Scrapbook 2 | clerk.assembly.ca.gov

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First newspaper clipping reads:

21 Assemblymen

3- Republicans re-elected 23 State Assemblymen, to the Democrats’ 16.

Congressmen Welch, San Francisco; Englebright, Nevada City; Carter, Oakland, and Gearhart, Fresno, were the Republicans who added Democratic nominations to those of their own parties.

Congressmen Buck, Vacaville, and Kramer, Los Angeles, were Democrats re-elected at the primary.

In fourteen congressional districts there must be November run-offs.

Senate Primary

Smoke of the State Senate primary, voting cleared to show bipartisan choice of:

Republican-Senators Powers, Eagleville; McColl Redding’ Seawell, Roseville; Gordon, Gordon Valle; McCormack, Rio Vista; De Lap, El Cerrito; Nielson, Sacramento; Parkman, San Mateo; Jespersen, Atascadero.

Democratic - Senators Pierovich, Jackson; Cunningham, Hanford; McBride, Ventura.

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First Partisan Fight in 40 Years Marks Meeting of Legislature

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and useful attaches might do more harm than good.

Make Clean Sweep

Nevertheless, Democratic assemblymen decided in caucus late today to make a clean sweep of officers. Smythe, San Francisco, for chief clerk, in place of Arthur Ohnimus, veteran, and to place Del Smith in the position of sergeant-at-arms, replacing Joseph Maloney, Sacramento.

The Bourbons refused to compromise with Republicans on any of the positions, and their caucus action was considered tantamount to final election.

W.P. Rich is slated

Reorganization of the Senate was effected without difficulty. Senator William O. Rich, Marysville, was elected president pro tem.

Lieut. Gov. George J. Hatfield is president of the Senate under the constitution and will be one of the main targets for Democratic barbs because he has declared his intention of seeking the governorship which the Democrats covet.

Lacking outstanding issues, the Democrats and their Republican rivals are expected to devote most of the session to political sharp shooting with Mr. Hatfield, with the Merriam Administration and Republican parties the targets for the Democrats and any and all Democratic leaders considered fair game by the G.O.P.

All Liberal

A spirit of liberalism was evident everywhere, with Republicans anxious to be even with or ahead of the Democrats in the presentation of legislation designed to help the less fortunate and alleviate suffering.

Social welfare promises to be one of the most important subjects to be considered.

One of the first pieces of business faced by the Senate was the settlement of the election contest between Senator Charles F. Reindollar and Thomas F. Keating, in the 13^th District, Marin County.

Mr. Keating, a Democrat, defeated Mr. Reindollar by a narrow margin Nov. 3, and Mr. Reindollar filed a protest, upon which the Senate must act before tomorrow night.

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Bourbons Seize Assembly Posts

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withdrew his candidacy in caucus, leaving the position to Rich.

GOP Has Senate

This contest was strictly between Republicans, the GOP controlling the upper legislative house, twenty five votes to fifteen.

E.W. Scammon of Westwood was elected senate minute clerk to serve with Secretary Joseph Beek of Balboa and Sergeant-at-Arms Joseph Nolan of Los Angeles.

Urge Non-Partisanship

On the face of the opening performances, the stage is set for a session of partisan bickering and conflict. Already some of the lawmakers in both political camps, are on the actual legislative issues to be considered, seeing the situation as one which otherwise threatens a series of costly deadlocks between the Republican senate and the Democratic assembly.

This page displays 3 newspaper clipping but they are one story combined.

First part of the newspaper clipping:

Chinese Story in Graft Case is under Fire.

Brackett Makes Sweeping Denial of Statements by Herbalists.

Tells of Conference.

Chief Clerk of Assembly is called by Probe Committee.

By Merril Osenbaugh

Charges made by Chinese herb doctors that William R. Brackett of Oakland, sought to extort from them sums ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 were denied vigorously by the former assemblyman when he was called yesterday to testify before the legislative investigating committee.

He declared the statements made by the herb doctors were untruths and his only connection with them was to seek employment as lobbyist to aid in the defeat of the Chinese herb bill introduced by Assemblyman Eddie Smith of Oakland, which would regulate the use of the Oriental roots.

Resume Probe Today

The hearing will be resumed at 10 o’clock this morning after which the committee will go into conference. It is expected the findings will be made known some time tonight.

Assemblyman Eddie Smith and Senator Edgar Hurley will be called as witnesses. Hurley will be the first to testify.

Brackett absolved Senator Edgar Hurley of Oakland, of any connection with the alleged bribe charges, stating that the solon only appeared before Dr. Fong Wan, Chinese herb specialist of Oakland, to recommend him as a good man to lobby against the measure.

Denies “Split” Charge

In reply to charges made by Dr. Fong Wan that Smith, Hurley and L. E. Hood, attorney for the state board of pharmacy in Alameda County were to receive “cuts” from the sum to be raised by the Chinese, Brackett, said he mentioned a division of the money only as a means of legitimately defeating the bill.

He said he offered to defeat the bill for $5000 and that $500 would be necessary fro trips around the state appearing against the measure, a similar sum to entertain legislators and explain the provisions of the bill to them and possibly $2000 to $2500 for retaining an attorney to aid in a technical battle against the measure. The remainder, Brackett said, was to be his share as a lobbyist.

“I expected to pocket all I could,” he said.

Brackett further testified that the original sum mentioned to the Chinese was only $5000 and not $10,000, as claimed by the herb doctors in examinations before the investigation committee.

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Opposed Counsel

“I did say,” however,” said Brackett, “that it would cost them $10,000 if they went to the trouble to retain attorneys to battle the measures. I said I could do the work just as effectively for them for half the amount because of my previous connection with the legislature, both as an assemblyman and as a lobbyist during the past two sessions.”

Brackett testified that the first time he knew of Smith’s herb bill was in a news story which he read at his cigar stand in Oakland.

“I said to myself at that time,” he told the committee, “here is a good bill to lobby against. So I went to Fong Wan and told him about it. His place of business is only a few doors away from where I live, so I dropped in on my way home.”

Asked for Copy

He told of telephoning to Senator Hurley in Sacramento and asking for a copy of the bill so he could give the Chinese additional details. He said he received only an outline…

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from the Oakland senator, which he showed to the Chinese. Later he received copies of the bill from Hurley, he testified, and submitted them to Dr. Fong Wan.

“After we talked the matter over several times, I brought Senator Hurley to the herb place at the request of the Chinese to recommend me for the job as a lobbyist.

“Hurley told me afterwards that he had heard there was some money on the bill and if that were true for me not to get mixed up. He also said he did not want to have anything to do with the bill if that was the case.”

Late in his testimony, Brackett told the legislative investigators that when the news stories about the extortion charges appeared Hurley called on him.

Urged to Tell Truth

“He told me,” said Brackett, “to tell the whole truth about the affair.”

When asked to repeat the actual statement made to him by Hurley after the bribe story had been given publicity, Bracket said:

“I would rather not, there are ladies in the room.”

Did not see Smith

Brackett said he does not know Smith, declaring he intended to see the Assemblymen about the bill had he been engaged as a lobbyist.

“I wasn’t going to see Smith,” he explained, “unless I was sure of some money for my services.”

In answer to the charges made by the Chinese that he was to receive $750 immediately and that the remainder was to be placed in the Bank of Italy in Oakland, he said:

“I told them to give me $750 right away and place the rest in the bank. If the bill was defeated I was to receive the rest of the money and if I was not able to defeat the bill I was not to receive the money.”

Ohnimus Testifies

Others who testified at the hearing yesterday afternoon were:

Arthur Ohnimus, chief Clerk of the assembly, Mrs. Lea Smith, office manager for Dr. Fong Wan; T. Wah Hing, Chinese herb doctor; Miss Dolores Burrell of Woodland and Miss Florence Murphy of Weed, assembly stenographers and Y. T. Dang, secretary of the Chinese Protective Association.

The stenographers testified they received employment through Charles Wilkinson, assembly sergeant-at-arms, to write letters for Chinese against the herb bill. They were to receive $5 per day for their services, which they testified, as yet they have not received.

Conversation Related

Mrs. Smith told the committee her only connection with the case was having heard her employed, Dr. Fong Wan, state that “It is terrible that Brackett and Smith would get…

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This page displays 2 newspaper clipping but they are one story.

First newspaper clipping reads:

Bay Solons Question on Extortion

No Evidence to Warrant Arrests, says Alameda County Prosecutor

Smith Invites Inquiry

Offers Resolution in Assembly and Speaker Appoints Committee of Five

Sacramento, Feb 25 – District Attorney Warren of Alameda County tonight made public a signed statement from T. Wah Hing, a Chinese practitioner, indirectly quoting former Assemblymen Brackett as saying that Assemblyman Smith was offered $500 by Charles Wilkenson, sergeant-at-arms of the Assembly, to kill the Smith Herb bill. The statement charges that Smith became angry with Wilkenson for his interference and that he, Smith had expected a larger sum.

By Earl C. Behrens

Chronicle Bureau, Sacramento, Feb 25 – The Assembly of the State Legislature today ordered a sweeping inquiry into the charges of Chinese herb doctors of Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco that an attempt was being made to extort thousands of dollars from them by certain members of the Legislature for their influence in defeating an anti-herb bill now pending before the lower house.

District Attorney Questions Legislators

Simultaneously with the naming of a committee of five by Speaker Frank F. Merriam to investigate the charges, District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County, here interrogating State Senator Edgar S. Hurley and Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, both of Oakland, two of those whose names are involved in the charges, announced that he would turn whatever evidence he had over to the Legislature and if sufficient evidence were produced to show that a crime had…

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Assembly Orders Inquiry into Herb Bill Graft Charges

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been committed he would start immediate prosecution of all parties.

Developments in the alleged extortion plot charged by the Chinese came rapidly today with the arrival of District Attorney Warren and Chief Police James T. Drew of Oakland.

Assemblyman Smith, author of the anti-herb bill and one of those named in the controversy, introduced a resolution in the lower house as soon as that body met this morning, asking for a full investigation of the charges.

The Assembly passed this unanimously and Speaker Merriam named Assemblyman Sidney T. Graves of Los Angeles to head a committee. The other members are: T. M. Wright of San Jose, author of the Wright act; George Cleveland of Watsonville, Frank L. Coombs of Napa and Isaac Jones of Ontario.

Assemblyman Smith brought into the picture the name of Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus of the Assembly and Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkenson of San Francisco. Both men declared that they were innocent of any wrong doing. Smith declared that Ohnimus had been the man who had told him that there was “$500 in it,” if the Assemblyman would not press hiss bill.

Ohnimus declared that he was “kidding” Smith about the matter and merely repeating a bit of gossip he had heard at Sacramento. Assemblyman Smith also drew the name of Assemblyman William B. Hornblower into the controversy with a declaration that the San Francisco Assemblyman, an avowed opponent of the measure, had been retained by the Chinese to fight the bill.

Following questioning of Senator Hurley, Assemblyman Smith, Ohnimus and Wilkenson, District Attorney Warren declared that there was “not sufficient evidence to warrant any arrest, but that if anything developed in this county to indicate that an offense had been committed the would turn the matter over to the Sacrament county authorities.”

“If a crime has been committed in Alameda County, I shall prosecute there.” Warren said. Warren declared that discrepancies in the story told him by former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland had been noted from the testimony taken here. Warren and Chief Drew spent this afternoon attempting to get information from local Chinese involved in the alleged attempt at extortion.

Ohnimus Visit Todd

Assemblyman Smith today told District Attorney Warren that Ohnimus had come to his house on February 12 and said: “There’s $500 in it if you’ll lay off the herb bill.”

Smith declared he answered: “I could get $5000 if I wanted it, but I’m not taking a dime, for I’m interested in it and will put it over.”

“You are foolish if you don’t take the $500,” Smith declared Ohnimus told him.

Ohnimus denied having made the remarks attributed to him by the Assemblyman, and declared that he dropped in to see Smith while en route to San Francisco with Wilkenson and had casually passed the gossipy information he had heard on the fund that the Chinese were raising to fight the bill.

It developed during the hearing that smith has taken exception to Ohnimus’ remarks and a difference of opinion arose.

According to Ohnimus, Smith later apologized to him for his haste in objecting to the chief clerk’s remarks.

Tells Story of Visit

According to Ohnimus, he and Wilkenson were on their way to their homes in San Francisco. They stopped doff early in the morning near Smith’s home, had a cup of coffee and decided to pay a visit to Smith.

Smith was abed and was awakened by his mother-in-law who invited Ohnimus into their home. Smith invited the pair for breakfast. Smith told the investigators that he took offense at Ohnimus’ remarks about the $500 and that Ohnimus answered: “Don’t think I’m coming here for any money; I’m just passing some gossip and information.”

Smith reiterated his statement of yesterday that Wilkenson had phoned him from Sacramento and that he had at first agreed to come up and talk to a local Chinese herb doctor and later changed his mind. He denied that there had been any intimation from him that he would be willing to “kill” the bill.

Smith declared that Dan Whelan of Oakland an assistant sergeant-at-arms of the Assembly, had told him that Jack Kelly, Oakland politician, had said that “the Chinese are raising money and that’s a dandy bill,” referring to Smith’s measure.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Smith in Herb Bill Threat

Call Bureau, Sacramento March 3 – William Brackett, central figure in the alleged legislative extortion plot, declared today during questioning by the investigation committee that he had asked Dr. Fong Wan for $5000, but that it was for lobbying purposes only. He denied any attempt to obtain a bribe.

By Allen McEwen

Call Bureau, State Capitol, Sacramento, March 3 – When state legislators from San Francisco gathered in that city to dine with Chinese herb doctors who wanted the herb bill of Assemblyman “Eddie” Smith killed, they also wined considerably, according to testimony today of Dr. T. Wah Hing, Sacramento herbalist, during the hearing before the Assembly committee investigating the extortion plot.

The banquet was given by the Chinese Protective Association, an organization formed solely to get the bill killed, it was disclosed.

Wine Served

Assemblyman T. W. Wright author of the Write prohibition act, brought out the fact that the legislators drank forbidden liquor at the banquet.

“Was wine served at the banquet?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied Hing, “but not very much.”

“Anyone drunk?”

“Not drunk, but everybody made speeches.”

“Who made the best speech?”

“All very good, but Mr. Hornblower made the longest.”

Dr. Hing also brought out the fact that Smith was the man who objected to Charles H. Wilkinson, sergeant at arms of the Assembly, discussing the bill with Chinese and had threatened to “get his job” because of his “meddling.”

Dr. Hing was a reluctant witness, his answers being drawn from him only by repeated questioning. So reluctant was he that he was asked if he had been told not to talk.

“I don’t want to talk too much,” replied Hing.

Gave Wilkinson $20

The witness also declared that he never had given Wilkinson $500 for aid in killing the bill, but said he had given him $20 for the purchase of stamps to send out letters against the bill to legislators. Stenographers to type the letters had been hired through recommendations from Wilkinson, the doctor said.

Other new revelations of the purported actions of legislators in deal-

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Herb Graft is Held ‘Proved’ By Chinese

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dealing with the Chinese Herbalists were brought out by the witness.

On February 6, Dr. Hing said, some white man whom he did not know came to him and told him about the bill and that it would be inimical to the interests of the herbalists. He went to Wilkinson and got six copies of the bill and discussed it with the sergeant at arms. Later on Wilkinson and Dr. Hing, the latter said, discussed the bill, but no offer of money was made. Later, he claimed, he heard from Dr. Fong Wan of Oakland that Smith was angry about Wilkinson’s taking an interest in the matter and that Smith had said to Dr. Wan he “would get Wilkinson’s job unless he stopped meddling.”

Brackett Next

William Brackett, former assemblyman of Oakland, will be called this afternoon. He is considered the “missing link” in the investigation, the man who, by his testimony, can connect up the testimony of the Chinese doctors with that of legislators involved in the scandal.

Enough has been disclosed thus far to convince the probers and the Legislature that there has been afoot a definite conspiracy to (word not readable) Chinese herb doctors out of between $4000 and $10,000 to insure the defeat of the now notorious “No. 440,” of which Assemblyman “Eddie” Smith of Oakland is author.

