Year: 1859

suDstantlated except perhaps, this elgntn one


and all that be said of that is that the action


was certainly very imprudcnt. Leaving that
charge out, (and am willing to admit all those


things to be true,) take the report of the COM


mittee supposed to be impartial. for my guide,
and can find nothing in it. | ask every gentle
man on this floor | ask every man in the State
to read this report. and they will be forced to
acknowledge that no one charge is substantiated
against the Chief Warden of the Prison. Take
the report itself without regard to evidence or
rebutting testimony, and to my mind all these
charges as shown amount to nothing. But have
occupied the time of the House much longer than
| intended | have but this to say in conclusion.
! Notwithstanding these charges, even had the
committee shown that Gov. Walkup had not per-
formed his duty thoroughly. still it has no refer
ence whatever to this bill. 1t is not shown that
| Gov Walkup was not at the Prison. or that he
did not perform his duties as Chief Warden of
that Prison faithfully. That is not charged. II
is not shown nor charged that he squandered the
moneys of the State. The whole charges sub
stantiated summed up simply amount to an allie
cation of Gov. Walkups participation in an out
side affair that has nothing at all to do with the
question before We have nothing to do with
this act with the character of the man. | ad-
| vocate this claim because consider it just one.
have shown by the law that it is legal. know
it was the understanding at the time the law
passed, that Gov Walkup should receive SlOa
day while acting as State Prison Director in the
service of the State.


The other day stated could procure addi-
tional evidence in relation to this matter. had
file of the Union of last year. | supposed l
could find the views expressed by members at the
time of the passage OF the act, there set down.
have looked over that file and find the debate
upon it was not reported | am satisfied if we
had the report of that debate we would find the
intention and the understanding to have been
that Gov. Walkup should receive SO a day while
at the Prison


Mr. Sheridan rose TO n point of order. The
time of the House was valuable, and the gentle
man had already spoken thrice the time allowed
by the rules Besides, he (Sherdan) wished to-
offer u report.


Mr.. Stratton. | ask the indulgence of the
House for moment more. Let me say to the
gentleman (Sheridan) that he will probably have
an opportunity to offer his report after while.
am well aware that this session is nearly at its
close. | have occupied that Chair during the
entire session attempting to do the business as
ia rs possible, and prevent members from taking
up too much of the time OF the House. Message


from the Senate was here announcedO 1t is un-
doubtcdy very desirable that members should
vote against appropriations. am much opposed
to them myself. But | have this confidence in
my constituents, believe they are honest. be-
lcvc they are willing to pay every dollar the
State owes. They are willing to pay their taxes.
They are not in favor Of theving bills, but they
did not send me here to vote against every ap-
prorriation. No sir. | suppose there mem
bcrs here who think such their duty. and that
their constituents will honor them for it. | know
of members here that will vote against making
appropriation for their own pay They do so
knowing full we'll the ma jority will vote differ


nty and carry the measure, and they thus with
out any loss to themselves, earn the reputation of
economical members But there is not man of
tlem-thcre is not one here who will hesitate or
II, & ect to 90 down to the Treasurers office every
Saturday and draw their portion. They bitterly
opl osc the appropriation, but after it is made
never omit securing What of it comes to them. |
do remember last year there was gentleman
from Sacramento, (Stout,) who refused to take
the postage allowed him. Many opposed the ap-
preparation, but of all he was the only man who
was consistent. and refused to accept what he had
| opposed rs wrong. He was an honest man and
certainly voted honestly when he voted against
the appropriation. suppose there are members
here who will not dare to vote for this bill,
although perfectly conscious that it is Just and
legal claim against this State for scrv ce per
formed. They suppose if they can but return
home and say to their constituents they have
voted against every bill appropriating money for
any purpose they will be endorsed. | will return
to mine and they will endorse me for voting for
and adv coating this bill. They will endorse me
for voting for any approp aion that is right and
Just | live in county where the people are
willing and ready to pay their honest debts, and
those of the State Of which they form part. In
conclusion must say that this claim will event
ually be paid. If not paid now it will be here
after. 1t is simply question of time. | have
nothing more to say.