We were summoned in extra session to act on matters affecting the railroads.  It was at a time when they were decidedly in politics.  The Central Pacific was generally credited with controlling the legislative body of the state.  A powerful lobby was maintained, and the company was usually able to thwart the passage of any legislation the political manager considered detrimental to its interests.  The farmers and country representatives did all in their power to correct abuses and protect the interests of the people of the state, but the city representatives, in many instances not men of character, were usually controlled by some boss ready to do the bidding of the railroad’s chief lobbyist.  The hope for decency is always in free men, and they generally are from the country.

It was pathetic at times to watch proceedings.  I recall one instance, where a young associate from San Francisco had cast a vote that was discreditable and pretty plainly indicated corrupt influence.  The measure he supported won a passage, but a motion for reconsideration carried, and when it came up the following day the father of the young man was seated by his side as the vote was taken.  He was a much-respected plasterer, and he came from his home on a hurried call to save his son from disgrace.  It was a great relief when on recall the son reversed his vote and the measure was lost.

Of course, there were punitive measures, unreasonable and unjust, and some men were afraid to be just if the railroad would in any way be benefited.  I tried to be discriminating and impartial, judging each measure on its merits.  I found it was a thankless task and bred suspicion.  An independent man is usually distrusted.  At the end of the session a fine old farmer, consistently against the railroad, said to me:  “I couldn’t make you out for a long time.  Some days I gave you a white mark, and some days a black one.  I finally give you a white mark—­but it was a close shave.”

I was impressed with the power of the Speaker to favor or thwart legislation.  At the regular session some Senator had introduced a bill favoring the needs of the University of California.  He wanted it concurred in by the Assembly, and as the leading Democrats were pretty busy with their own affairs he entrusted it to me.  The Speaker favored it, and he did not favor a bill in the hands of a leader of the house involving an appropriation.  He called me to his seat and suggested that at the reassembling of the Assembly after luncheon I should take the floor to move that the bill be placed on the first-reading file.  He knew that the leader would be ready with his pet bill, but he would recognize me.  When the gavel fell after luncheon three men leaped for the floor.  I arose well at the side of the chamber, while the leader stood directly in front, but the Speaker happened (?) to see me first, and the entrusted bill started for speedy success.

It is always pleasant to discover unsuspected humor.  There was a very serious-appearing country member who, with the others of a committee, visited the State Prison at San Quentin.  We were there at the midday meal and saw the prisoners file in to a substantially laden table.  He watched them enjoy the spread, and quietly remarked, “A man who wouldn’t be satisfied with such food as that deserves to be turned out of the State Prison.”