Some reformer had introduced a bill providing for a complete new code of criminal procedure.  It had been referred to the appropriate committee and in due time it made its report.  I still can see the committee chairman, a country doctor, as he stood and shook a long finger at the members before him, saying:  “Mr. Speaker, we ask that this measure be read in full to the Assembly.  I want you to know that I have been obliged to hear it, and I am bound that every member of the house shall hear it.”

My conclusion at the end of the session was that the people of the state were fortunate in faring no worse.  The many had little fitness; a few had large responsibility.  Doubtful and useless measures predominate, but they are mostly quietly smothered.  The country members are watchful and discriminating and a few leaders exercise great power.  To me it was a fine experience, and I made good friends.  I was interested in proposed measures, and would have willingly gone back the next term.  Some of my friends sounded the political boss of the period and asked if I could be given a place on the ticket.  He smiled and said, “We have no use for him.”  When the nominating convention was held he sent in by a messenger a folded piece of paper upon which was inscribed the name of the man for whom they had use—­and my legislative career was at an end.

I went back to my printing business, which never should have been neglected, and stayed mildly by it for eleven years.  Then, there being a vacancy on the Board of Education, I responded to the wish of friends and accepted the appointment to help them in their endeavor to better our schools.

John Swett, an experienced educator, was superintendent.  The majority of the board was composed of high-minded and able men.  They had turned over the selection of teachers to the best-fitted professors of the university and were giving an economical and creditable administration.  If a principalship was vacant, applications were apt to be disregarded, and the person in the department considered most capable and deserving was notified of election.  There were, however, some loose methods.  All graduates of the high schools were privileged to attend a normal class for a year and then were eligible without any examination to be appointed teachers.  The board was not popular with the teachers, many of whom seemed to consider that the department was mainly for their benefit.  At the end of the unexpired term I was elected a member of the succeeding board, and this was continued for five years.

When the first elected board held a preliminary canvass I naturally felt much interest as to my associates, some of whom were entire strangers.  Among them was Henry T. Scott, of the firm of shipbuilders who had built the “Oregon.”  Some one remarked that a prominent politician (naming him) would like to know what patronage would be accorded him.  Mr. Scott very forcibly and promptly replied: