OPENING OF THE NEW HOUSE OF LEGISLATURE IN CALIFORNIA.

North Otago Times, Volume 1, Issue 13, 19 May 1864, Page 2 (Supplement)

OPENING OF THE NEW HOUSE OF LEGISLATURE IN CALIFORNIA.

The proceedings at the opening of the New Houses of Legislature in California, which took place on the 7th of December last, aie curious in their way. After swearing 1 in the men bers, both houses (the Senate and the Assembly) proceeded to the election of their officers, commencing with the president and speaker, respectively, and afterwards ''grinding out clerkships at the rate of one in every ten minutes." The various candidates were chosen by ballot. Of the successful candidates, four — namely, two in the Senate, and two in the Assembly' — were editors of newspapers, and one (the chief clerk), a Baptist minister. The sergeant-at-arms in the popular Assembly, a Mr Rider, we are told, " stands about six feet two inches in bis stockings, and his imposing presence is calculated to have a pacifying influence on the obstreperous, should there be any such this winter." Next came up the chaplaincy question, when it was proposed to have one, to have none, to have several, to have all the clergy in the city, and, lastly, to invite all the loyal clergy. It was finally resolved to elect one chaplain, at per diem of 5dols., and the Hew Mr Biggs, Methodist minister, Methodist minister, was chosen on the first ballot. Resolutions were adopted, allowing each member five daily newspapers, or their equivalent in weeklies; calling for a committee to prepare rules ; and allowing 25dols.' worth of postage stamps and envelopes to each member during the session. A proposition to have the postage stamps paid for in greenbacks, the amount fixed at the present market value of that currency, caused a funny discussion. Resolutions were passed, appointing " a paper-fo'der at 5dols. per diem." and allowing stationery to " all regular newspaper reporters admitted to the Assembly."