Herbalist Agree

Three Chinese herbalists already have testified, and their stories appear to agree in every essential respect. Each told of Brackett’s alleged proffer to kill the Smith bill. Likewise, they all agreed that the money was to be divided among Brackett, Senator Edgar Hurley and Assemblyman Smith. Also for the first time…

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for money to suppress the bill even before it was introduced. Brackett, they said, first asked for $10,000 and later cut the amount to $5000. Brackett said he needed $2500 for Smith. $750 for Hurley, $750 for himself and $500 for expenses, the witness declared.

In explaining why he tipped off Bracket to the trap set for him by the Oakland district attorney, Fong Wan showed that the efforts to extort money from him had not made him vindictive. In reply to a question from Assemblyman Coombs he said:

“In my heart I said to myself, I cannot stand to pass this marked money and send a young man like Mr. Smith to jail for a long time. I hated to put him in that trouble.”

Hurley Questions

Senator Hurley himself took a hand frequently in questioning the Chinese witnesses, particularly in connection with Fong Wan’s account of one of Brackett’s visits on which Brackett was accompanied by the visitor.

Hurley himself denied that he had been party to any negotiations for money to kill the bill, but both he and Fong Wan stated that during the visit in question Hurley had said that “bribery would be no good.”

Hurley got a laugh from the audience when he demanded to know of Fong Wan how often the latter had been arrested in connection with the illegal sale of narcotics and practicing medicine without license.

“Oh, lots a times,” was the Chinese’s laconic answer.

It now seem probable that no part in the investigation will be undertaken by the Senate. At its first meeting the Swing lobbyist committee organized and authorized the chairman to have lobbyist permits printed. No complaints against nay bill were received.

Barrel Size Dose of Cod Liver on Hope of Future

London, March 3 (By International News Service) – A Danish pharmacist claim to have succeeded in isolating a fat soluble, a vitamin in cod liver oil, making it possible to administer vitamins in tabloids, according to a dispatch to the Times from Copenhagen today. A quart of cod liver oil administered by this method will have the same effect as a barrel of the ordinary product, the dispatched added.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Money Offer is Charged Instatement

Charges Include Attache of House and One Assemblyman

$500 Sum Mentioned

Assembly Names Committee to Sift Accusation against Solons

Additional evidence was revealed last night by District Attorney Warren of Alameda County, in relation to the accusation of attempted extortion in relation to tow assembly measures aimed at Chinese herb doctors.

The latest allegation was contained in a signed statement from T. Wah Hing, well-known Chinese practitioner of this city, indirectly quoting former Assemblyman Brackett of Alameda as saying Assemblyman Eddie Smith, author of the bills, was offered $500 by Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Wilkinson to kill the measure.

Wah Hing’s statement was interpreted to District Attorney Warren and Chief of Police Drew of Oakland by Y. T. Dang, a wholesale herb dealer of Oakland and secretary of the Chinese Protective Association, which was organized to oppose the Smith herb bill.

The substance of the statement purported to relate a telephone conversation between Fong Wan, Oakland practitioner, and Hing, in which Fong Wan informed Hing of alleged extortion proposals. Quoting Brackett, Fong Wan advised Hing that Wilkinson had made an offer of $500 to Smith which, in effect, Smith had rejected as being too small. Brackett was quoted as saying that Smith was angry at Wilkinson for interfering and that he, Smith, “had the matter started in Oakland” and that Smith would come to Sacramento and cause Wilkinson to lose his job.

The signed statement follows:

“Sacramento, Cal, Feb 25, 1925.

“That Fong Wan told T. Wah Hing that Brackett told Fong Wan that Smith told Brackett that Wilkinson went and offered him (Smith) $500 for killing the bill. Smith got angry at Wilkinson because Wilkinson was meddling with the affair, since he (Smith had the matter started in Oakland and..

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Bribe Offer is recounted in Statement

Charges Include Attache of House and One Assemblyman

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expected a larger sum and that Smith would come to Sacramento and make him (Wilkinson) lost his job.”

The statement then recites that it was interpreted by Y.T. Dang from Chinese to English as T. W. Hing related the conversation between himself and Fong Wan.

District Attorney Warren gave out Hing’s statement shortly before he returned to Oakland. Earlier in the day members of the legislature and attaches of the assembly had been called before Warren and Chief of Police Drew for statements regarding the charges of attempted extortion. As a result of the charges the assembly has ordered an investigation and a committee to conduct the probe has been named by Speaker Frank Merriam.

Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, and Wilkinson were swept into the probe when testimony involving their names was introduced by Assemblyman Smith and Senator Edgar Hurley of Oakland, who were called before District Attorney Warren of Alameda County and Chief of Police Drew.

Smith told the Alameda officials that Ohnimus visited him in Oakland on Lincoln’s birthday and informed him that he could get $500 if he did not press the passage of his bill. According to District Attorney Warren, Smith said he made the following reply:

“I could get $5000 if I wanted it, but I am not taking a dime. I am interested in this bill and am going to try to put it over.”

Denies Charges

William Brackett, former assemblyman of Oakland, also involved in the charges, is alleged to have attempted extortion, although in Oakland yesterday he denied the charges and said any money he was to have received was to be paid him as a lobbyist to fight against the passage of the herb bill introduced by Smith during the first half of the legislative session. Sidney Graves of Los Angeles was appointed chairman of the investigating committee of five members. The other four members of the committee are:

Frank Coombs, Napa; T. M. Wright, San Jose; George C. Cleveland, Watsonville, and Isaac Jones of Ontario.

The resolution calling for the appointment of the investigation committee was introduced by Smith himself, who said he was anxious that the legislature get “at the bottom of this thing so that I can be cleared as soon as possible.”

A resolution calling for an investigation also was introduced by E. G. Adams of Livingston but it was not recognized by Speaker Merriam on the ground that the Smith resolution superseded it and contained practically the same provisions. A request that his resolution be read was denied by the speaker.

The testimony was taken by the Alameda County officials behind closed doors, during which time not only Smith and Hurley were questioned, but also Ohnimus and Wilkinson, who disclaimed any connection whatever with the sensational charges.

Arrests Not Planned

District Attorney Warren stated to newspapermen following the questioning of those said to be involved that evidence was not sufficient to warrant any arrests. He said, however, the probe will be continued and any evidence uncovered by him will be turned over to the special investigation committee appointed by Merriam.

Senator Hurley was called before the investigators to explain his visit to a Dr. Fong Wan, Chinese herb doctor of Oakland, with William Brackett, former assemblyman, at the latter’s request. His testimony corresponded with the statement he made Tuesday night to the effect that he recommended the former assemblyman as a lobbyist because of his experience at the legislature.

He told the committee that the Chinese doctor told him that he had understood money was being raised to bribe members of the legislature and asked Hurley’s opinion about it.

Senator Hurley told the investigators that he told Dr. Wan, the Chinese doctor in question, that bribery was not the proper method of procedure to feat the measure. Senator Hurley said he told the doctor the only way to defeat the measure would be to come to Sacramento and conduct a fight against it, and that if the bill was a poor one undoubtedly the legislature would defeat it.

Tells of Visit

When Charles Wilkinson, the assembly sergeant-at-arms, left the investigation committee room he told newspaper men that during the recess a Chinese doctor came to him of his office in the assembly and sough information as to how he could get in touch with Smith the author of the bill.

Wilkinson said he telephoned Smith at Oakland on behalf of the practitioner and conveyed the message that Chinese doctors wanted him to come to Sacramento for the purpose of discussing the measure. They agreed to pay Smith’s expenses should eh come, Wilkinson said, and Smith replied he would make the trip the following Monday. Later, the sergeant-at-arms declared, Smith telephoned him that he was unable to come to Sacramento and if the Chinese herbalists wanted to take the matter up they would have to go to his office in Oakland.

Before going to the investigation room Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, told a group of newspaper men that about two weeks ago he and Wilkinson drove to San Francisco for a short visit and stopped at Oakland en route.

“As I always do whenever I go to the city,” Ohnimus stated, “I called on as many of the members of the assembly as possible to see if my work is being carried on all right. We saw Eddie Smith in Oakland, and during the conversation, consisting chiefly of the clerical work in the assembly, I mentioned what I had heard in connection with his bill and of rumors I heard that there was money in it. This was said in a passing way and I was ‘kidding’ Smith when I said it.”

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Will Meet Today

Assemblyman Graves of Los Angeles, chairman of the investigating committee named by Speaker Merriam in accordance with Smith’s resolution, said last night that the committee would meet today to go over evidence.

In announcing the appointment of the committee Speaker Merriam has the following to say:

“The committee I have appointed I feel sure will meet with the approval of the legislators and I know the people of the state of California will recognize in them a group of men who will obtain all the facts in the case. I know that this committee will have a clear and straight forward report for the legislature and we know what they report back to us will be the facts.”

Two Attaches Are Censured

By Max Stern

Daily News Staff Correspondent

Sacramento, March 6 – Exoneration for Assemblyman Eddie Smith of Oakland of “all charges and insinuations of misconduct” in connection with his herb bill and a warning against “cinch” bills were contained in the report of the investigating committee today.

Charlie Wilkinson, sergeant-at-arms, and Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, were severely censured for their activities in connection with the measure.

Sen. Edgar S. Hurley’s name was not mentioned in the report, although he appeared before the committee to answer charges of Chinese herb doctors of attempted extortion and bribery.

The name of J. E. Hood of Oakland, Smith’s law partner and counsel for the State Board of Pharmacy, should not have been brought into the case, said the report. It declared he was entirely innocent of any wrongdoing.

“Bill such as No. 440 (the herb bill) which might be construed in this light (as “cinch bills”), said the report, “should be called to the attention of police or other authorities” and their support obtained. This, it was pointed out, would prevent suspicion of the real motive for introducing them.

The testimony of Wilkinson and Ohnimus was reviewed at length and discrepancies pointed out.

The activies of these two men, said the report, was “entirely unwarranted.”

Ohnimus also said he had nothing to say.

But Wilkinson was indignant.

It’s rotten,” he declared. “I’d do it all over again to help the Chinese.”

Anticipating that the next move would be an attempt to oust Wilkinson and Ohnimus, several membres of the San Francisco delegation met after the assembly session to plan opposition to such an action.

The Assembly will take up the report Monday afternoon.

It is understood that the administration forces, led by Assemblyman Henry E. Carter of Los Angeles, will offer a resolution for the ousting of Ohnimus and Wilkinson.

C. William Booth, Assembly minute clerk, is said to be the administration candidate for Ohnimus’ successor. “Doc” C. E. Whiteside of Los Angeles is reported to have been selected to succeed Wilkinson.

Resent ‘Buck Passing’ to Attaches as ‘Joke Plot’ Grows Serious

By Alan McEwen

Call Bureau, State Capitol, Sacramento, Feb 26 – Oakland investigators probing into the Chinese herb bill extortion scandal, departed from Sacramento last night leaving behind the conviction, that there would be no convictions.

Today, however, the Assembly committee appointed to make an investigation for the Legislature plans to get under way and its members are declaring with high moral fervor that the entire matter will be probed to the bottom.

The legislative attitude toward the scandal has changed overnight. When the Chinese herb doctors’ charges of attempted extortion in connection with Assemblyman Smith’s bill to regulate the sale of herbs first “broke,” the Legislature was inclined to treat the matter a good deal as a joke.

Would Clear Skirts

Since the investigation was brought home to them from Oakland, members of the Legislature now feel it incumbent on them to clear the state law making body of any odium that may attach to it in the public mind as the result of the activities of some of its members and former members.

There also is considerable indignation at what appears to be an effort of those first involved to “pass the buck” to subordinate attaches of the Assembly. And it is also to be borne in mind that there are important political aspects of the situation, since the members directly involved are of the administration following.

Assemblyman Sidney Graves of Los Angeles, chairman of the investigating committee appointed by Speaker Frank Merriam, had this to say of the committee’s purposes:

“The committee will proceed with absolute justice. There will be no politics played and there will be no partiality.

“For years there have been rumors of crookedness in connection with so-called ‘cinch’ bills before the Legislature. It is regrettable that this issue has been forced in the way it has, but I would like to have the people of the state appealed to, to withhold judgment until the investigating committee has had an opportunity to act.”

Committee Approved

Members of the opposition to the administration found assurance of impartial investigation in the personnel of the committee selected. Besides Graves, the chairman, the members are Frank Coombs of Napa, George Cleveland of Watsonville, Isaac Jones of Ontario and T. M. Wright of San Jose.

The committee was appointed in response to a resolution offered by Assemblyman Smith, author of the bill that has created all the rumpus.

Assemblyman Adams of Livingston introduced a similar resolution at the opening of the session yesterday but it did not come to a vote. Adams stated later that his resolution had been held up at the speaker’s desk while Smith was given an opportunity of asking for the investigation himself.

The Assembly committee at Sacramento decided today to ask the Legislature to give it power to subpoena witnesses and to place $1000 at its disposal to make a thorough…

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Solicited $5000, Is Charge

Fong Says Brackett Sought Herb Bill Graft to be Split 4 Ways.

Charges that William Brackett, former assemblyman, now involved with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith and Senator Edgar S. Hurley in the Chinese herb bill extortion scandal, came to him and asked for $5000, to be split with Smith and Hurley for killing the bill, was made today to District Attorney Earl Warren in Oakland by Dr. Fong Wan, whose first statements opened the probe.

Split Four Ways

Dr. Fong Wan, Warren announced, made a signed statement claiming Brackett came to him and said $2500 was to go to Smith, $1000 to Hurley, $1000 to himself and $500 to be used for “expenses.”

It also claimed by the Chinese doctor that Brackett and Hurley came to him on their own accord and not at his solicitation. Brackett said, the statement avers, that he had seen Hurley that day (February 12), and Hurley had said he had been offered $500 by Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the Assembly, to kill the bill. Hurley had become angry, it is alleged Brackett told Fong Wan, because he wanted $2500.

Hurley and Smith Are Mentioned in New Statement

Lawmakers Hear Rumor Scandal Surrounds Movie Bill Now pending; General Probe of Charges may be ordered

District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County last night added new fuel to the legislative investigation of graft charges with the announcement that he has signed statement from Dr. Fong Wan, Chinese herb dispenser of Oakland, involving Senator Edgar Hurley, Assemblyman Eddie Smith and former Assemblyman Billy Brackett, all of Alameda County.

According to Warren, the Chinese reiterates the charge that Brackett asked directly for $5000 to be split between himself, Senator Hurley and Assemblyman Smith for their influence in killing the Smith Chinese herb bill.

Warren says that the statement charges that Senator Hurley was present when the alleged demand was made. In reply to these accusations, Senator Hurley has entered an emphatic denial, saying that at no time had he discussed the payment of bribe money for the defeat of the bill.

In regard to Brackett’s statements relative to the charges, District Attorney Warren describes them as being a “mass of inconsistencies and discrepancies.”

New Charge Heard

Late yesterday indications were given in legislative circles that the investigation ordered by the assembly in to the circumstances surrounding charges made relative to attempts to quash Assemblyman Smith’s herb bill, might take a wider scope.

Unofficial statements attributed to a Los Angeles lobbyists that business interests which he represented had been advised that for $5,000 a bill to which they objected would be withdrawn have reached legislators who will urge that an investigation be undertaken to include all reports of wrongdoing in connection with legislative activities to the end that the law making body may be freed from suspicions due to unfounded rumors.

Refers to Movie bill

The bill mentioned indirectly affects the motion picture industry. This measure, which was introduced by a senator, has been called up for a committee hearing next week and members of the committee have stated that witnesses will be given an opportunity to repeat any statements that maybe have been made that an offer was made to withdraw the bill for a money consideration.

Authority to subpoena witnesses and appropriation of $1,000 will be asked by the assembly committee which Speaker Merriam selected to investigate the herb bill charges, it was decided at a preliminary meeting of the committee yesterday. A telegram to the committee from District Attorney Warren of Oakland, received today, stated that he was making a full report of the result of his investigation to the committee and that he would appear gladly before the committee to answer any questions.

The first meeting of the committee to consider evidence of the case will be held at 1:30 o’clock Monday afternoon, it was decided at yesterday’s meeting.

The legislature also will be asked by the committee for authority to subpoena witnesses.

It was decided by the committee of which Sidney T. Graves of Los Angeles is chairman, that the Chinese herb doctors who made the charges against the legislators and assembly attaches, will be the first called to testify at the hearings.

They will be followed by Assemblyman Smith of Oakland, author of the herb measure; Senator Hurley, Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk…

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The first newspaper clipping reads:

Attaches’ Friends Plan to Prevent Vote on Reprimand

By Frank B. Anderson

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, March 7 – The report of the Chinese herb bill investigating committee is as good as “laid on the table” in the Assembly.

Any attempts to have the house adopt the report Monday afternoon, which would carry with its approval of the reprimand administered Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Wilkinson, will be stubbornly fought.

This is the plan today of many friends of the two attaches, who are generally considered to have been made the “goats” in a plot that failed to “shake down” Chinese herb dealers of amounts ranging from $4000 to $10000.

The report was printed today in the Assembly journal, and is scheduled to be acted upon Monday afternoon because the House has only a small attendance at today’s session. Many of the bay districts’ members are away for the weekend, but those here feel inclined to let well enough alone.

At the end of the session they propose offering a resolution praising the attaché force in general for its faithfulness and in that way give a sweeping vote of confidence to the two victims of the “cinch” bill scandal.

“It is an outrage to have these boys so wrongfully accused,” said Fred C. Hawes, San Francisco assemblyman, today, “and I feel like many others that we should clear their records by repudiating the…

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Second newspaper clipping is the continuation of the first newspaper clipping, it reads:

committee’s report. We certainly will not stand for adopting the report because that would imply that we agree to censure, which I believe is entirely unwarranted. Members who at first were inclined to adopt the report are ready today to repudiate it, or at least just let it remain on file, which is equivalent to laying it on the table.

“We will not countenance any further agitation to punish the two attaches, who unquestionable were made the “goats” of this nasty mess. Should a reported resolution be presented to oust them you will see one of the strongest battles ever carried out on the floor of the assembly. Members from all parts of the state have assured the San Francisco delegation that they stand back of these boys to the last ditch.”

More Feared

Frank Eskward, Burligame assemblyman and regarded as one of the administration floor leaders, was reported to be drafting a resolution to discharge Ohnimus and Wilkinson. This he denies, but such a move is feared by some.

It is generally understood that the administration, which was not directly concerned, is quite content to let the situation remain “as is.” Its members-Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, author of the bill, and Senator Edgar S. Hurley–escaped so far as the report is concerned without censure, while the two attaches, who are identified politically with Sheriff “Tom” Finn in San Francisco, “took the fall” as they say.

Fate Sealed

The denunciation the committee give the Chinese herb bill as falling in the category of “cinch” bills seals its fate for this session, and, in passing, it might be mentioned that Chief of Police James T. Drew of Oakland had a hand in this.

His declaration that so far as he knew herb doctors did not peddle narcotics in their medicines in reflected in the report, which says that before presenting such measure the author should consult with the police of his city.

While attaches can take warning not to discuss “cinch” bills, unless they carry the information to the speaker, according to the suggestions in the report, there are plenty others around the capitol who will spot this brand of proposed laws, assuring a quietus on this favorite indoor sport for the rest of this session.

The Graves investigating committee will go no further and unless a move springs up from some unexpected quarters on Monday afternoon the incident stands dismissed.

Note: Words that are missing or hard to read will be in a form of two asterisks: **

‘Cinch Bills’ Lobbyists Facing Quiz

Senate Overwhelmingly Adopts Resolution to Name Special Committee of 7 on Subject

Manipulators, Measures Aimed at Legitimate Enterprises to be driven from Capitol

By William H. Jordan

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, Feb 27-War was declared today by the State Senate on “cinch bills.”

The Senate adopted a resolution offered by Senator Ralph Swing of San Bernardino creating a special committee of seven senators who shall have the power to pass upon all person’ credentials as lobbyists for or against bills before the Legislature, shall have authority to inquire into the source ** purpose of bills and shall direct the ** of certificates to person desiring to be heard on bills, ** they have produced credentials ** to their real employment or ** in them.

Hurley Apposes Bill

Only three senators, one of them Hurley of Oakland voted against the move.

“This measure,” emphasized Senator Swing, “debars none properly accredited from appearing before the Senate and its committees on bills.

“it does drive the ‘cinch bill’ out of the Senate and the corrupt lobbyists from the Capitol.”

“And,” he added, “that is the purpose of the resolution.”

Here is the vote on the resolution:

Ayes-Allen, Baker, Boggs, Canepa, Chamberlain, Creighton, Crowley, Dennett, Evans, Fellom, Gates, Gray, Handy, Harris, Hollister, Ingram, Inman, A.B. Johnson, Jones, Kline, Lewis, Maloney, Murphy, Nelson, Powers, Rush, Sample, Sharkey, Slater, Swing, Tubbs, Sanborn Young. Total, 32.

Noes-Hurley, Taylor, West. Total, 3.

Absent-Breed, Christian, M.B. Johnson, Lyon, Pedrotti. Total, 5.

A vote on postponement of action until Monday was lost by 30 noes to ayes.

Delay is Urged

As soon as Senator Swing had introduced the resolution which was seconded by Senator Canepa of San Francisco, Senator Tom C. West of Alameda tried for a postponement. That started the attack on the lobbyists and the “hold up” bills.

“There is no reason,” offered Senator Herbert Slater of Santa Rosa, “why this Senate at this time should not give public notice of its position in this situation and to serve notice that lobbyists shall come before this Legislature honestly and sincerely as to the real purport of legislation in which they may be concerned.”

“Senator Swing has rendered a great service to the Senate,” said Senator Roy Fellom of San Francisco. “This measure will work no hardship on any person who has bills that are legitimately before the legislature. They should be on record as to what they are here for and what they actually represent. The Senate of California must take some action that will show the people of the State it frowns upon such stuff as these ‘cinch bills’ carry.”

“Why there is a bill now before one of my committees upon which a price was placed, I am informed,” declared Senator Fellom. He did not identify it.

Senator Chamberlain of Los Angeles called for immediate adoption of the resolution.

“The Legislature stands on trial before the people of the State,” asserted Senator Inman of Sacramento. It is time to take the bull by the horns. This Senate is given the opportunity to brand a situation which we do not condone.”

Senator Hurley of Oakland, announced that the constitutional right of petition was being invaded and denouncing the “yellow press” as responsible for “all of the turmoil.”

Hurley Blames “Examiner.”

“’The Examiner’ and other newspapers have brought about this hysteria,” said Hurley.

Senator West became defiant and declared that he would let any person that desired to do so come before his committee, “resolution or no resolution.”

Senator Cadet Taylor of Pomona, and A. Burlingame Johnson of Pasadena, had some criticism to make, but in the midst of it Senator Johnson avowed “there are ten or fifteen bills before my committee which increase the profits of corporations, and I want full chance to hear people on them.”

But Senator Johnson voted for the resolution after Senators Swing and Inman had thrown further light upon the real intent of it. Senator Nelson of Humboldt, who had sought postponement was apparently satisfied on the point that no public rights would be invaded, for too voted “aye.”

Swing Chairman

Lieutenant Governor C. C. Young named Senator Swing as chairman of the committee of seven, and said that the other members will be named on Monday.

“There will be due notice given of the requirements under resolution. These will be publicly posted so that all person concerned shall know how to proceed,” said Chairman Swing. “It should be known that this committee is empowered to attack illegal and improper lobbying and measures, and there is no doubt that its influence will be directed to killing such improper bills as may now be in the files, I am positive.

“I am satisfied there will be few, if any, of them get out of the committee pigeon holes from now on, if any have already escaped.

“There is no question that the cinch bill can be killed off under such a committee as has been authorized here today.”

Senator Swing stressed a determination to get at the source of suspicious bills.

Lotteries Bill

All this came upon the heels of a declaration from Senator Herbert C. Jones of Santa Clara County, when he “served notice upon the author of Senate bill 655.” (Senator Hurley’s bill to make illegal lotteries operation a crime of high misdemeanor instead of simple misdemeanor) that he will object to placing it on final passage until opportunity has been afforded for the Assembly investigating committee in the Chinese herbalists charges to go into the matter there pending.

The bill was passed out of the committee on public morals last night with favorable recommendation after Senator Hurley had amended it down from a felony degree of crime.

Senator Jones declared that the motives behind this bill had been commented upon by the press and that he believed hasty actin should not be taken upon the measure. He said:

It is unfortunate that any committee should act hurriedly upon bills under suspicion and that the seal of approval should unthinkingly be put on any of these bills.

This page displays 5 newspaper clipping.

First newspaper clipping title is partially cut off and some of the text is cut off as well. Words that are missing or unreadable will be in a form of two asterisks: **. It reads:

Herb Quiz

Sacramento, March 3 – Former **, a central figure in the ** arrived here this afternoon ** at the hands of the ** **. Former Assemblyman Clarence W. Morris of San Francisco conferred with the accused Oakland man after announcing he had agreed to act as Brackett’s counsel.

Testimony hitting Brackett, Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, author of the herb bill, and State Senator Edgar C. Hurley, but in particular Charles Wilkinson, sergeant-at-arms of the Assembly, was given during the morning by two witnesses.

They were T. Wah Hing, Chinese herb “doctor” of 725 J Street, Sacramento, and a white woman, Mrs. Leah M. Smith, 2028 Frank Street, Oakland, employed at the office of Fong Wan, Oakland Chinese, herb specialist, whose statement to the Alameda County district attorney precipitated the present investigation.

“Negotiations” Told

T. Wah Hing told of negotiations with Wilkinson regarding the bill.

The Chinese and Wilkinson appeared in the negotiations as, a friend, co-operating through friendship only, in the fight against the Smith bill. He said the only money he gave Wilkinson was $20 to pay for stamps on circulars against the bill mailed to legislators.

He said Wilkinson had, with his…

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Second newspaper clipping is the continuation of the first newspaper clipping. Words that are missing or unreadable will be in a form of two asterisks: **. It reads:

Herb Inquiry Hits House Attache

(Continued from Page One)

Permission, employed two girls from the assembly clerical force to prepare these circulars, but said the girls had not shown up to get their money.

“Don’t be afraid to tell the truth,” he was urged several times by his questioners, who apparently believed he was withholding valuable information. But the Oriental steadfastly maintained he was revealing all he knew.

Wilkinson’s first visit, he said, followed an initial call on February 6 by a white man whose name he did not known. On February 10, he said, Wilkinson saw him and subsequently went to San Francisco in behalf of the fight against the bill.

The Chinese said that Wilkinson in San Francisco saw a “Mr. Lee.” (Supposedly Lee Shuck).

The two girls were employed through Wilkinson on February 16, he said.

Although declaring that he was telling all the truth, the Chinese was seen to nod his head when asked on one occasion if he were afraid to testify.

Denies Dealing

He said he “didn’t want to get anybody in trouble.” He denied having had direct dealings with Assemblyman Smith. He said, however, that through Wilkinson he had made an appointment to meet Smith in Wilkinson’s room in a hotel, having consented to pay Smith’s expenses for coming to Sacramento during the legislative recess, but that Smith changed his mind and did not come.

Telling of telephoning messages from Fong Wan, Chinese herb merchant of Oakland, whose story to the Alameda County district attorney was responsible for the investigation, the witness said that Fong told him “Smith told Brackett that Wilkinson offered Smith $500 to kill the Smith bill.” He said Fong told him that Smith was angry at Wilkinson for “meddling.”

The witness admitted attending the banquet given by Chinese in San Francisco to members of the Legislature.

Assemblyman Wright, father of the Wright enforcement act, asked the witness if there have been wine. He said there had been wine, but that no one intoxicated, although he admitted some “pretty good” speeches had been delivered. Asked by Assemblyman Cleveland who had made the best speech he answered, “Assemblyman Hornblower made the longest speech.”

The Chinese said he had received an anonymous telephone call telling him to beware of Wilkinson or he would get in trouble.

“Do you know Assemblyman Frank Carr?” asked Assemblyman Hurley at this point. The Chinese replied in the negative.

Mrs. Smith testified that Wan had told her early in January that he had been approached with an offer to kill the Smith bill upon payment of $10,000. Sometime after February 7, she said, Brackett call at the office with another man and ** told her “There go Brackett…

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and Senator Hurley.”

Fong later told the witness, she said, that he felt sorry that men ** “Smith and Brackett” should be connected with such a scheme and he did not like to set a trap for them with marked money.

Present at the hearing today was O. U. Rees, representative of the California Pharmaceutical Association, which joined the Chinese in fighting the bill because it aimed to stop the sale of herb compounds deemed necessary for general welfare.

Assemblyman Isaac Jones of Ontario today conducted the examination.

A liberal discussion of money being passed has been revealed in the stories of three Chinese witnesses, but so far as linking the bill’s author or Senator Edgar Hurley in the matter members of the Legislature says they will need more conclusive evidence before fixing any blame.

Fourth is another newspaper clipping. Words that are missing or unreadable will be in a form of two asterisks: **. It reads:

Assembly Attaches Hit in Report

By Frank B. Anders

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, March 6 – Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Oakland stands ** and the fact that the constitution makes each house the judge of its own members prevents the special Chinese herb bill investigating committee of the assembly from any finding regarding Senator Edgar S. (“Tex”) Hurley, also of Oakland.

This much of the committee’s report became known this morning as the members were preparing to submit their “verdict” to the assembly.

Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-arms Charles (“Lumberjack Charley”) Wilkinson may be reprimanded, but to what extent it is not known at this hour.

The expectation is that possibly the facts, as the committee sees them, will be laid before the House and the members vote according to what they deem should be the degree of punishment.

Chief Attends

It is reliably reported that the committee will not at any rate exonerate the two chief attaches for what it considers meddling in the affairs of the assembly to the extent of carrying reports about money talk concerning defeat of the Smith bill aimed at Chinese herb doctors.

If the committee attempts to deal too severely there will be a mean fight on the floor because there are many members who are not entirely convinced that the bill in question was as Simon pure as its author declared in his testimony.

The talk of liberal money to defeat it was not confined alone to the…

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The fifth news clipping is the continuation of newspaper clipping 4, it reads:

Herb Inquiry Verdicts Hits Attaches

(Continued from Page One)

attaches in question but to many other members and “rounders” who are quite capable of picking “cinch” bills by their title only.

Former Assemblyman and ex-police sergeant William R. Brackett is beyond reach of the legislative investigating committee, so there is nothing that can be done concerning him.

District Attorney Earl Warren, to whom the situation was first presented, failed to gather sufficient evidence to warrant a grand jury investigation so Brackett need not worry about today’s report other than to learn of his uselessness as a lobbyist at this session of the Legislature.

Were it not for the fact that the Legislature feels so “touchy” about the herb bill scandal probably be entire list of principals would be completely “whitewashed” but these lawmakers take the stigma somewhat seriously and are going to at least bring in a report that will attempt to satisfy the folks at home that they are not letting any stains stick to their escutcheons.

It is easier to make some of the “smaller fry” bear the brunt of the blow than their own members, because, after all, these legislators who fight each other on the floor are bound together by a certain creed of loyalty.

The lid is being clamped down pretty tight on the lobbyists as a result of this investigation and nobody without an “advocates” permit gets on the floor of either house.

The work on the Legislature is therefore speeding up a bit and members say if the present pace is continued they will be getting away from here early in April.

This page displays 2 newspaper clipping.

The first news clipping shows two self-portrait of Edward Hurley and Edward Smith. It reads:

Assembly Clerk Called to Stand as Probe Widens

By Frank B. Anderson

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, Feb 25 – (Special)-Investigation by the California state legislature of charges of attempted extortion by State Senator Edward Hurley and Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Oakland, accused of Oakland Chinese herb dealers, was demanded on the floor of the assembly today by Smith and the inquisition ordered by vote of the legislators.

A resolution introduced by Smith, calling for appointment of a committee of five to conduct the investigation, was unanimously adopted.

The committee will be named sometime today by the speaker of the assembly.

Smith’s resolution holds that the present charges are “unfavorable to the author of the bill,” and that as a result of the incrimination, by accusation, of two members of the legislature, “the legislature stands in a light embarrassing to all its members and will so stand until the matter is thoroughly investigated.”

The resolution asked that the inquisition by “speedy and complete.”

A similar resolution asking for appointment of a committee of seven had been introduced by Assemblyman E. G. Adams of Livingston, Merced County, but was tabled in view of the adoption of the resolution by Smith.

At the conclusion of a four-hour hearing into all phases of the present scandal, District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County and Chief of Police Frank Drew of Oakland announced that at this…

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Bribe Charge Held to Doom “Cinch” Bills

(Continued from Page One)

time they have no evidence to establish that a crime has been committed. They declared that evidence in the case is, however, conflicting in some instances.

