Year: 1870

During the campaign that preceded the


last election the condition of those counties
that were hopelessly in debt, together with
the necessity that something should be done
for their relief was very generally discussed
by the candidates for legislative positions in
those counties. and by the press throughout
the State. This is matter of the greatest
Importance to the people of these counties.
,ure and If something is not done for their re-
lief at tLis session, the last opportunity will
have passed away. or at least little hope can
be entertained after the apportionment of
members to the Legislature shall he made on
the census of 1870, which will reduce the re-
presentation of the Mining Counties, to such
extent that they will receive no other benefits
except those the agricultural and commercial
interests may see proper to extend them.


That necessity exists calling for relief
cannot be denied. It is not expected nor
asked that the State shall assume the whole
Indebtedness of these counties, but it is be-
leved that ii can consistently aid in the paw
ment of that class of Indebtedness which was
contracted with an expectation of benefting
and enrching San Francisco. and other por-
tiors nearly as much the counties which
assumed such Indebtedness. The State au-
tborized and required by legislative act that
certain roads should be built and bonds be
issued for the payment of their construction.
In many cases these roads were built, debts
created and bonds issued wholly by virtue of
the action of the Legislature. without vote
of the people authorizing these things to be
done. Such was the fact in this county in
relation to the Mono road. If the authority
had not been given by the State we would
not now owe one dollar for making improve
ments for the benefit of all parts of the State.
Having thus allowed these counties toinvolve
themselves for the public benefit, it does seem
in equity that the State can and should aid in
the payment of this Indebtedness.


The whole amount required for the relief of
all the counties is not large, the State is in
condition to advance it, by doing so an op-
portuuity will be given to these poor coun-
ties to extrcate themselves from the heavy
depression that is now weighing them down.
This can be done without loss to the State, as
it will come back in tho increased portion of
taxes that Will be received. AT present all
movable property that can be, is taken away
from this county to be taxed elsewhere.
Something should be done that will ensure
these counties in receiving the taxes on all
kinds and descriptions of property that is
used and enjoyed within their limits There
appears but little prospect oe reduction of
taxes or any change in the way of advance
ment unless the State either gives or lends us
some aid.


The people Of this county have anxiously
watched the proceedings of the Legislature
for some movement in favor of the Mining
Counties. Legislators in some of the coun-
ties were elected with an express understand
ing that they would do all they possibly
could for the relief of their counties. The
session of the Legislature is passing rapidly
away if any proposition is to be laid before
that body, the time has arrived for the meas
ure to be put forward. Nothing can be ac-
comrlished without trying, 1t is duty that
the members from these counties owe their
constituents to make trial. If after sub
mitting reasonable propositions with earnest
ness, they are unsuccessful they will have
performed their duty and will not be sub
jected to censure