Year: 1868

MY APOLOGY.


NV silence of last week must he attributed
to climatic causes. to the malarious influen-
ces incident to the climate of the Capital.
A severe cold completely prostrated my
physical system and compelled me to keep
my room during nearly the whole of last
week consequently, was unable to fulfill
my engagement as correspondent OF the
CHRoNIcLE, and if my letter was missed by
a single one of your readers, ask that the
cause of nv silence be considered. that may
not be adjndged guilty of wilfully neglecting
my duty.


THE TRIP TO OAKLAND.


I Welded to the solicitations of friends and
accompanied the Legislature to Oakland, on
Saturday last, more for the purpose of recu-
perating my exhausted system by change
of climate. than the anticipation of any real
pleasure that might be derived from the trip.
Its beneficial effects upon my health was
much more than anticipated, and the pleas
ure derived more than compensated for any
trouble imposed upon me.


Oakland did the fair thing and everybody
appreciated the favor. Free carriages were
at the service of guests and every pains was
taken to show to the visitors all the wondrous
sights and attractions of the beautiful and
thriving city; her schools, her colleges, her
public institutions, beautiful parks and
pleasant drives were all duly inspected, ad-
mired and praised. Eulogiums were passed
upon Dame Fortune for the kindness she
evinced toward the people of Oakland by
sending them to dwell in such pleasant places,
and fancy that than Wis loft
the green shores of the Contra Costa with
something of envy ranking in their bosoms.


The dinner prepared for the guests and
spread in the large hall of the college build
ing, was sumptuous affair. Champagne
was freely drank toasts were given and re-
sponded to in hearty good earnest, and at
about seven o'clock, P. NJ, the assemblage
was dispersed in the best of humor.


The proposed site for the State University
is one of the best that could be selected in
the State. Located five miles from the city,
at the foot of the mountains, on high table
land, most magnificent view of the sur
country. the Bay and city of San
Francisco and the Golden Gate, far out on
the bosom of Old Ocean, is obtained. Here,
in the future. will be the center of learning
upon the Pacific. Long hence, when the
present generation shall have passed away,
and many, very many, that now cumber the
earth are forgotten, the statesmen, poets and
philosophers of our land will proudly claim
Oakland as their Alma Mater.


THE LEGISLATURE


resumed work yesterday afternoon. when
resolutions condemning Congress and sus-
tainlng the President in his act of suspending
Stanton, were passed by the Assembly. To-
day 1t has been wet and cold and I have not
ventured out to attend the session but pre-
sumo that little of interest is being trans
acted.


THE REPEAL OF THE SUNDAY LAWS.


The several bills for the repeal of all ex-
isting statutes for the better observance of
the Sabbath, came up as the special order
last Friday, and after long discussion were
postponed by q very decided
vote. Bills are now being proposed to
amend the existing laws that theatres may
be opened in San Francisco on Sunday
evenings.


THE OFFICE OF TAX COLLECTOR.


Mentzelrs Bill abolishing the office of
Township Collector and Assessor, and es-
the Office of District Collector and
Assessor does not go into effect till the first
Monday in March, 1870, consequently it does
not. in the least, effect the present incum-
bents of the office.


REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL.


The two Bills known as the Giltner and
Tully Bills, for the removal and permanent
location of the State Capitol have been made
the special order for the 3rd of March in
the meantime Assemblyman Angney intro
duced bill in the Assembly, on Friday last,
that will be taken as a substitute for both.
Bill provides that the Governor,
Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State,
Controller of State, Treasurer of State and
Surveyor General. shall constitute Board
Of State Capital Commissioners to act on be-
half of the State, with power to accept any
for the removal of the Capital,
that the authorities of San Jose may make
and also empowers the Common Council of
visors of Santa Clara county to enter into
bond in the sum of two hundred thousand
dollars, conditioned that there shall be erect
ed, in the city of San Jose, and conveyed to
the State on or before the first day of Oc-
looei loo0. Soou ohu suiACieiII UulIuliiSo lof
the accommo dation of both branches of the
Legislature and all State officers. The prop
osition made by the people of San Jose,
through Angney's Bill, Qor it can be con-
,idered in no other light than a proposition
for the removal of the Capital. is considered
a fair and Just one, and there is but little
loubt of its being accepted by the Legisla-
ture. Hitherto members have admitted that
Sacramento is not suitable place for the
permanent location of the State Capital, but
at the same time have expressed the opinion
that after SO much money has been expended
On the Capitol building here, it would be un-
wise policy to move the seat of government
TO some other locality; that the finances of
the State were in such condition that the
Legislature would not be warranted in aban-
doning work already nearly two-thirds
and mourning the expense of lay
ing new foundations and erecting a new
building. Argney's Bill, however, answers
all these objections with strong forcible ar
yuments. The people of San Jose offer to
build new Capital at their own expense,
and donate it to the State. What more can
the State ask What would be a fairer or
more liberal offere Surely if there is any
doubt of the suitableness of Sacramento for
the State Capitol-and there are grave
doubts-now is the time for the Legislature
to act and settle the question finally and
forever. and that the question will be settled
by moving the Capital to San Jose is gener-
ally admitted by all. Nc,