The record-union., 1899-02-01


Of the year.
O'Brien, moving the adoption of the
resolution, explained in support of the
motion that the resolution called for no
appropriation from the State It asks
the National Government to make an
exhibit as 1t had done at Omaha and at
Atlanta, and to make an appropriation
therefor The exposition, he said, would
be of immense benefit to San Fran
lciSco, to California and to the nation
1t would bring together products and
people from all over the United States
and from all her newly acquired ter
ritOry. In answer to questions, O'Brlen
said the exposition was now assured.
All sorts of associations in San Fran
cisco had met together and organized,
and there was no longer airy doubt
This resolution was intended to insure
the interest and assistance of the Ma
tional Government. The resolution was
adopted.
CHURCHES EXEMPT
The Assembly yesterday declared that
henceforth all buildings held and used
strictly and solely for purposes of re-
iligious worship, together with SO much
of the ground on which they stand as
is necessary for their use and convent
ence, shall be exempt from taxation.
This is the substance of McDonald's
(Alameda) Constitutional Amendment
No. g. which was the second special or
der of the day.
Johnson spoke at some length on the
amendment. He had at first, been
suspicious of the measure, fearing it's
tendency might be toward that union
Iof Church and State which he regarded
as the most dangerous and insidious
foe to liberty. Hei claimed, however, to
have studied the amendment consci-
entiously for several days, and, in his
opinion, it was not only harmless, but
it submitted to the people proposition
which was right and just. He advo-
Gated the adoption of the proposition.
Mcdonald of Alameda spoke briefly,
but with emphasis, in favor of the
measure which he introduced.
White of San Francisco spoke strong
ly in support of the amendment. 1t
would not lead to a union of Church
and State, but to the preservation OF
the State There were elements of dis
organization and Decentralization grow
ing in the nation, and we should foster
and protect everything which tended
toward morality.
Feliz of Monterey, made a violent OPP
position speech. He said if his was the
only vote against it his reasons must
be known. He declared that the amend
ment would SOW the seeds of trouble
that would lead backward toward the
Dark Ages; that it was a distinct step
toward a union of church and State. 1t
was unjust to throw the burden of this
extra taxation upon those who might
not believe in any church at all. Feliz
claimed that the churches turned in
S240 600 annually, and that this would
fall heavily as an addition to the gen.
eral taxation.
Melick explained that the amendment
contemplated only the exemption of
church buildings and the ground on
which they stand, not church property
in general, and that the amount elm
mated would not amount to more than
one-t third of 1 per cent.
O'Brien said this was a very diff
ferent proposition from enacting an ar
bitrary law. 1t was merely PROPOSE
ton to submit the question to the peo-
pie, and why not let them decide? Why
disfranchise the people? He was for
the amendment.
Dibble said this was not question
of religion, but one of fiscal economy.
1t was simply a question as to whether
non-productive property used for
church purposes should be taxed. Orig
finally no church property was taxed in
California, for it was a Catholic coun-
try and exemption is the rule in all
Catholic countries. The decision Of the
Supreme Court which brought the
church property under the law declar-
ing that all property should be taxed
he considered a disgrace to the State
and an act which had been to it's detri-
ment. 1t had left California standing
alone as the only State which taxed the
churches.
On roll call, the amendment was
adopted, only Feliz and Crowley voting
no.
ONE BILL PASSED.
Muenter's A. B. go, amending the Po-
htical Code. relating to the general rev.
enue of the State and the property
liable to taxation for the purpose Of
revenue was the only bill which came
to third reading and final passage yes
terday.
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.
Twenty five bills and one Constitu-
tional amendment were introduced.
The titles are as follows:
Beecher-Toi amend the Political Code
and to add two new sections thereto,
relating to revenue and taxation. Judi
ciary.
Conrey-Authorizing Boards of Edu-
cation of cities and cities and counties,
and Trustees Of school districts, to es-
tablish and maintain truant schools,
and to erect and provide buildings
therefor, and to employ officers and
teachers and other employees therein,
and to provide for the commitment of
habitual truants 10 such schools Edu-
cation.
Raw-To amend the Act creating the
office of Lake Tahoe Road Commits
sioner, defining his duties, and making
an appropriation of 100000 for his
salary and expenditures provided for
and authorized by this Act
/ Cowen-To amend the Civil Code and
to add new section Judiciary
Meserve--Making an appropriation of
S259,o9o.3O to pay for the support of
the Southern California State Hospital
for the fifty-first, and fifty-second fiscal
years. Ways and Means
Knowland-To amend an Act Gre
ating Board of Commissioners Of the
Building and Loan Associations, giving
said board certain powers anG duties.
Corporations.
To amend an Act creating a Board of
Commissioners of the Building and
Loan Associations and prescribing their
duties and powers, relating 70 the pro.
| cedure in cases of associations Violating