Following this announcement the officers turned their search toward the finding of Y. T. Gang, agent of the Chinese Protective Association of Sacramento, who is alleged to have been active in trying to reach Assemblyman Smith.

William Hornblower, San Francisco legislator, it was revealed at the hearing, has been retained as counsel by the Chinese fighting the proposed anti-herb bill.

Arriving here from Oakland, District Attorney Warren, Chief of Police Drew and County Detective George Helms and a stenographer, also of that city, went immediately to a committee room in the Capitol, where they proceeded to subject State Senator Hurley to a meticulous examination.

Emerging from the conference an hour later all of the principals refused to make any statement. Immediately thereafter, however, the quiz was resumed with Assemblyman Smith under questioning.

The investigation took an unexpected turn following questioning of Hurley and Smith, when the inquisitors called Charles Wilkinson, sergeant-at-arms of the Assembly, into conference. He was questioned, it was stated, relative to the purported visits of certain Chinese to Sacramento. These Chinese are alleged to have inquired relative to the whereabouts of Assemblyman Smith.

Ohnimus Called

Linked in the investigation as a result of statements by Assemblyman Smith to the effect that he had approached the assemblyman with a offer of $500 to beat the herb bill, Arthur H. Ohnimus, chief clerk of the California assembly, was called into the conference room shortly after noon.

Ohnimus, according to his story prior to entering the conference, made a casual remark to Smith that there was “dough in sight” in the herb bill fight, but he denies that this was said in other than a “gossipy” manner.

Smith and Ohnimus are said to have become heated over what the latter terms the “misinterpretation of this remark,” but ultimately patched up this difference, according to Ohnimus.

Danny Whelan, assistant sergeant-at-arms of the assembly, and Jack Kelly, former assistant, were other witnesses called by the inquisitors.

The death knell of “cinch bills” at this session of the Legislature was sounded with the expose of the alleged attempted bribery.

Smith, as well as Senator Edgar S. Hurley, also of Oakland, deny that the bill aimed to curb the Chinese herb business was of the well-known “cinch” variety. Smith says his bill has real merit, and he will make every effort to get it through the Legislature.

Bills of similar nature have been seen here before and very often have been commonly referred to as measures promoted to invite opposition. Not infrequently have such bills been aimed at the Chinese.

Assemblyman Smith says the only mention of money was a friendly tip that there was $500 in it if he forgot his bill.

Senator Hurley, who talked with Dr. Wong Fan, Chinese herb doctor of Oakland, says no mention of money was made to him and that all he did was to give former Assemblyman William Brackett a recommendation as a lobbyist.

“Bill” Bracket knows the ropes around here and doubtless could have been of some assistance to the Chinese doctors, according to those who know how matters of that nature are handled, in killing the bill. He had experience in blocking as well as passing legislation when he was a member. Many ex members make the most useful lobbyists. The Capitol corridors are usually full of them.

This page has 2 newspaper clipping.

The first item is a newspaper clipping. Words that are not readable will be in a form of two asterisks: **, it reads:

Smith Held Blameless in Bribe Plot

Assembly Probers Exonerate their Colleague, but Severely Criticize Officials of House

“Cinch” Bills Flayed; Danger from Lobbyists Emphasized; No Finding Made on Hurley

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, March 6-The Assembly special committee, investigating charges of attempted extortion in connection with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s Chinese herb bill, today exonerated Smith and his former law partner, J. E. Hood, severely censured Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-arms Charles H. Wilkinson of the Assembly and ** ** “cinch bills.”

Although Senator Edward S. Hurley was mentioned with Smith in the testimony of three Chinese witnesses, as one of the ** were to share in the alleged bribe of $5,000 which former Assemblyman Brackett was said to have solicited for defeat of the herb bill, the committee refrained from comment on the Senator’s connection with the bill, presumably on the theory that Hurley’s activities are entirely within the province of the Upper Legislative House.

Rival Claims Related

The committee offered no conclusion on the testimony of Brackett, merely giving the former legislator’s claim that he sought a position as lobbyist for the Chinese and the charges of the herb dealers, on the other hand, that he demanded a bribe.

Here is what the committee said on “cinch bills.”

It is brought to the situation of the committee that the character of Assembly Bill 440 is such that an immediate presumption arises to the effect that such bills are not introduced in good faith, and that they are commonly styled “cinch bills.” In this connection we desire to impress upon the members of the Legislature, and, we hope, upon others who may be members of future legislatures, that such bills call for the peculiar activities of the lobbyist and are often introduced for the mere purpose that some money shall be made, and that corruption may follow.

Endorsement Necessary

A bill of this character should have been first indorsed by some government agency having the administration of justice concerning the regulation or the sale of drugs mentioned in the bill, and should have the support of the police force of the city wherein the member resided, or of some such authority, in order that when introduced it might import good faith. We do not offer this in condemnation of any motives in introducing this particular bill, but as a general observation concerning the future.

The report condemning Ohnimus and Wilkinson “as solemnly as language can possibly impart and as severely as judgment is capable,” was read before the Assembly by Chairman Sidney Graves of the special committee and placed on file without further action until Monday.

Battle May Ensue

A postponement in accepting ** rejecting the report or in taking any further action was urged by Speaker Frank F. Merriam on the ground that the different sides will thus have time to crystalized their views on the matter between now and Monday.

It became known tonight that battle over the report may ensure…

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Smith Cleared in Bribe Inquiry; Official Flayed

(Continued From Page One)

if an effort is made to force the resignation of Ohnimus and Wilkinson, both of San Francisco. Strenuous opposition to such a move would be made by the bay district delegations, it was said by several members.

Assemblyman B.S. Crittenden of Tracy insisted that no action be taken by the Assembly on the report until a complete transcript of the testimony is available to all members.

In presenting the report, Chairman Graves said the committee had decided to place the essential testimony before the Assembly as a whole, “in order that the House may be able to draw its own conclusions, rather than to depends on the recommendations of the committee.”

Smith “Acquitted”

He announced that the committee “acquits Assemblyman Smith of any of the charges or insinuations made against him and of any misconduct in the matter.”

Testimony drawing J. E. Hood, special prosecutor in Oakland for the State board of pharmacy, into the case was dismissed by the committee with the definite assertion that “the only in bringing in the name of Mr. Hood was that the person using his name might be the better enabled to exert pressure upon those interested in defeating Assembly bill No. 440.”

“The newspapers of this State and the reporters handling the subject have materially aided the committee in its investigation,” said the report “and the people of the State are indebted to these agencies for their assistance.”

Testimony Submitted

The outstanding point in the investigation, the conflicting stories relative to alleged bribery, was submitted by the committee in the following verbatim quotations from the testimony of Dr. Fong Wan of Oakland, star witness for the Chinese, and former Assemblyman Brackett, whom Fong Wan charged with seeking extortion money:

From testimony by Fong Wan-“I asked Brackett what he do with that $5,000. He said he divide it, $2,500 for Smith and $1,000 for himself and $1,000 for Hurley and $500 for expenses.”

From testimony by Brackett-“Did you at any time, in conversation with Fong Wan, or the other Chinamen, mention any amount that was to go to Mr. Smith in connection with this bill?”

A.-“Absolutely not.”

Q.-“Then when the Chinamen say you mentioned a certain amount as going to Mr. Smith they are mistaken?”

A.-“Absolutely. They are telling an untruth.”

Denies Naming Smith

Q. – “You made no mention of Mr. Smith or Mr. Hurley or Mr. Smith’s associate in connection with any amount?”

A.-“Absolutely no: at no time.”

The committee drew the conclusion that if Brackett’s story is correct, Smith’s name was never mentioned to the Chinese herbalists, and that if Fong Wan’s story is true, “it would appear to have come from Brackett, speaking entirely for his own interest and using all the pressure and argument in the aid thereof, wholly unacquainted with Assemblyman Smith and without authority to speak for Mr. Smith.”

The testimony of Brackett, maintain that he approached the Chinese only in quest of a job as lobbyist against the herb bill, was then given by the committee.

Officials’ Activities

The report also told in detail of the activities of Sergeant-at-arms Wilkinson in attempting to arrange a conference in Sacramento between the Chinese and Assemblyman Smith and in securing stenographers to prepare anti-herb bill literature for the Chinese. He was guilty of contributing said the report, to “the preparations being made to defeat the bill.”

Wilkinson is quoted further in the report as explaining why he failed to reveal the identity of Dr. T. Wah Hing to the district attorney by saying that “he would do anything to keep a member of the Legislature out of trouble” and that he “didn’t want to stir up a stink.”

Then, describing the night ride of Wilkinson and Chief Clerk Ohnimus Wilkinson and Chief Clerk Ohnimus to San Francisco on February 11 or 12, the report gave two versions of a discussion of money which took place between Ohnimus and Smith at the latter’s home in Oakland. The testimony follows:

Conversation Detailed

By Ohnimus: “I said ‘I understand Eddie, there is some money on that bill of yours’. And then Eddie said, ‘Ha! Ha! You are about the third or fourth fellow to speak to me about that bill.’ Then I immediately said, ‘my God, Eddie, you don’t think for one second I am propositioning you on this bill, do you?’”

By Smith-“Mr. Ohnimus said, ‘I know where there is $500 if you lay off that bill.’ I laughed at him and said, ‘Art, if I wanted to make money on that bill, I could get $5,000, but I am not taking a dime. That bill has merit and I believe in it,’ He said, ‘You don’t think I am trying to approach you?’ I said, “Well, it don’t look very good coming here at this time in the morning.’”

The testimony of Smith and Ohnimus on this meeting was given by the committee in detail, and it was pointed out that Smith apologized to the chief clerk for misunderstanding his motives. Though he apologized, Smith testified that it is “possible” that Ohnimus made him an offer.

The committee also dwelt at length on a statement attributed to Ohnimus that Smith was “foolish” if he didn’t take the $5,000 he mentioned. Ohnimus denied making that assertion.

Testimony Widely Varies

“It is impossible,” said the report, “for the committee to reconcile the differences in the two statements by Mr. Ohnimus and Mr. Smith, nor can they be reconciled.”

The two attaches, Ohnimus and Wilkinson, were then condemned in the following language:

It appears, both from the testimony of Ohnimus and Wilkinson, that no mention was made during their trip from Sacramento to Oakland concerning Assembly Bill 440, or in relation to any other legislative matter or proposed legislation. It is for the House to say whether this silence concerning the bill was maintained during the trip, and to judge of the significance to be given to this testimony.

Activities Scored

There is sufficient in the testimony concerning the actions of these two elective officers of the House, the Chief Clerk and the Sergeant-at-arms, to call attention to their unwarranted activities concerning the defeat of this measure.

These activities are calculated to bring, and have brought upon the House the odium in the public mind that its members are disregardful of their own conduct and of the conduct of their officers. Such conduct is not to be indulged in a light or frivolous manner, and the excuses that such matters were referred to by the officers of the House in jest is entirely reprehensible.

Every reference by an officer of the House characterizing any bill as a “cinch bill,” or introduced for cinch purposes, is reflecting upon the member who introduces it, and it also reflects upon the system of government which countenances it.

Duties of Officers

If any officer of the House knows, or has reason to suspect anything concerning a bill of this character, it is his duty to impart such knowledge to the Speaker of the House. To treat it otherwise is to show utter disregard of the gravity of such a situation.

The two officers of the House involved are deserving of the severest condemnation for their conduct, and it is immaterial whether that conduct reaches into a zone of corruption or whether it is indulged in out of a disregard of the very highest ideals which should actuate their conduct.

The report was signed by the entire committee, including Chairman Sidney Graves of Los Angeles and Assemblyman Isaac Jones of San Jose, George Cleveland of Watsonville and Frank L. Coombs of Napa.

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First item is the first newspaper clipping, words that are not readable are in a form of two asterisks: **, reads:

Brackett Says he Bid for $5,000

Former Oakland Assemblyman Denies Demand for $10,000

Chinese Contradicted

Witness Changes Portions of his Story as Quiz Ends in Snarl

By Earl. C. Behrens

Chronicle Bureau, Sacramento, March 3-With William R. Brackett, former Oakland Assemblyman, named as an ** “go-between” in the Chinese herb kill scandal implicating members of the state Legislature, flatly ** that he named $10,000 as the price which was to be split in killing Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s anti-herb bill and the Chinese herbalists unshaken in their testimony that an attempt was made to extort money from them, the legislative investigation remained in a snarl tonight.

Brackett, under oath before the Assembly investigating committee probing into the alleged bribery charges, made many changes in his original statement to District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County and declared that he had asked $5000 as his fee for acting as lobbyist for the Chinese herb doctors fighting the bill.

Variety of Developments Outcome of Proceedings

After many hours of questioning developments in the alleged bribery plot involving Assemblyman Smith, Senator Edgar S. Hurley of Oakland, Brackett, Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkenson and Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus of the Assembly, are:

Brackett’s denial of demands for $10,000 or any sum ot split with Smith, Hurley and himself.
Failure to shake the testimony for the Chinese herb doctors testifying before the committee.

Tangled Story Outcome of Wilkinson Testimony

A tangled story from Wilkenson in which he declared that he had received no money from the Chinese, denied having mentioned any price as being placed on the bill, and declaring that his connection with the case was merely an act of courtesy.
A denial from Chief Clerk Ohnimus that he had mentioned any…

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Herb Lobby Hearing Ends with Snarl

Brackett Admits Request for $5000 to Serve Chinese as Lobbyist

Refutes $10,000 Plea

Testimony Given Before District Attorney Changed in Some Parts

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sum of money to Smith as price on the bill.

Testimony from two stenographers that they had been hired to send out the letters for the Chinese Protective Association, but that no mention of a bribe had been made in their presence.
A statement from Assemblyman William B. Hornblower of San Francisco that he was not employed by any Chinese to fight the bill, and that his name had no place in the controversy.
Introduction of testimony that T. Wah Hing and Fong Chan, two of the herb doctors charging attempts at extortion, had been arrested for practicing without a medical license.

Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkenson to of his having made arrangements for Assemblyman Smith to visit local Chinese fighting the bill and of Smith’s final decision not to come to Sacramento; of his warning from the Chinese that “somebody would make trouble for him” because of his aid to the Chinese and of the Chinese banquet at San Francisco.

Wilkenson declared that he had failed to tell all he knew about the alleged bribery case earlier because he wished “to protect the Legislature.” He denied that any money had been promised him.

Cross-examination of Wilkenson brought out the fact that Senator F. J. Powers, Assemblymen Hornblower, J. A. Miller, Fred C. Hawes, Charles A. Oliva and T. A. Mitchell were the legislators present at the Chinese affair. Paul Scharrenberg, secretary of the California Federation of Labor, was another guest. It developed that the Chinese had invited Major James Rolph but he did not attend.

The investigating committee announced that it made no criticism of those who attended the banquet.

Tonight T. Wah Hing and Fong Wan were recalled for cross examination, but stuck to the principal details of their original stories that Bracket had attempted to extort money from them.

The hearing will be concluded tomorrow when Senator Hurley and Assemblyman Smith will make statements.

From the mass of conflicting testimony heard thus far it appears that four possibilities loom as the final outcome of the alleged extortion scandal. The committee may:

Fasten the blame on the two legislators or Brackett.
Pass the blame for the whole investigation upon the newspapers.
Attach the blame on the Assembly attaches.
Whitewash everybody and declare that the Chinese have used the alleged bribery plot as a means of defeating the Smith bill without great cost to themselves.

Brackett, the star witness of the day, declared that “the Chinese are telling an untruth” when they testified that he had named $2500 as the payment to Assemblyman Smith, author of the bill; $750 to Senator Hurley, $750 for himself and $500 for expenses.

Brackett said that his previous declaration to District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County, which he made in contradiction of statements given before the committee resulted from his nervousness over the alleged graft charges.

Brackett did say that he had at one time told Fong Wan, star witness for the Chinese herb doctors, that it might cost $10,000 to kill the bill and that at another time he informed the Chinese with whom he was negotiation for employed as their lobbyist that the sum to pre-…

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Brackett Admits Negotiating to Kill Chinese Herb Bill

(Continued from Page 1, Column 1)

asked for was to be divided as follows: $2500 for attorneys who might be needed to appear and talk against the bill in committee; $750 for his trip around the state during the recent legislative recess interviewing legislators; $500 for witness fees, entertainment and the remained for himself. He denied that any mention of money had been made by Fong Wan and other Chinese in the presence of Senator Hurley, and declared that Hurley, who gave him, at his request, the copy of the title of the Smith bill, had cautioned the Chinese against bribery.

