless as a star.
Every Republican is inspired by the prospect of
marching to that fight with incubus the party,
no smirch on its reputation no folly to explain,
offense 70 denv or admit Every one feels the thrill
OF a coming campaign which no ingenuity turn
into defense but which will be attack from the
sounding OF the long roll to the shouting that
nounces victory. The election OF Burns would have
made the campaign defensive and explanatory,
apologize and evasve from the II it had taken
place what could any supporter OF Burns make
to the enemys charge of bad faith promises forgot
ten pledges broken and professions hollow and de-
ceitful?
Where in the peculiar ranks of the Burns following
is the genius to answer what all would assert ii
he were made Senator? AS for those who last year
asserted the high purpose, pure aims, exalted mis-
sion and solemn faith of the party, and did it out OF
sincere conviction being deceived and made false by
the election of Burns, how could they be expected to
revamp broken pledges and make vestal again the
party purity destroyed by such abuse OF its power
and misuse of its majority?
The members of the majority in the Legislature de
sire that their work shall be justified of the people
and that it shall be vindcated by the election of
Republican succession. The Governor does not wish
the calamity to him and the thwarting of his ideals
that would be involved in the election OF an adverse
Legislature in the middle of his term.
All these evils that frown above the political hori
zon OF the future will sink below it if the Republican
members stand by their set purpose to leave clean
vacancy in the Senate rather than deh1e the seat