Year: 1866

ches of the Legislature has, during the present
week been attracted to the discussion in the
Senate of Smith bill repeating the Specific Con-
tract Act. Three days were spent in discussing
the matter, and though the measure is dead be-
lieye that the extended consideration given it has
tended to throw much light on the subject, and
to those whose minds open for conviction
or information excellent opportunity has been
afforded to look at the subject in all its different
bearings. The question of constitutionality of
the Act Of Congress making the currency legal
though the advocates of the law as it stands diff
fered widely on that proposition, several declar-
ing their belief that it was clearly unconstitu-
tional, others that it was unlawful for Congress
to adopt such currency except as war meas
ure, while still others contended for the contnu-
lone. Now, viewing the subject in unpreju-
diced light, and with due Difference to the able
arguments produced by the coin advocates, it
cannot be denied that the authorities bearing on
the subject settles that question beyond cavil,-
If, admitted by several of the adherents
Of the present law, the act of Congress was le-
gal by virtue of the necessity of the situation,
the Legislature of 1863 was guilty of clear act
of notification, and in future time when prece-
dents will be looked to as authority in matters
wherein the laws of Congress are called in ques-
ton, | fear that this unjustiiable action on the
part of the State of California will rebound with


irresistible force against the very interests which
hah IN tn
by unqualified adherence to the Constitution
and laws of the United States. At present am
inclined to think that it is perhaps impractical
BILE to change our currency, although a gradual
change to paper currency would, apprehend
work less disastrously than generally believed.
except with capitalists of San Francisco. How
ever, as there is SO much which might be said
and considered in this connection, and as the op-
portunity will be afforded you to reproduce the
efforts of the speakers on both sides, will not
incumber your columns with the views of one
who is comparatively lukewarm on the subject,
leaving the unconsttutionality of the Act of '63
out of the question. Senator Pratt, of Sierra,
made fine argument in favor of the repeal, and
though occupying an unpOpulr position, he will
still be justified in his views by q discriminating
people in time to come. His argument is we'll
worth reading, and the gentleman deserving the
sympathy of even those who differ with him on
the impracticability of the measure for the indie
pendent position assumed by him on a question
of such vital interest to the people of the State.


In the Assembly, little has been done this week
Hopper, of Sacramento, introduced a bill repeal
ing the Specific Contract Act. A bill creating
the county of lnyO, and which is to be taken
from the eastern portion of Tulare and the SOU
thcrn portion of Mono counties, has passed to
engrossment in the Assembly. If Tulare cannot
support county organization with her present
7 u, -
an uphill proposition to maintain itself, with the
necessary membranes consequent upon the
formation of new county.


On Friday, the Assembly were engaged in an
expression of sentiment regarding the Monroe
Doctrine, and resolutions explaining the posi-
ton of the Legislature on the subject, and which
have the right ring about them, were adopted by
almost a unanimous vote-only two members OPP
posing them, Union man and the other
Democrat. As usual, Holden, of Mendocino,
claimed them a Democratic measure and al
though he may have atcred himself that this
would be conceded in order to get an expression
of opinion on their part in favor of the reSolu-
tions, any such proposition was disclamed by Tn
ion members, who held them the Dcmocruts) re-
sponsible for our present humliating position on
Mexican affairs. Godoy, the Mexican Minister,
paid each branch Il visit this week and was re-
ceived with due Difference by both bodies. The





oppressed neighbor, and if anything is indicated
in the manner in which they were given, pre-
sumo that members generally mean that Mexico
must be protected.


On the same day the Assembly having taken
IL recess of one hour. and the time arriving for
afternoon session with neither the Speaker or
Speaker, pro tem., present. the Clerk called the
House to order, and on motion Eager. of Alamo
da, was chosen to preside. There being no quo
rum present, call of the House was ordered
and while proceeding the Speaker, Yule, came
in took his seat called the House to order, and
demanded the authority for such transactions.-
Several points of order were raised, amid consid-
cradle confusion, and after spending nearly two
hours in discussing questions of order. motion
was made to adjourn, and though it is insisted
that two-thrds voted against adjournment
the Assembly was declared adourned-probaby
to avoid a continuation of the burlesque.


In the\Senate, your Senator, Mr. Jones, oppos-
ed the passage of the bill giving the right of
way to the Pacific Telegraph Company, as in con-
travention to the statutes by which the old Com
pany hold the exclusive franchise. He favored
the reference of the bill to the Judiciary Com
mttee to ascertain whether not the State was
acting in bad faith towards the old Company
The bill was passed, and Mr.. Jones gave notice
of a motion to reconsider.


Johnson's 5 bill to repeal the law excluding al
len enemies from Courts of Justice, came up in
the Senate on Friday, and it is remarkable with
what avidity the gentleman could squirm out of
former positions relating to constitutional objec-
tions to different measures. Why, about fort
night since he telling the Senate how he
vered the name and memory of Abraham Lin
coin, yet voted with the honest secessionists
against adjQurning over the lamented patriots
birthday on Saturday last.


A bill has been introduced in the Senate by the
on Agriculture to tax dogs, and have
no doubt will become law. believe a bill has
been introduced in the Assembly to make it the
duty of county Clerks and Treasurers to sign all
Foreign Miners licenses, and from what can
learn the law will be made general in its appl-
cation.


There is much business remaining before the
Legislature, and do not predict an early ad-
journment. Several MURDERS suicides, ETC., have
occurred in our vicinity lately, but as they are
matters of secondary Importance nowadays,
will not repeat them. y.


BucHANAN's BooK.-Referrng to this last pro-
auction of the old Pub. Func., the Louisville
journal says 80 Buchanan has committed fool
,sn waste OF toll, time and money, in writing and
ffuohsnihga book to vindicate his course just be-
flt