The San Francisco call., 1903-01-07

BUBONIC PLAGUE FARCE.
In regard to the false reports of the ex-
istence Of bubonic plague in San Fran
cisco the Governor writes an interesting
and emphatic review of the situation and
gives copies of the correspondence which
had to do with the affair. He calls at
tention to his own line of conduct, and
has some sharp things to say about Gov
eminent officials.
Regarding San Francisco's Chinatown
the retiring Governor says:
Notwithstanding that the reports Of plague
in the Chinese quarter Of San Francisco have
always be somewhat of q menace until better
sanitation is there enforced. Its uncleaniy
state and the mode OF lite and habits OF
many OF the Chinese residents seem to me 20
need legislative inquiry and approximate legis-
lation whereby unwholesome conditions may
as far as possible abolished and uerhaps it
might be we'll furthermore. to give careful
consideration to the advisability Of future
measures looking change in the location
of Chinatown.
The several State Hospitals for the In
sane. the Governor says, are we'll man
aged by the respective boards, and the
result is a most marked Improvement in
their condition.
The records of the prisons and reforms
schools and other institutions are re-
viewed at considerable length, and the
Governor then touches upon San Fran
cisco harbor improvements and the things
that have been done during his admins
tration.
PRAISE FOR UNIVERSITY
The University of California comes in
for a full measure Of laudation, and the
Governor urges its proper maintenance by
appropriations that may not be a burden
to the people OF public institutions gem
orally he says the conditions are most
satisfactory.
AS to constitutional amendments and
municipal charters the Governor writes:
L venture to call your attention to a mat
ter which, by reason Of its dfsintegrating
tendency seems to ME 10 be Dortentous OF
future probable peril to the local sovereignty
of the State. Constitutional amendments pro
posing large grants of power, especially TO
municipalities have been often loosely
worded bv their trainers in the Legislature
that after adoption by the people when
judcially construed. It becomes evident that
excessive power has been ceded, thereby limit
ing the sovereign functions of the people.
| strongly favor the right of cities and towns
to be free from legislative interference In
those purely local concerns which are neces-
sary for their maintenance as municipal bodies.
have most sincere affection for city and
town government.
The municipalities are constantly gaining
the sovereignty which the State is losing.
Once enfeeble the state by undue and un-
instead of sustaining its well-poised balance
between the people Of the State and the Fed
eral Government 1t will become Amere political
shadow BILE the hand to resist the
centripetal force of Federalism or on the
other. the centrifugal force of municipalisTn.
This policy is not in accord with the form
of government which our patriotic forefathers
founded is history wanting in illustrations
where such policy has wrought rain to free
political institutions. I regard this excessive
growth of municipal power a peaceful mode
of secession from the State and an uncOn-
seious blow against the States integrity. and
indirectly unpstriotic assault upon national
existence.
As these amendments infexibly affect funda-
mental rights and the Governor has nc
voice in their passage II becomes your solemn
duty TO investigate more closely these pro-
posed amendments than proposed laws and TO
place item far above and beyond the power
and influence of !obbies.
nv career in office has not been one Of
pleasurable ease have l ever sought, at
the expense of public duty. my own ag-
grandizement. Mistakes may have been made
sometimes perhaps through want of that dip
lomatic tact which graces many in public life
and which too often deceives but for such
and all mistakes. wherever made, 1 shall be
answerabe the Judgment of fellow
citizens in the quiet and just criticism OF
private life. Having. however. always kept
before me as my guiding light what | con-
ceived be and cherished the people
interests. upon this the eve. of retirement. L
feel that. actuated by sense of right and
Justice to all my fellow citizens l have striven
with my best and for the best