Brackett brought in the name of Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkenson of the Assembly, and said that from Hurley he had obtained the information that Wilkenson had gone to Assemblyman Smith with an offer of $500 to “lay off” his own measure.

Admits Conferences

Brackett admitted his numerous visits to Wan’s office in Oakland, his dickering’s for the lobbyist position and that he had watched the newspapers to see what bills introduced in the Legislature might offer lobbyists possibilities.

Clarence Morris, former San Francisco Assemblyman, appeared as Brackett’s counsel and sought to prevent certain lines of questioning, but was overruled by the special investigation committee.
“The Legislature and the people of the state are looking to us to get the truth of this situation,” Assemblyman Sidney Graves, Chairman of the committee, declared in overruling legal technicalities brought forth by Morris.

Changes Testimony

Brackett changed the dates and much of his testimony given before District Attorney Warren. He declared that he did not know Assemblyman Smith and that Hurley’s connection with the case was a friend of his. Hurley, he declared, had recommended him as a good lobbyist.

It developed during the questioning that two years ago Brackett was employed as a lobbyist for a crab bill amendment to the fish selling laws, and that the bill was introduced in the Legislature by Senator Hurley.

Brackett substantiated much to the testimony given by the Chinese herbalists as to the negotiations between the two sides, but denied all allegations as to the reported attempts at extortion.

At one time during the questioning he digressed to savagely attack the newspapers for their reports and later admitted that he had changed much of his testimony.

Other Witnesses

Previously to calling Brackett there appeared Y. T. Dang, officer of the Chinese Protective Association, and the dapper Chinese who appeared on the scene as lobbyist for his organization; Miss Florence Murphy, daughter of Assemblyman J. J. Murphy of Weed, and Miss Dolores Burrell of Woodland, Stenographers attached to the Assembly, who had been employed during the legislative vacation at the instance of Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkenson to write the letters of protest against the bill sent out by the Chinese association.

Both girls had heard nothing of the alleged extortion plot and quit their work as soon as they heard of the case. They both say that Wilkenson had merely acted as a friend in helping them obtain employment during the recess.

Heard of Bribery

Mrs. Leah M. Smith, employed…

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Probers Hit ‘Cinch Bills’ in Telling Discoveries

Clerk and Sergeant at Arms of Assembly Censured in House Committee Finding

‘Cinch’ Bills Scored; Danger from Lobbyists Emphasized; No Report Made on Hurley

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, March 6-The Assembly charges 1 committee, investigating connection of attempted extortion in Assemblyman Edward J. Smith…

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Rival Claims Related

The committee offered no conclusion on the testimony of Brackett, merely giving the former legislator’s claim that he sought a position as lobbyist for the Chinese and the charges of the herb dealers, on the other hand, that he demanded a bribe.

Here is what the committee said on “cinch bills.”

It is brought to the attention of the committee that the character of Assembly Bill 440 is such that an immediate presumption arises to the effect that such bills are not introduced in good faith, and that they are commonly styled “cinch bills.” In this connection we desire to impress upon the members of the Legislature, and, we hope, upon others who may be members of future legislatures, that such bills call for the peculiar activities of the lobbyist and are often introduced for the mere purpose that some money shall be made, and that corruption may follow.

Endorsement Necessary.

A bill of this character should have been first indorsed by some government agency having the administration of justice concerning the regulation or the sale of the drugs mentioned in the bill, and should have the support of the police force of the city where in the member resided, or of some such authority, in order that when introduced it might import…

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Assemblyman Cleared in Briber Plot; Officials Flayed

(Continued from Page One)

good faith. We do not offer this condemnation of any motives in introducing this particular bill, but as a general observation concerning the future.

The report, condemning Ohnimus and Wilkinson “as solemnly as language can possibly impart and as severely as judgment is capable,” was read before the Assembly by Chairman Sidney Graves of the special committee and placed on file without further action until Monday.

Battle May Ensue

A postponement in accepting or rejecting the report or in taking any further action was urged by Speaker Frank F. Merriam on the ground that the “different sides” will thus have time to crystallize their views on the matter between now and Monday.

It became known tonight that a battle over the report may ensue if an effort is made to force the resignations of Ohnimus and Wilkinson, both of San Francisco. Strenuous opposition to such a move would be made by the bay district delegations, tit was said by several members.

Assemblyman B.S. Crittenden of Tracy insisted that no action be taken by the Assembly on the report until a complete transcript of the testimony is available to all members.

“The newspapers of this State and the reporters handling the subject have materially aided the committee in its investigation,” said the report, “and the people of the State are indebted to these agencies for their assistance.”

Testimony Submitted

The outstanding point in the investigation, the conflicting stories relative to alleged bribery, was submitted by the committee in the following verbatim quotations from the testimony of Dr. Fong Wan of Oakland, start witness for the Chinese, and former Assemblyman Brackett, whom Fong Wan charged with seeking extortion money:

From testimony by Fong Wan-“I asked Brackett what he do with that $5,000. He said he divides it, $2,500 for Smith and $1,000 for himself and $1,000 for Hurley and $500 for expenses.”

From testimony by Brackett-“Did you at any time, in conversation with Fong Wan, or the other Chinamen, mention any amount that was to go to Mr. Smith in connection with this bill?”

A.-“Absolutely not.”

The committee drew the conclusion that if Brackett’s story is correct, Smith’s name was never mentioned to the Chinese herbalists, and that if Fong Wan’s story is true, “It would appear to have come from Brackett, speaking entirely for his own interest and using all the pressure and argument in the aid thereof, wholly unacquainted with Assemblyman Smith and without authority to speak for Mr. Smith.”

Describing the night ride of Wilkinson and Chief Clerk Ohnimus to San Francisco on February 11 or 12, the report gave two versions of a discussion of money which took place between Ohnimus and Smith at the latter’s home in Oakland. The testimony follows:

Conversation Detailed

By Ohnimus: “I said ‘I understand Eddie, there is some money on that bill of yours’. And then Eddie said, ‘Ha! Ha! You are about the third or fourth fellow to speak to me about the bill.’ Then I immediately said, ‘my God Eddie, you don’t think for one second I am propositioning you on this bill, do you?’”

By Smith-“Mr. Ohnimus said, ‘I know where there is $500 if you lay off that bill.’ I laughed at him and said, ‘Art, if I wanted to make money on that bill, I could get $5,000, but I am not taking a dime. That bill has merit and I believe in it.’ He said, ‘You don’t think I am trying to approach you?’ I said, ‘Well, it don’t look very good coming here at this time in the morning.’”

The two attaches, Ohnimus and Wilkinson, were condemned in the following language:

It appears, both from the testimony of Ohnimus and Wilkinson, that no mention was made during their trip from Sacramento to Oakland concerning Assembly Bill 440, or in relation to any other legislative matter or proposed legislation. It is for the House to say whether this silence concerning the bill was maintained during the trip, and to judge of the significance to be given to this testimony.

Activities Scored

There is sufficient in the testimony concerning the actions of these two elective officers of the House, the Chief Clerk and the Sergeant-at-Arm, to all attention to their unwarranted activities concerning the defeat of this measure.

Every reference by an officer of the House characterizing any bill as a “cinch bill” or introduced for cinch purposes, is reflecting upon the member who introduces it, and it also reflects upon the system of the government which countenances it.

The two officers of the House involved are deserving of the severest condemnation for their conduct, and it is immaterial whether that conduct reaches in to a zone of corruption or whether it is indulged in out of a disregard of the very highest ideals which should actuate their conduct.

The report was signed by the entire committee, including Chairman Sidney Graves of Los Angeles and Assemblyman Isaac Jones of Ontario, T. M. Wright of San Jose, George Cleveland of Watsonville and Frank L. Coombs of Napa.

Graves will Oppose Dismissal of Pair

Sacramento, March 6-Chairman Sidney Graves of the herb bill investigating commission which today returned its report to the assembly, stated tonight that he would oppose any attempt to oppose any attempt to dismiss Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus or Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Wilkinson, Chairman Graves said he believes the reprimand in the findings constitutes sufficient punishment.

Probability that differences will be adjusted between the several factions and the committee’s report will be permitted to remain on file without further action seemed to be indicated by the statement of several legislators. If this course is followed, not vote would be necessary and the matter would be a closed issued.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Assemblymen Seek to Block O. K. for Report

By Frank B. Anderson

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, March 7-The report of the Chinese herb bill investigating committee is as good as “laid on the table” in the assembly.

Any attempt to have the house adopt the report Monday afternoon, which would carry with it approval of the reprimand administered Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Wilkinson, will be stubbornly fought.

This is the plan today of many friends of the two attaches, who are generally considered to have been made the “goats” in a plot that failed to ‘shake down” Chinese herb dealers of amounts ranging from $4000 to $10,000.

The report was printed today in the assembly journal, and is scheduled to be acted upon Monday afternoon because the House has only a small attendance at today’s session. Many of the bay districts’ members are away for the weekend, but those here feel inclined to let well enough alone.

At the end of the session they propose offering a resolution praising the attaché force in general for its faithfulness and in that way give a sweeping vote of confidence to the two victims of the “cinch” bill scandal.

“It is an outrage to have these boys so wrongfully accused,” said Fred C. Hawes, San Francisco assemblyman, today, “and I feel like many others that we should clear their records by repudiating the committee’s report. We certainly will not stand for adopting the report, because that would imply that we agree to the censure, which I…

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(Continued from Page One)

believe is entirely unwarranted. Members who at first were inclined to adopt the report are ready today to repudiate it, or at least just let it remain on file, which is equivalent to laying it on the table.

“We will not countenance any further agitation to punish the two attaches, who unquestionably were made the “goats” of this nasty mess. Should a reported resolution be presented to oust them you will see one of the strongest battles ever carried out on the floor of the assembly. Members from all parts of the state have assured the San Francisco delegation that they stand back of these boys to the last ditch.”

More Feared

Frank Eskward, Burlingame assemblyman and regarded as one of the administration floor leader, was reported to be drafting a resolution to discharge Ohnimus and Wilkinson. This he denies, but such a move is feared by some.

It is generally understood that the administration, which was not directly concerned, is quite content to let the situation remain “as is.” Its members-Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, author of the bill, and Senator Edgar S. Hurley-escaped so far as the report is concerned without censure, while the two attaches, who are identified politically with Sheriff “Tom” Finn in San Francisco, “took the fall” as they say.

Fate Sealed

The denunciation the committee gives the Chinese herb bill as falling in the category of “cinch” bills seals its fate for this session, and, in passing, it might be mentioned that Chief of Police James T. Drew of Oakland had a hand in this.

His declaration that so far as he knew herb doctors did not peddle narcotics in their medicines is reflected in the report, which says that before presenting such measures the author should consult with the police of his city.

While attaches can take warning not to discuss “cinch’ bills, unless they carry the information to the speaker, according to the suggestions in the report, there are plenty others around the capitol who will spot this brand of proposed laws, assuring a quietus on this favorite indoor sport for the rest of this session.

The Graves investigating committee will go no further and unless a move springs up from some unexpected quarter on Monday afternoon the incident stands dismissed.

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The first newspaper clipping reads:

Graves’ Report to be opposed during Debate

Eddie Smith Exonerated in Alleged Attempted Extortion Case

Findings are on File

Action by Lower House Deferred Until Monday Afternoon

By Merril Osenbaugh

Now that the legislative investigation committee has exonerated Assemblyman Eddie Smith in the alleged attempted extortion charges, relative to this Chinese herb bill, and severely censured Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, and Charles Wilkinson, assembly sergeant-at-arms, a movement has been started in the assembly to call for the resignation of the two attaches.

On the other hand, friends of Wilkinson and Ohnimus are planning to request that the investigation committee exclude from its report the severe criticism of the chief clerk and the sergeant-at-arms, declaring their conduct was not unbecoming.

More Opposed

The administration forces, however, look upon the report of the committee as an excellent one and that it should be adopted without reservations.

Sidney Graves, chairman of the investigating commission stated, last night that he would oppose any attempt to dismiss Chief Clerk Ohnimus, or Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkinson. Chairman Graves said he believes the reprimand in the findings constitutes sufficient punishment.

It is hoped by those who favor the report as it stands that attempts to wage a war against any of its provisions or to demand the resignations of Wilkinson and Ohnimus will be quashed.

Speaker Frank F. Merriam announced that the report will be a regular order of business Monday afternoon, at which time he hopes it will be adopted or filed.

After tracing the history of the case the committee report, in exonerating Smith, reads:

“The committee here for acquits Assemblyman Smith of any of the charges or insinuations made against him and of any misconduct in the matter.
J. E. Hood, attorney for the state pharmacy board in Alameda County, who was mentioned by Smith in connection with the money allegations, is given a clean bill by the committee.

Hood Praised

Concerning him, the report states:

“It is well to dismiss on proposition…

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Graves Report to be opposed during Debate

Eddie Smith Exonerated in Alleged Attempted Extortion Case

(Continued from Page One)

in advance, and that is the report concerning the action of Mr. J. E. Hood, attorney of the state board of pharmacy, whose office is in Oakland, Mr. Hood was unnecessarily brought into public light by a remark which seems to have been more than careless, and well-nigh approaching the criminal. The only object in bringing in the name of Mr. Hood was that the person using his name might be the better enabled to exert pressure upon these interested in defeating assembly bill No. 440.”

The Condemnation

Condemnation of the actions of Wilkinson and Ohnimus was contained in the report as read by Chairman Graves:

“It is impossible for the committee to reconcile the differences in the two statements given by Mr. Ohnimus and Mr. Smith, nor can they be reconciled. There is sufficient in the testimony concerning the actions of the two elective officers of the house, the chief clerk and the sergeant-at-arms, to call attention to their unwarranted activities concerning the defeat of this measure. These activities are calculated to bring, and have brought upon the house the odium in the public mind that its members are disregardful of their own conduct and of the conduct of their officers. Such conduct is not to be indulged in a light or frivolous manner, and the excuses that such matters were referred to by the officers of the house in jest is entirely reprehensible. Every reference by an officer of the house characterizing any bill as a ‘cinch bill’ or introduced for cinch purposes, is reflecting upon the member of the house who introduces it, and it also reflects upon the system of government which countenances it. If any officer of the house knows, or has reason to suspect anything concerning a bill of this character, it is his duty to impart such knowledge to the speaker of the house; to treat it otherwise is to show utter disregard of the gravity of such a situation.

Conduct Scored

“The two officers of the house involved are deserving of the severest condemnation for their conduct, and it is immaterial whether that conduct reaches into a zone of corruption, or whether it is indulged in out of disregard of the very highest ideals which should actuate their conduct.

“This committee, as solemnly as language can possibly impart, and as severely as judgment is capable, condemns the two officers of the house in their conduct in this matter, whatever their motives may have been.”

William R. Brackett, former assemblyman, whom the Chinese charged with alleged attempted extortion for sums ranging from $4000 to $10,000 is dismissed in the report with the following comment:

“The testimony of William R. Brackett, a former member of this house, shows that he read an account of the bill in a newspaper. He made some remark to the effect that it appeared to be a good bill calling for the employment of a lobbyist at Sacramento in order to secure its defeat. The avowed purpose of Mr. Brackett in endeavoring to have himself engaged was not out of any public-spirited feeling, but arose simply because he saw in it a fair field for the talent and remuneration of the lobbyists.”

The report further states:

“It appears as a fact that Brackett and Smith were not acquainted and had never had any dealings. Upon the question of veracity which one is speaking the truth so far as Assemblyman Smith is concerned. If Mr. Brackett was speaking the truth, Mr. Smith’s name was not used and hence was never in connection with any of these reports. If Fong Wan’s version is true, it amounts to hearsay, and would appear to have come from Brackett, speaking entirely for his own interest and using all of the pressure and argument in aid thereof, wholly unacquainted with Assemblyman Smith and without authority of any kind or character to speak for Mr. Smith.”

Graves Statement

Following the submission of the report by Chairman Graves, he declared last evening that the report should serve as a lesson to attaches to keep within their limits and to comment on any bills on their path is unwarranted.

“Attaches should attend strictly to their own business here in the assembly and under no circumstances should they speak of merits or demerits of any bill,” Graves said.

When appraised of the fact that movements had been started for the expulsion of Wilkinson and Ohnimus, Frank Coombs, Napa, member of the investigating committee, said he hoped nothing would materialize.

