The San Francisco call., 1903-01-09
Pardee in Conference
With DeVlin and
Dunlap.
Measures to Rehabili=
tate Finances to
Be First.

~ ALL HEADQUARTERS. SAC
f RAMENTO. Jan. s-There was
81 an ominous rumbling in the po-
~ 4 litical volcano here to-day
which portends an early erup-
tion with more or less fireworks
and spectacular glamor. In other words,
it looks as though a big fight is on over
the question of legislative patronage,
Everybody thought this was finally
settled on Tuesday when the list of ap-
pointees was made up in caucus on the
basis of the increased allowance to the
members of both houses. The greed
shown by the city representatives on that
occasion, however. started an undercur-
rent of dissatisfaction among the country
Solons which broke loose to-day in howl
Of protest.
A special caucus of the Assembly Re
publicans was called at 1:30 O'Clock to
make some changes in the list of at
taches The soft, soothing strains Of
harmony throbbed on the ears of all
til somebody proposed another increase in
the Assembly patronage from Sl2 to $16
day. Then d sudden cyclone of wrath
burst forth and swept in eddying currents
through the chamber. The burden of that
last straw was too much for the country
members and the red flag of revolt was
raised. Such greed would not be further
tolerated, they declared. and the threat
was even made TO reduce the patronage
allowance TO the old figure of S. day.
The rebels were so dangerous in numbers
as well as in temper that the plum pick
ers beat a hasty retreat and withdrew
the offending motion. A temporary truce
was finally patched up and the caucus
adjourned, but the end IS not yet.
BILL TO REGULATE ABUSES.
Assemblyman Goodrich of Pasadena is
far from pacified and promises a war
to the knife on the floor of the Assem-
bly, He has also been pledged a large
and loyal following. Tonight Goodrich
is hard at work upon a bill which he pro-
poses to introduce at an early date to
regulate the abuses complained of in the
distribution of legislative patronage His
bill will provide that the State janitor
shall be made the permanent sergeant at
arms and that the appointment of all
attaches shall be taken from the mem
bers and placed in the hands of the
Speaker Of the Assembly
Every effort is being made to still the
storm. but Goodrich is in earnest and
says that neither he nor his followers can
be called off
Another subject which is engaging the
close attention of the party leaders is
what action will be taken on the legfs-
lation recommended by Governor Pardee
in his inaugural address, especially the
tax levy and the heritage of debt left by
the Gage administration.
The Governor himself is diplomatically
uEcommunicative in this matter and puts
off all inquiries with the explanation that
the plans for legislation would be preua
tUre until the committees of the two
houses nave been selected. AT the same
time the new executive held a long Sc
cret consultation with Senator Devlin and
Assemblyman Dunlap this afternoon The
significance of this protracted conference
rests upon the fact that Devlin has been
promised the Craftsmanship Of the Senate
Finance Committee, while DunIap is TO
boss the Ways and Means Committee of
the Assembly. All appropriation bills
such as would be necessary in adjusting
the tax levy and settling the States in
debtedness, must pass through the hands
of these two committees