Lewis and Glascock given leave of absence.
Beerstetcher moves to have the Journal printed daily and 5 copies given to each member every morning. This would allow the members to double-check the vote tallies.
Barnes sarcastically moves to send the resolution to the Committee on Expenditures and Contingent Expenses because the people of California area already groaning under the burden of taxation.
Reynolds: “My facetious friend from San Francisco has talked away five dollars worth of time upon that point. Perhaps I will exceed him in expense to the state.” (p. 55) There would be no greater expenditure than in publishing and binding the daily journal, and the secretary can’t be heard much of the time in the hall when he’s reading the journal.
Noel objects that choosing a reporter is enough. There’s no reason to incur additional expense.
Edgerton says he knows fro experience in the legislature that this sort of journal is very convenient. But he doesn’t see why five copies are necessary.
Beerstetcher says it was just a preliminary number, and if the convention chooses two copies instead, that would be fine. This journal would make it much easier to go back and keep track of what has been done. In every convention in the last 40 years, the journals have been printed in this way.
The motion is amended to two copies.
Edgerton explains that the cost over and above preserving the journals is very small. Tinnin agrees that it’s necessary, but five isn’t that much more cost than two copies. The matter is referred to the committee.
Noel offers a resolution that a committee be chosen to determine the reporter’s duties. This is tabled. Some members suggest printing copies of the California or federal constitutions, but this has already been done.
The convention returns to filling vacancies. Hager withdraws Burch’s name. While the roll is being called, Brown explains that he was elected on the basis of certain political views, and his constituents would want someone of similar views to replace him if his seat went vacant, so he will vote for Sharpstein.
7th ballot: Sharpstein (W) 61, Thompson (NP) 69. Thompson wins.
Convention moves to fill Haight’s seat. Van Dyke nominates J. West Martin. He’s a UC Regent and has endorsements from all of the Alameda delegates and most of the delegates from the second congressional district, and he shares the views of Haight.
O’Sullivan: “As we, the delegates of the Workingmen’s Party, have appealed in vain to the sense of justice and magnanimity of this convention, to regard the will of the people in the election of Judge Sharpstein to fill the vacancy from that city, I feel under no obligation to pay any regard to the desires of the majority here in filling the vacancy from the Second Congressional District. I shall certainly not vote for Mr. Peachy, the author of the infamous Coolie bill of eighteen hundred and fifty two and eighteen hundred and fifty three.”
Howard calls him to order, and Barnes points out that Peachy has not yet been nominated, so these remarks are out of order. Howard says Peachy won’t be nominated. Dudley says O’Sullivan should be allowed to proceed in order. O’Sullivan nominates G. Thom, a Workingman. The chair closes nominations and voting begins, but Reynolds asks leave “to place in nomination the name of that inveterate foe of corporations, that life-long friend of the people, the name of that great and good man, Leland Stanford. I do this, Mr. Chairman, on the ground that I prefer to deal with principals rather than agents. The suggestion—”
The President: “It is out of order for the gentleman to make any remarks while we are voting. The gentleman can make his nomination, but not a speech. [Cries of ‘Leave,’ ‘Leave.’] If there be no objection, the gentleman may go on with his speech. The gentleman has leave to proceed.”
The debates record: “Mr. Reynolds did not avail himself of the privilege.” (p 56.)
Voting: Martin 87, Thom 3, Stanford 2.
The convention goes on to fill the vacancy created by Hardwick’s death. Tully nominates J.M. Strong, a well-known farmer from Merced County. Brown seconds. Stedman nominates S.O. Lapham “for the suffrages of the Workingmen’s delegates of this Convention, at least.” (p. 57). During voting, Barry explains that he will vote for Strong on the same principle that he voted for Sharpstein; that the constituency’s wishes should be consulted. Lindow complains about the members who refuse to vote. Wilkes says that since his vote “Would not do any good anyhow,” he will “vote for that good, patient, and long-forbearing man, Theodore Tilton.” Strong wins with 107 votes to Lapham’s 3. Reynolds votes for Leland Stanford, Ringgold votes for M.D. Boruch, Smith of San Francisco votes for Peter Donahue, Wilkes votes for Theodore Tilton, Steman votes for Dr. Mary Walker, and Wellin votes for Henry Ward Beecher. Convention adjourns.