“I supposed, of course, that something like that might be started,” Coombs said, “but hope it won’t…

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Grinding! Grinding! The Wheels of Justice

Underneath the title shows a picture of 7 men sitting next to each other at a table with various papers in front of them underneath the picture is a caption that reads: A scene at Sacramento, where the special assembly’s investigating committee, representing the people of the Court of California, are sifting charges that bribes were solicited in connection with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s ** ** sale of Chinese medicinal herbs. Those shown are: (1) S.T. Graves, chairman of the committee; (2) F.L. Coombs, ** Assemblyman; (4) Tong Wan, (5) Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, (6) Senator Edgar Hurley and (7) Wm. **.

Legislators Grill Brackett in Bribe Quiz

(continued from Page One)

the total as possible was going into my pocket,” he said.

The Other Side

Dr. Fong wan and other herbalists, however, have testified that Brackett told them the $5,000 was to be split as a bribe as follows:

For Assemblyman Smith, a part to go to J. E. Hood, pharmacy board attorney, $2,500; for Senator Hurley, $1,000; for Brackett, $1,000; for expenses, $500.

“I never told the Chinese that any amount of money was to go to Mr. Smith,” declared Brackett. “The Chinese have told an untruth. I never mentioned Smith, Senator Hurley or J. E. Hood in connection with any sums of money. I am not even acquainted with Smith or Hood.”

The former legislator said he ** reduced his request to $4,000 when the Chinese herbalists were ** in raising funds, and he was ** to understand that some of ** hesitated “because they were ** that Fong Wan would keep ** ** money raised.”

** Told.

** appeared with Brackett ** office of Fong Wong on February 14 merely to recommend Brackett to the Chinese as a suitable lobbyist against the herb bill, ** the witness. He declared that Hurley warned Fong Wan to ** in the matter “open and above **.”

In connection with this conference, Assemblyman Isaac Jones of the probe committee force d Brackett to confess he misrepresented the facts in his recent statement of the Alameda County district attorney. At that time, he claimed that his meeting with Hurley at Fong Wan’s Place took place “about January 26 or 28.”

The witness explained this and another discrepancy in his testimony relating to dealings with Senator Hurley on the ground that when the charges were first made in Oakland they “came out of a clear sky and I was naturally excited and could not remember very well.”

Questioning by committee members disclosed that Brackett has been a lobbyist at every legislative session since 1919 and that at the 1923 session he succeeded in putting through an amendment to the fish and game laws sponsored by Senator Hurley.

Counsel Objects

Former Assemblyman Clarence Morris of San Francisco, counsel for Brackett, objected to detail questioning into his client’s past record. To this Sidney Graves, chairman of the committee, replied:

The Assembly and the people of the entire State are looking to this committee to do justice. We feel that we have a right to go into this matter as deeply as we wish. Furthermore, we intend to do so.

Smith Named

The “someone” mentioned yesterday as seeking to “make trouble” for Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkinson for his connection with the bill was today indirectly identified as Assemblyman Smith in the testimony of Dr. T. Wah Hing, Chinese practitioner of this city.

“Fong Wan telephoned to me from Oakland on February 11 and told me from Oakland on February 11 and told me that Brackett had been to see him, telling him that Wilkinson had offered Smith $500 to kill the bill,” said the witness. “He said Smith was very angry about Wilkinson meddling in this matter and going to make Wilkinson lose his job.”

Wah Hing also described another telephone message from Oakland February 10 in which he was warned by an unidentified man that somebody was planning “trouble” for the sergeant-at-arms.

Ohnimus Heard

Another denial of bribery charges was entered by Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus, of the Assembly, who followed Brackett on the witness stand tonight. Ohnimus described a visit to Assemblyman Smith’s home in Oakland February 11 and in the following language denied Smith’s statement that a bribe was mentioned:

I said casually to Smith that there was some money on that herb bill of his, meaning that a large sum would be spent to be at it. Smith grew angry and said I was the third man who had approached him.

“For God’s sake, you don’t think I’m trying to proposition you, do you?” I said.

Ohnimus said that Smith later apologized for misunderstanding the intent of his remarks.

“Wine and Speeches.”

Discovery that the Chinese herbalists who banqueted San Francisco legislators recently in an attempt to arouse opposition to the herb bill served wine to their guests was made during today’s hearing by Assemblyman T. M. Wright, member of the investigating committee and author of the Wright publication act.

Interrogated by Wright, Dr. T. Wah Hing testified that some wine was provided and that “while no body was drunk,” everybody “made speeches.”

Sticks to Story

Under a fire of questions by Senator Hurley, Assemblyman Smith and Attorney Morris, the latter representing Brackett, Dr. Fong Wan refused at tonight’s session of the investigating committee to repudiate his earlier testimony that Brackett asked him for $5,000 bribe money.

“Sometimes newspapers like to make big stories,” said Assemblyman Wright of the committee. “Did this story of dividing $5,000 between Smith, Hurley and Brackett come to you from some reporter, Fong Wan, or from Brackett?”

“It came from Brackett many times,” answered the Chinese.

In the course of cross-questioning, Morris and Senator Hurley made an apparent attempt to discredit the testimony of Dr. T. Wah Hing and Dr. Fong Wan ,start witnesses for the herbalists, by showing that the two Chinese have been arrested in the past for alleged law violations.

Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkinson, also called tonight, said that he received no funds in the herb bill fight and offered no bribe money. He said he had a “hobby of helping people” when he was asked how he happened to employ stenographers arrange for stationery and assist the Chinese in staging their San Francisco banquets without receiving a cent in return.

“This is a serious business and the entire State is watching this investigation,” Assemblyman Wright told the witness. “I’m wondering, as I listen to your story, if you are not trying to hide someone.”

Admitting that he considers the case “bad enough has it is,” Wilkinson denied he was withholding information.

Denies Rumor

When testimony developed that the Chinese banquet was attended by Senator F. J. Powers of Eagleville, and Assemblyman James Miller, Fred C. Hawes, Charles Oliva, T. A. Mitchell and William Hornblower, of San Francisco, Hornblower appeared voluntarily before the committee and made the following statement:

I wish to say that I am not engaged as attorney for any Chinese association or any individual Chinese, with or without pay. I attended the Chinese banquet in San Francisco at the invitation of Wilkinson. Several other members of the San Francisco delegation were in attendance and we have no cause to conceal the fact. I delivered an address at the banquet and, though I did not pledge my vote, I vigorously opposed measures in the category with the Smith bill as regulatory measures meeting no public demand. I said then and I say now that I can see no reason why this bill was introduced.

Senator Hurley will take the stand when the hearing continues tomorrow.

This page displays 3 newspaper clipping. Words that are unreadable will be replaced by two asterisks: **.

First newspaper clipping reads:

Jury Debates Herb Inquiry Verdict

By Frank B. Anderson

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, March 5- The assembly investigating committee delving into the charges of bribery and extortion surrounding the Smith anti-herb bill is meeting again today in deliberation somewhat after the fashion of a jury that cannot arrive at a verdict. The evidence is all in, but the five members are dubious as to what sort of a report they should bring in.

Like all deliberating bodies that are “out” there are various reports concerning what the “verdict” will be, but the five members have taken the pledge not to reveal anything makes the report which is not looked until Chairman Sidney T. Graves for until at least another day.

Feeling duty-bound to the public to find something “rotten in Den-**” and thereby assure the public that “cinch” bills are not a specialty of this Legislature, the committee is anxious to fix a certain degree of blame ** ** sill not bring in a “Scotch verdict.”

Many members who have sat through most of the hearings, frankly confess that they could not convey anybody on the evidence ** ** same time insist ** ** ** brought a certain ** ** ** credit upon the ** ** the ** legislators.

Impeachment Unlikely

It is generally agreed that the only severe punishment that can be meted out to Assemblyman Smith and Senator Hurley would be impeachment and nobody would consider such a proceeding on the stories told the committee, especially since there was no corroborative evidence of former assemblyman William R. Brackett’s direct connection with the lawmakers trying to exact a $5,000 fee from the Chinese herbalists for fighting the Smith bill.

To pass the buck to Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus and sergeant-at-arms Charles Wilkinson would be carrying the brunt of the affair too, many agree, and such a report would bring out a stiff fight on the ** before any of the clear-thinking…

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Second newspaper clipping is a continuation of the first newspaper clipping, it reads:

Jury’ Debates Herb Bribe Verdict

(Continued from Page One)

members would agree to dismissing these two attacks.

This is not the first time that there has been “money talk” about a bill pending before the Legislature and won’t be the last, but simply because the methods sought to defeat this one got into the newspapers the Legislature is all wrought up over the affair and feels that it stands in a false light before the public. The legislators, therefore, feel duty-bound to make an example of somebody in order to clear the taint of scandal.

Just how much weight the committee will place upon the testimony of the Chinese herb dealers, who said Brackett wanted the money for the two legislators as well as himself, remains to be seen. It is generally agreed that Brackett had a much higher appraisal of his services than many lobbyists who present more important issues than this anti-herb bill; yet the purported semblance of extortion fails to directly connect up with members of the Legislature.

Bill Defeat Costly

feat and many less. Tales are told

Some bills have cost more to defeat, and many less. Tales are told of certain measures that were not beaten until $20,000 or more was expended, and the lobbyists didn’t get it all either. This writer knows of one measure, some years ago, where an attorney sent up here from San Francisco got a fee of $1800 for one day’s visit to work against a bill. All he spent was 15 cents for three glasses of beer, and it was through the efforts of his friends, and not himself, that the bill was killed.

When the present committee gets its report out and the matter is dropped, the Legislature can go about its duties feeling that the “cinch” bill games is a lost art, for this session at any rate, and the lobbyists who are registering with Senator Swing’s committee need have no fear of being confronted with the urgency of laying any money down to make certain defeat or passage of measures they represent.

Third newspaper clipping reads:

Her Probe Considered as ‘Closed’

Both Sides Apparently Willing to let report Repose in Files

By Max Stern

Daily News Staff Correspondent

Sacramento, March 7-The Chinese herb scandal probably will soon become a closed incident, so far as the Legislature is concerned-unless some over enthusiastic member touches off the dynamite concealed within it.

The administration is satisfied with the exoneration of Assemblyman Eddie Emith and Sen. Edgar “Tex” Hurley. The friends of Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Wilkinson apparently are willing to let things rest as they are, unless an effort is made to have the Assembly formally approve the report of the committee that investigated the Chinese extortion charges.

Plans Changed

No action is to be taken on the report today. Following its submission, Speaker Frank Merriam announced that further consideration would be postponed until Monday, as many of the members were out of town over the weekend.

It is doubtful if any effort will be made then to have the report taken up for approval. The alternative is simply to leave it in the Assembly files without a vote of approval or disapproval.

When the report was first presented curtain administration members were ready to introduce a resolution demanding the resignation of Ohnimus and Wilkinson.

Friends of the two attaches rallied and announced that since the entire upshot of the scandal and investigation had been to make the employees the “goats,” they would organize to repudiate the report or, failing in that, to conduct a filibuster that would tie up all legislative business.

Report Denounced

They indignantly denounced the report as to Ohnimus and Wilkinson, both of whom were elected to office through the support of members in opposition to the administration.

Fred Hawes, San Francisco assemblyman, said, “The accusation against these two men is unwarranted and outrageous. What the committee chose to consider evidence against them is without any weight whatever.”

Even members of the investigating committee said they did not favor any move to force the dismissal of Ohnimus and Wilkinson or they would have included a recommendation to that effect in their report.

Counsels of peace between the factions threatening war at length prevailed, and for the time being neither side plans to “stir up anything.”

This page displays 2 newspaper clipping.

The first newspaper clipping reads:

Senate Opens Lobby War in Graft Expose

Resolution Adopted for Purification but Hurley Opposes Hasty Action

Money Voted Inquiry

Committee Summons Witnesses including Chinese who Accuse Legislators

The latest development from the Oakland angle of the “anti-herb” bill scandal, was an announcement yesterday from District Attorney Warren that on the night of February 23, when William Brackett was to appear in Dr. Fong Wan’s office to claim the $5000, a fee to defeat the proposed legislation, he had been warned by the Chinese herb doctor to stay away as the police were waiting to arrest him.

By Earl C. Behrens

Chronicle Bureau, Sacramento, Feb 27-The Senate today declared war against the alleged corrupt lobbyist practices around the state Legislature and the so-called “cinch” bill evil, brought into the legislative limelight through disclosure in the Chinese herb bill expose involving members and attaches of the two houses.

Simultaneously with the adoption of a resolution providing for a close scrutiny of the credentials of all lobbyists by a committee of seven, headed by Senator Ralph E. Swing of San Bernardino County, Senator Herbert C. Jones of San Jose announced on the floor of the upper house that he would oppose passage of Senator Edgar S. Hurley’s anti=Chinese lottery bill until after the Assembly Investigation Committee had inquired into the allegations made against the Alameda County Senator in connection with the Chinese herb bill bribe charges.

Hurley Welcomes Investigation, He Says

Hurley accepted Senators Jones defi and declared that he welcomed an investigation and that “there isn’t a bill on my file that I’ll fight more than No. 665,” the Chinese lottery measure.

Previous to the action of the Senator in passing, by a vote of 32 to 3, the Swing resolution granting authority to a committee of seven to examine the credentials of all lobbyists as well as others who wish to be heard for or against measures pending before the state Legislature, and also as to the sources of the bills, the Assembly, without an…

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Second newspaper clipping is a continuation of the first newspaper clipping, it reads:

State Senate Wars on Lobbyists; Herb Bill Witnesses Called

(Continued From Page 1, Col. 3)

Opposition vote appropriate $1000 for the use of the special investigating committee in the Chinese herb case and authorized it to summon witnesses.

The Swing resolution brought forth hot argument on the Senate Floor, as many of the members wanted to postpone action until Monday, because the resolution “may amount practically to gag rule,” as one Senator put it.

Desire of the Senators to clear their skirts, because of the adverse criticism directed against the Legislature by the press and public through the developments in the alleged bribery charges made by the Chinese herb doctors, occasioned the hasty action.

Senator Jones started the fireworks by arising soon after the morning session had begun to read from The Chronicle and other newspapers editorials on the bribery charges and the aspersions cast upon the legislators.

“I think it is unfortunate for any committee to act upon bills under suspicion until the entire Senate can get to the bottom of these rumors,” Senator Jones said in objecting to the Hurley bill approved by the Public Morals Committee of the Senate last night. “The measure is under suspicion in the columns of the press and I desire to serve notice on the author that I shall object to the bill being placed before us for final passage until all doubts are cleared up,” Jones declared.

Delay Defeated

Senator Swing’s resolution, seconded by Senator Victor J. Canepa of San Francisco, declared that since “it is rumored that improper and illegal lobbying” had been charged, a committee of seven should be authorized to pass upon the credentials of all lobbyists, and that written application should be made before parties should be permitted to appear to testify for or against any measure.

Since there is much doubt in the minds of some of the Senators just what the resolution meant and how far it would reach in determining whether or not the public would barred from legislative committee hearings, Senators H. C. Nelson of Eureka, Tom West of Alameda County, Cadet Taylor of Pomona, A. B. Johnson of Los Angeles, Ben Brush of Solano and others wanted to delay action until Monday.

Inmate Urges Action

“The Legislature stands today on trial before the people through no fault of the majority of the members and we must take the bull by the horns,” Senator Jack Inman of Sacramento declared in opposing delay.

Senator Roy Fellom of San Francisco, in speaking against delay, almost opened up another jackpot as far as “cinch” bills are concerned, when he said a bill was before a committee of which he was a member and “that a price was placed upon that particular bill.”

Fellom declined to tell what the bill was, but hotel lobby gossips declared that a $5000 offer had been made to kill a bill affecting certain theatrical and motion picture employment agencies.

“The real purpose of this resolution is to drive so-called cinch bills from the files of the Senate and corrupt lobbyists from the Capitol at Sacramento,” Senator Swing explained.

“I am not trying to block final passage, but we should know what it means,” Senator Nelson pointed out in advocating a delay.

Hurley Defends Himself

Before a vote was taken on the resolution hitting at the lobbyists Senator Hurley, who is under fire with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Alameda County; former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland, Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkenson of San Francisco and Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco, both Assembly officers, took the floor against the measure and to defend himself against the criticism leveled in his direction.

Hurley charged that the stand taken by Senator Jones was a political one and intended to harm him politically. He charged his fellow Senators with being “panic stricken all of a sudden.” Hurley lambasted the press and stated that “there is no guilt or stain that should be attached to me.” Five Senators, Hurley, Nelson, A. B. Johnson, Taylor and West, voted for a postponement until Monday, while thirty wanted immediate acceptance of the resolution.

Three in Opposition

The resolution was finally adopted by a vote of 32 and 3 against, Hurley, Taylor and West voting against it.

Senators Arthur H. Breed, E. H. Christian, M. B. Johnson, Charles W. Lyon and Joseph Pedrotti were absent.

Senator West tossed a defi to his colleagues in the upper house by announcing that he would pay no attention to the resolution as far as his committee, the universities and teachers’ colleges was concerned, and allow all who came before it to talk on measures regardless of credentials.

The swing resolution carried a $500 allotment for the work of the committee. The Assembly investigating committee, headed by Assemblyman Sidney T. Graves of Los Angeles, met this afternoon and planned its work, which will being Monday afternoon.

Inquiry Plan Laid

The Assembly investigating committee this afternoon issued summons to J. E. Hood, Oakland attorney, a former associate in practice with Assemblyman Smith; William Brackett, former Assemblyman; Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkenson, Lee See, Dr. Y.L. Chan, Fong Ysan, Y.T. Dang, T. Wah Hing, Chinese involved in the alleged bribe plot.

Chief Clerk Ohnimus was not summoned, but was invited to appear before the committee and testify.

Neither Senator Hurley nor Assemblyman Smith were summoned. It is understood that the committee will not call Hurley and Smith until the technical point raised by a reading of the state constitution and which is being interpreted as precluding the prosecution by the courts of members of the Legislature who are summoned to testify before a legislative committee.

This page displays 2 newspaper clipping. Words that are unreadable will be replaced with two asterisks.

The first newspaper clipping is a continuation of another newspaper clipping which is not shown. It reads:

Solons Open Herb Bribe Inquiry

(Continued from Page One)

affair, attach no stigma of wrongdoing to him nor to Arthur A. Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, who mentioned to Assemblyman Smith that there were rumors of money in sigh to “go easy” on assembly bill No. 440, which today is one of the most widely discussed measures among the 2000 before the Legislature.

Assemblyman Sidney T. Graves of Los Angeles, chairman of the committee, has arranged to have on hand today for the stat of the probe a number of witnesses, including William Brackett, ex-assemblyman, of Oakland, who is alleged to have sought $5000 from Dr. Fong Wan, Oakland herbalist; Dr. Wan; T. Wah Hing, Sacramento herb doctor, who first asked Wilkinson to telephone Smith that he wanted to see him, Dr. Y. Le Chang of San Francisco and Lee See, 857 Washington Street, San Francisco, who arranged the now famous banquet to several legislators; J. E. Hood, former law partner of Assemblyman Smith and Alameda County attorney for the State Pharmacy Board from whom Smith says he got the notion of introducing the bill, and Wilkinson, the sergeant-at-arms.

Ohnimus, as well as Assemblyman Smith; Senator Edgar S. Hurley, also of Oakland, who says he recommended Brackett lobbyist; Alameda County District Attorney Earl Warren, Chief of Police James T. Drew and Sacramento County District Attorney J. J. Henderson have been invited to appear before the committee, but not subpoenaed.

Immunity Rule

As the committee was preparing to meet, everybody concerned declared he would make a complete statement of his connection with the bill, notwithstanding the ruling of Attorney-General Webb that the committee can make no immunity contracts, but adding that the testimony given here could not be used against a fitness in a court trial.

There appears to be a determined disposition on the part of some of the committeemen to bring out all the facts and get the stench over with, so that the legislature may be purged of any charges at trafficking in “cinch” bills. How long the investigation will last and how far-reaching it will be nobody cares to predict.

Chinese Active

The Chinese herb dealers, who would be practically put out of business Protective Association of 725 A are conducting a vigorous fight against the measure regardless of the scandal the bill has stirred up, and today every member of the legislature has a letter which, while not trying to write a testimony for Chinese herbs, had this somewhat interesting human appeal;

“The Chinese is the oldest race in the world and it has always been the custom for us to use roots and herbs for medical purposes when sick. No doubt you know that roots and herbs are the basis of all medicines. Probably your mother has picked roots and herbs and dried them to use in winter to make tea, poultices, etc., or you yourself may have found them of great value.

“The Chinese came to California with the earliest white pioneers when there were no doctors, and we could give you many instances-maybe you have read of many yourself-when herbs proved efficient cures.”

The letter comes from the Chinese Protective Association of 725A, J Street, Sacramento, and is signed by Ong Yuen, secretary.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Solon Bribe Quiz Opens Today

Committee to Sift Herb Scandal

Chinese to Give Testimony

“Examiner” Bureau, Sacramento, March 1-With most of the witnesses summoned here under subpoena or within call and the investigating committee doubly empowered by the Attorney General and the State Assembly to probe to the limit for every scrap of evidence, the stage is set for the beginning of hearings tomorrow on the alleged plot in which Chinese herb interests charge they were asked to pay bribe money for defeat of a bill introduced by Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Oakland.

In the light of the Attorney General’s ruling that appearance of persons involved in the scandal before the legislative investigating committee will not preclude subsequent criminal action if such is warranted, both District Attorney J. J. Henderson of Sacramento County and Earl Warren of Alameda County will watch each development in the probe closely with the admitted possibility that the case may be later placed before grand juries in the two counties.

Tangled of Charges

The tangled mass of allegations and denials which have emanated during the last week from the several principals in the scandal will be shifted to the bottom and the facts will be made public, irrespective of whose “toes are stepped on,” it was announced tonight by Assemblyman Sidney Graves, chairman of the special committee.

“Serious accusations, involving the honor of the State Assembly and questioning the intent of a bill on which the Legislature must act, have been made,” said Chairman Graves. “If these are true, the Assembly must establish that fact and the guilt must be definitely fixed where it belongs.”

The committee, it seemed probable tonight, will demand testimony developing the following:

An explanation by Assemblyman Smith of motives back of his bill regulating use of medicinal herbs and of the charges that it was used as a “cinch” bill in an attempt to extort between $5,000 and $10,000 from Oakland and San Francisco Chinese.
The story by former Assemblyman “Bill” Brackett relative to his connection in the alleged scheme, his relations with Dr. Fong Wan, Oakland herb doctor, and the charges of the latter that Brackett offered to have the herb bill killed in return for compensation amounting to thousands of dollars.
An explanation of Fong Wan’s claims that Brackett told him both Senator Edgar S. Hurley and Assemblyman Smith were aware of the so-called “cinch” plot and that any money obtained was to be split.
A definite statement by Senator Hurley on discrepancies between his statement that he visited Fong Wan merely to urge Brackett as a suitable lobbyist against the herb bill and the story of Fong Wan that both Hurley and Brackett were present at his establishment when money was said to have been solicited from the Chinese interests.
Testimony by Charles H. Wilkinson of San Francisco, sergeant-at-arms of the Assembly, on his activities as adviser to the Chinese opposing the herb bill, his service to Dr. T. Wah Hing, Chinese practitioner of Sacramento, as envoy to Smith relative to a proposed conference with Chinese in this city and to indirect charge emanating from Oakland that he offered $500 to Smith to let the bill “die in committee.”
Testimony by Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco, chief clerk of the Assembly, on the charge that he approached Smith with the statement that there was “$500 in it” if the herb bill did not pass.

Words that are unreadable will be replaced with two asterisks.

** Session Short of Last in Number of Bills

Though there were 294 bills ** many resolutions thrown the legislative hopper in the ** yesterday, the number of introduced at the hour of ** on the day previous to ** of the first part of the ** session fell far short of the ** that had been introduced in the assembly on the similar day at the last session.

Compilation made today by Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus of the assembly shows that on January 23, 1925, the day previous to the date of adjournment of the first part of the previous legislative session, there had been 1,068 assembly bills introduced. Up to adjournment last night the total had reached but t 827 for the session to date.

Resolution Different

Although the number of assembly ** had fallen short of the numbers on the similar date in 1925, ** in so far as bills and assembly current resolutions are **, the present session takes ** record up to last night in ** of assembly concurrent resolutions introduced. In the session of ** up to the night before the session adjourned for tis first part, ** number of concurrent resolution ** introduced in the lower house is ten. Up to last night, the member of such resolutions introduced amounted to seventeen.

During the present session to date there have been fewer “skeleton bills” introduced than at any other session in recent years. According to the old timers in the legislature that fact is due to two causes: First the message of Governor C.C. Young in which he advocated that such bills be left out entirely or else cut to a minimum, and the work of Speaker Edgar C. Levey in speeding up the procedure in the lower house. Aside from the fact that “harmony” is an accomplished fact in so far as the lower house is concerned, to date, Levey has made a record as a speaker in the matter of keeping things on the move. There are no delays in legislation in the assembly and that coupled with the fact that “harmony with the administration” is the watchword, has helped to expedite matters.

There are four members of the assembly that up to last night had not introduced a single measure. They are D. P. Anderson, J. Croter, Howard W. Davis and Fred Roberts.

In number of bills introduced, the following assemblymen take the “cake:”

Henry E. Carter of Los Angeles; F. C. Clowdsley of Stockton; Isaac Jones of Ontario; Eugene Roland of Oakland; harry F. Sewell of Whittier.

*This newspaper clipping also shows two pictures, one of Arthur Ohnimus and E.C. Levey.

Testimony in Graft Charge Case Closes

Committee Prepares to make Report to Assembly on its Findings

Conflict is noted

Harley Denies Story Told by Brackett during Investigation

By Merril Osenbaugh

Contradictory testimony between Assemblyman Eddie Smith of Oakland and Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, relative to the alleged $500 offer of the latter to the former to kill the Smith herb bill, featured the conclusion of the three-day extortion charge hearing yesterday before the special legislative investigating committee.

It was announced last night by Sidney T. Graves, chairman of the probe committee, that an executive session will be held commencing at 8:30 o’clock this morning, after which a resolution of recommendation will be submitted to the assembly.

Ohnimus yesterday testified there was no mention of $500 or $5,000 by him to Smith with he visited him in Oakland several weeks ago. Smith told the committee that he understood Ohnimus to tell him he could get him $500 to “lay off” the bill.

The assemblyman further said that he told Ohnimus he could get $5,000 for killing the measure, but he would not do it because he was “absolutely for the herb bill.”

Said as Joke

Ohnimus disclaimed knowledge of any of the conversation Smith said took place, declaring he merely mentioned to Smith in a joking and passing way that he heard there was some money on the bill.

“I meant by that,” said Ohnimus to the committee, “that money was to be spent in an attempt to beat the bill. You gentlemen know it is mentioned quite often around here that money will be spent to beat a bill and all of that. All of which means strong opposition will come up here to fight against the bill.”

Smith testified that after thinking the matter over for a few days he came to the conclusion that possibly Ohnimus did not intend to leave any inference that a bribe had been offered.

“So when I returned to Sacramento,” said Smith, “I went around to Ohnimus and said: ‘Art, I want to apologize for everything that happened down in Oakland.”

Ohnimus is report to have replied:

“Oh, that’s all right, Eddie. Differences happen once in a while.”

A wide variance in testimony was noted between statements made by Senator Hurley and William Brackett. The latter is alleged to have attempted to extort sums ranging from $4000 to $10,000 from Chinese to defeat the bill.

Meetings Denied

At Tuesday’s hearing, Brackett told of a lengthy conversation he had in Oakland with Senator Hurley, during which the herb bill was discussed and that the solon wrote a synopsis of the bill on a cigar counter for the former assemblyman. He also said they talked about his possibilities as a lobbyist for the bill.

Hurley yesterday said this lengthy discussion between himself and Brackett never occurred.

The senator told the committee there was no conversation relative to Brackett as a lobbyist at the cigar stand, that he did not know what bill Brackett referred to when he took him to see the Chinese and that Brackett merely asked him to accompany him to the office of the herb doctor.

“When I got there,” said Hurley, “Brackett asked me if I would put in a good word for him as a lobbyist. I told him I would. As a…

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‘Lobbyist’ in Extortion Plot Replies to Chinese

Cross-Examiner Obtains Admission from Ex-Assemblyman that he erred in Statement

“Examiner” Bureau, Sacramento, March 3-Former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland, accused as “go-between” in the alleged Chinese extortion plot, came before the Assembly special investigating committee late today with a sweeping denial that he solicited bribes from Oakland and San Francisco Chinese to defeat Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s herb bill and with the declaration that Smith and Senator Edgar S. Hurley of Oakland were not leagued with him in such an enterprise.

Members of the committee forced Brackett to admit discrepancies between his testimony today and his statement when summoned before District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County on February 24, but the former Assemblyman maintained under oath that Chinese witnesses in the present hearing have “told an untruth” in charging that bribery was sought by him.

Wilkinson Hit

Sidestepping the allegation of three Bay City Chinese that he demanded bribes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to keep Smith’s bill from passing, Brackett turned the limelight on Sergeant-at-arms Charles H. Wilkinson of the Assembly.

Brackett quoted Senator Hurley as saying that someone had tried to approach Smith with a bribe on the bill and as mentioned the name of Wilkinson.

“Senator Hurley told me to be careful about the Smith bill as he had heard that money was being offered on it,” testified Brackett. “He said to lay off, if this proved to be true, and also said that Smith had told him someone had tried to reach him on the bill. Hurley mentioned Wilkinson.”

Asked “Lobby” Fee

Admitting that he asked Dr. Fong Wan, Oakland herb doctor, for $5,000 to defeat the Smith herb bill, Brackett said that this was not an extortion attempt but a request for what he considered a fair fee as a lobbyist before the Legislature.

Here is how Brackett testified he told the Chinese the $5,000 was to be used:

For hiring an attorney and experts on herbs to appear before legislators, $2,5000; for trip about State working against bill, $750; for dinners to legislators and transportation of person to testify before Legislature, $500; for Brackett as lobbyist fee, the balance.

“The balance and as much of…

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Grave Dug for Herb Report

By Alan McEwen

Call Bureau, State Capitol Sacramento, March 9-Administration leaders in the Assembly, with the reconvening of the Legislature today after the weekend recess, are extremely busy in an endeavor to screw the lid down on the Smith Chinese herb bill scandal and to keep it there.

They have recognized that there is a lot more political dynamite contained in the situation that may easily be touched off and bring disaster to administration hopes that the present Legislature will be productive only of advantageous and helpful platform material for the next governorship campaign.

Hence the anxiety to shovel the earth of silence in to the grave that has been dug for the special investigating committee’s report and to tamp it down solidly.

Report Up Today

Consideration of the committee’s report is on the order of business for the Assembly session this afternoon. If the administration has its way, nothing further will be done about it. Enough damage has already been done to the administration’s political structure in Alameda County. Any further agitation can only attract more attention to the activities of Assemblyman Smith and Senator Edgar Hurley, both of whom have been active administration men and both of whom are from Oakland.

Smith in particular was regarded as one of the administration’s “young hopefuls” in the transbay county, where the incumbent governor has developed considerable strength and had high exceptional of developing more by the next state election.

Fear “Volunteer” Move

The present danger, from the administration standpoint, is that some unattached member of the Assembly will feel inclined to put himself right with his constituents by moving for a formal approval of the investigating committee’s report on the dismissal of the two attaches whom it severely reprimanded.

That would be a signal for battle to those who are in favor of repudiating the committee’s report and would open up the whole scandal again.

Lottery Bill

Another bill that may reopen the epidemic of accusations and charges is Senator Hurley’s Chinese lottery bill which is scheduled to come up in the Senate today. This is a bill proposing to change the rating of…

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The first newspaper clipping reads:

Chinese Air Case before Committee of Assembly

Trio Testify Before Legislature, Again Accusing Wm. Brackett, Ex-Lawmaker as Go-Between

Witnesses Assert Suspect Solicited Money even Before Smith Bill was Introduced

Sacramento, March 2-Direct charges that former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland solicited bribes ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 from Chinese herb dealers to kill Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s herb bill and that Brackett declared the bribe money was to be shared by himself, Assemblyman Smith, Senator Edgar S. Hurley of Oakland and J. E. Hood, attorney in Oakland for the State Board of Pharmacy, were made today before the Assembly special committee probing the extortion scandal.

Three Accusers

The charges were made under oath by Y. L. Chan, herb importer of Oakland; Lee Shuck, herbalist of San Francisco, and Dr. Fong Wan, herb doctor of Oakland, the latter of whom is alleged to be the man from whom Brackett solicited the bribes.

Arthur Ohnimus, clerk of the Assembly, is scheduled to testify before the committee soon.

The first extortion attempt was made by Brackett as “go-between,” testified Fong Wan, between January 12 and 18, even before introduction of Smith’s bill which made its appearance in the Assembly on January 21. Fong Wan charged Brackett offered to have Smith kill the proposed bill in committee for $10,000.

“Negotiations” Told

Bringing a penciled outline of the bill, which he claimed to have secured from Senator Hurley before the measure was introduced, Brackett made a second request for bribe money about January 18 asserted Fong Wan, this time lowering his figure to $5,000.

Fong Wan told the Assembly committee that Brackett outlined the proposed division of the $5,000 bribe as follows:

Two thousand five hundred dollars to Assemblyman Smith who, Fong said Brackett told him, would give part of this to J. E. Hood, the Pharmacy Board attorney; $1,000 to Senator Hurley; $1,000 to himself (Brackett); $500 for expenses.

Hood is on record with a denial that he ever suggested the herb bill to his former law partner, Smith and is said to have called Smith to account for having referred to him as the advocate of the measure.

After the bill was actually introduced Brackett brought Senator Hurley with him and again urged the need for a bribe from the Chinese if they hoped to beat the bill said Fong Wan.

Under questions from committee…

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$10,000 Bribe Plot Charged by Chinese Herb Doctors

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members the Chinese said that Hurley kept his feet and said little during the conference while Bracket was seated in deep conversation over the proposed bribe.

“Senator Hurley stood close and heard everything we said about the money, but he did not say much,” testified Fong Wan, “Ye he heard Brackett tell about how the money was to be divided. He said that Brackett was all right.”

Interrogation by Assemblyman Coombs and other investigators brought out Fong Wan’s story of how he “tipped off” Brackett when the alleged extortion plot became known to Alameda County authorities and a trap was set to catch the ex-Assemblyman taking bribe money marked for the occasion.

Recounts Trap Plan

“When I saw the marked money and the Dictaphone my heart would not let me send Brackett to prison,” he claimed the witness. “I talked it over with the attendant in my office, Mrs. Smith, and I thought, about how Brackett was only a go-between and to put him in such trouble would be terrible. So I warned his sister of the trap.”

Near the eve of the discovery of the alleged plunder plot, Brackett suddenly dropped his price down to $4,500 and finally to $4,000, according to the three Chinese witnesses, who all told substantially the same story of a joint meeting they had with Brackett at Fong Wan’s Oakland establishment on February 15.

Y.L. Chan, the Chinese importer, testified that he told Brackett relative to bribery that the Chinese did not want “to do that kind of business,” and that Smith’s herb bill was unjust and probably would not be passed.

“But Brackett said the bill would be passed,” said Chan, “because he said Mr. Smith was a good friend of the administration and if the bill came up to the governor he would sign it.”

Conference Told

Brackett, according to Chan declined to permit a conference between the Chinese and Assemblyman Smith, holding that Smith could not come to Fong Wan’s place as “it would be too dangerous.”

Chan also told the committee that he “understood” that Assemblyman William Hornblower of San Francisco has agreed to act as attorney for the Chinese herb dealers without compensation.

Senator Hurley, who listened closely to all testimony, as did Assemblyman Smith, cross-examined Chan after the latter described revelation of the alleged plot to District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County:

“Isn’t it a fact,” asked Hurley, “that you went with the city editor of San Francisco ‘Examiner’ and the city editor of the Oakland ‘Examiner’ to the district attorney’s office the day after the Chinese banquet in San Francisco? If you didn’t know these men, as you say, why did you consent to go with them?”

Hurley in Denial

“Because I thought it was my duty to tell the truth to the district attorney,” replied Chan.

Hurley also cross-questioned Fong Wan and forced an admission that he had told the Chinese in the latter’s office that bribery was the wrong course to purse in fighting the bill.

Though Fong Wan persisted in his claim that Hurley was present on one occasion when division of money was discussed by Brackett the Senator denied that he heard such a conversation.

Leasing of transmission lines by the city from private corporations would be permitted, but it would be permissible to use these lines only for sending power to a municipality. No private power corporation could buy any of this power from the municipality to which San Francisco had sold it. In brief, only San Francisco or other municipalities could use power derived from the Moccasin creek project.

Lee Shuck said Wilkinson, without pay, engineered the diner so the Chinese would have a chance to present their side of the situation to the law-makers.

Assemblyman Smith cross-questioned all three Chinese witnesses in an announced effort to clear J. E. Hood, his former business association, of connection with the case. But the trio instead that Brackett mentioned Hood as one of those to profit if a bribe were paid to him.

Hood himself took the stand late today and said he never heard of the herb bill until “the stuff came out in the papers.”

Brackett Absent

He told the committee that Smith was instrumental in securing him his position as attorney for the Board of Pharmacy but denied Smith’s bill emanated from him.

Questions from members of the committee relative to the connection of former Senator Frank Carr of Oakland with the Chinese herbalists developed statements from today’s witnesses denying that Carr has been retained in the herb bill fight. Chan testified that Carr advised “only legitimate means” in combating the measure.

Sergeant-at-arms Wilkinson announced tonight that members of the Assembly advised him today to “take the fall,” meaning that he should resign his office in view of his implication in the scandal. Wilkinson said he has “done nothing to incriminate himself” and declared he will not resign.

Though the committee called Bracket today, he was not on hand to testify. Efforts to place him on the stand will be made when the hearing re-opens at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.

Brackett’s Job in Oakland Abolished

The position of chief custodian of the municipal auditorium was abolished and the position of night watchman was created in an ordinance passed to print by the Oakland city council yesterday.

The custodian’s position, which has been held by W. J. Brackett, who resigned last week, following the herb bill scandal in the State Legislature, paid $175.

Herb Doctor Reiterates Bribe Charge

Oakland Chinese, in Signed Statement, Declares Former Legislator Asked for $5,000

Oakland District Attorney Uncovers New Evidence in Case; Impeachment Hinted

That “Billy” Brackett, ex-assemblyman and lobbyist, directly asked for $5,000 to be split between himself, Senator Edgar S. Hurley and Assemblyman Edward J. Smith for their influence in killing the Smith Chinese herb bill was charged yesterday in a signed statement made by Dr. Fong Wan to District Attorney Earl Warren at Oakland.

Fong Wan, wealthy wholesale herb dealer, 576 Tenth Street, Oakland, declared that Senator Hurley was present when this demand was made.

Senator Contradicted

This contradicts Hurley’s account of the interview. The senator admitted in Sacramento, Wednesday, that he had accompanied Brackett to the herb doctor’s office, but that the sole subject of conversation was Brackett’s possible employment by the Chinese as a lobbyist against the bill, and that no money except Brackett’s fee was mentioned.

District Attorney Warren yesterday declared Brackett’s latest testimony was “a mass of inconsistencies and discrepancies,” and agreed neither with his own former statements, the complaints of the Chinese or the denials of the Hurley, Smith and others involved.

“Link Established”

Warren added that a “two-hour link” had been established between the visit of Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly, and Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Wilkinson to Smith’s home on Lincoln’s birthday and the visit of Senator Hurley and Brackett to Fong Wan on the same morning.

Ohnimus and Wilkinson motored down from Sacramento and called on Smith before breakfast on the holiday. Ohnimus went inside and according to Smith, said there would be $500 in it for Smith if he would “lay off” that herb bill of his.

Within two hours after this conversation in one part of Oakland by one Sacramento group, Brackett and Senator Hurley were visiting Fong Wan and discussing a $5,000 fee to be split among Smith, Hurley and Brackett, according to Warren’s interpretation of Fong Wan’s testimony.

$500 Offer Alleged

Fong Wan also told the district attorney that on the Lincoln’s Birthday visit Brackett told of the alleged $500 offer suggested by Ohnimus to Smith two hours before and that Brackett added Smith was too big a man to consider such a small sum.

Warren immediately wired the special committee at Sacramento investigating the extortion charges that he was in possession of this new evidence and offered to place all statements thus far gathered in the committee’s hands.

The committee will launch the probe Monday and hold formal meetings at the State capitol until every angle of the extortion charges made by the wealthy Chinese herb doctors is brought to light.

Impeachment Seen

In deciding to place his evidence before the legislative committee instead of the Alameda County Grand Jury Warren hinted at possible impeachment.

“I am offering the evidence to the committee because of its wide scope and powers” explained the Alameda County official. “They can impeach for misconduct in office if they see fit. My office and the police, who have gathered…

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‘Joke’ View of Plot Fades as Solons See Need of Exoneration

By Alan McEwen

Call Bureau, State Capitol, Sacramento, Feb 26-Oakland investigators, probing into the Chinese herb bill extortion scandal, departed from Sacramento last night leaving behind the conviction that there would be no convictions.

Today, however, the Assembly committee appointed to make an investigation for the Legislature plans to get under way and its members are declaring with high moral fervor that the entire matter will be probed to the bottom.

The legislative attitude toward the scandal has changed overnight. When the Chinese herb doctors’ charges of attempted extortion in connection with Assemblyman Smith’s bill to regulate the sale of herbs first “broke,” the Legislature was inclined to treat the matter a good deal as a joke.

Would Clear Skirts

Since the investigation was brought home to them from Oakland, members of the Legislature now feel it incumbent on them to clear the state law making body of any odium that may attach to it in the public mind as the result of the activities of some of its members and former members.

There also is considerable indignation at what appears to be an effort of those first involved to “pass the buck” to subordinate attaches of the Assembly. And it is also to be borne in mind that there are important political aspects of the situation, since the members directly involved are of the administration following.

Graves’ View

Assemblyman Sidney Graves of Los Angeles, chairman of the investigating committee appointed by Speaker Frank Merriam, had this to say of the committee’s purposes:

“The committee will proceed with absolute justice. There will be no politics played and there will be no partiality.

“For years there have been rumors of crookedness in connection with so called ‘cinch’ bills before the Legislature. It is regrettable that this issued has been force in the way it has, but I would like to have the people of the state appealed to, to withhold judgment until the investigating committee has had an opportunity to act.”

Committee Approved

Members of the opposition to the administration found assurance of impartial investigation in the personnel of the committee selected. Besides Graves, the chairman, the members are Frank Coombs of Napa, George Cleveland of Watsonville, Isaac Jones of Ontario and T. M. Wright of San Jose.

The last two are recognized as anti-administration members, while Graves and Cleveland are administration supporters. Coombs is not definitely committed to either group.

The committee was appointed in response to a resolution offered by Assemblyman Smith, author of the bill that as created all the rumpus.

Assemblyman Adams of Livingston introduced a similar resolution at the opening of the session yesterday but it did not come to a vote. Adams stated later that his resolution had been held up at the speaker’s desk while Smith was given an opportunity of asking for the investigation himself.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Herb Bill Expose Stirs Upper House

Adopts Resolution to Purify Lobby; Senator Hurley Opposes Hasty Action

Money Voted Inquiry

Committee Summons Witnesses, Including Chinese who Accuse Legislators

The latest development from the Oakland angle of the “anti-herb” bill scandal, was an announcement yesterday from District Attorney Warren that on the night of February 23, when William Brackett was to appear in Dr. Fong Wan’s office to claim the $5000, a fee to defeat the proposed legislation, he had been warned by the Chinese herb doctor to stay away as the police were waiting to arrest him.

Chronicle Bureau, Sacramento, Feb 27-The Senate today declared war against the alleged corrupt lobbyist practices around the State Legislature and the so-called “cinch” bill evil brought into the legislative limelight through disclosures in the Chinese herb bill expose involving members and attaches of the two houses.

Simultaneously with the adoption of a resolution providing for a close scrutiny of the credentials of all lobbyists by a committee of seven, headed by Senator Ralph E. Swing of San Bernardino County, Senator Herbert C. Jones of San Jose announced on the floor of the Upper House that he would oppose passage of Senator Edgar S. Hurley’s anti-Chinese lottery bill until after the Assembly Investigation Committee had inquired into the allegations made against the Alameda County Senator in connection with the Chinese herb bill bribe charges.

Hurley Welcomes Investigation, He Says

Hurley accepted Senator Jones defi and declared that he welcomed an investigation and that “there isn’t a bill on my file that I’ll fight more than NO. 554,” the Chinese lottery measure.

Previous to the action of the Senate…

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State Senate Wars on Lobbyists; Herb Bill Witnesses Called

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in passing by a vote of 32 to 3, the Swing resolution granting authority to a committee of seven to examine the credentials of all lobbyists as well as others who wish to be heard for or against measures pending before the State Legislature and also as to the sources of the bills, the Assembly, without an opposition vote, appropriated $1000 for the use of the special investigating committee in the Chinese herb case and authorized it to summon witnesses.

The Swing resolution brought forth hot argument on the Senate floor as many of the members wanted to postpone action until Monday because the resolution “may amount practically to a gag rule,” as one Senator put it.

Desire of the Senators to clear their skirts because of the adverse criticism directed against the Legislature by the press and public through the developments in the alleged bribery charges made by the Chinese herb doctors occasioned the hasty action.

Senator Jones started the fireworks by arising soon after the morning session had begun to read from The Chronicle and other newspapers editorials on the bribery charges and the aspersions cast upon the Legislators.

“I think it is unfortunate for any committee to act upon bills under suspicion until the entire Senate can get to the bottom of these rumors,” Senator Jones said in objecting to the Hurley bill approved by the Public Morals Committee of the Senate last night. “The measure is under suspicion in the columns of the press and I desire to service notice on the author that I shall object to the bill being placed before us for final passage until all doubts are cleared up,” Jones declared.

Delay Departed

Senator Swing’s resolution, seconded by Senator Victor J. Canepa of San Francisco, declared that since “it is rumored that improper and illegal lobbying” had been charged a committee of seven should be authorized to pass upon the credentials of all lobbyists and that written application should be made before parties should be permitted to appear to testify for or against any measure.

Since there is much doubt in the minds of some of the Senators just what the resolution meant and how far it would reach in determining whether or not the public would be barred from legislative committee hearings, Senator II. C. Nelson of Eureka, Tom West of Alameda County, Cadet Taylor of Pomona, A. B. Johnson of Los Angeles, Ben Brush of Solano and others wanted to delay action until Monday.

Inman Urges Action

“The Legislature stands today on trial before the people through no fault of the majority of the members and we must take the bull by the horns,” Senator Jack Inman of Sacramento declared in opposing delay.

Senator Roy Fellom of San Francisco, in speaking against delay, almost opened up another jackpot as far as “cinch” bills are concerned, when he said a bill was before a committee of which he was a member and “that a price was placed upon that particular bill.”

Fellom declined to tell what the bill was, but hotel lobby gossips declared that a $5000 offer had been made to kill a bill affecting certain theatrical and motion picture employment agencies.

“The real purpose of this resolution is to drive so-called cinch bills from the files of the Senate and corrupt lobbyists from the Capitol at Sacramento,” Senator Swing explained.

“I am not trying to block final passage, but we should know what it means,” Senator Nelson pointed out in advocating a delay.

Hurley Defends Himself

Before a vote was taken on the resolution hitting at the lobbyists Senator Hurley, who is under fire with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Alameda County; former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland, Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkenson of San Francisco and Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco both Assembly officers, took the floor against the measure and to defend himself against the criticism leveled in his direction.

Hurley charged that the stand taken by Senator Jones was a political one and intended to harm him politically. He charged his fellow Senators with being “panic stricken all of a sudden.” Hurley lambasted the press and stated that “there is no guilt or stain that should be attached to me.” Five Senators, Hurley, Nelson, A. B. Johnson, Taylor and West, voted for a postponement until Monday, while thirty wanted immediate acceptance of the resolution.

Three in Opposition

The resolution was finally adopted by a vote of 32 and 3 against, Hurley, Taylor and West voting against it.

Senators Arthur H. Breed, E. H. Christian, M. B. Johnson, Charles W. Lyon and Joseph Pedrotti were absent.

Senator West tossed a defi to his colleagues in the upper house by announcing that he would pay no attention to the resolution as far as his committee, the universities and teachers’ colleges, was concerned, and allow all who came before it to talk on measures regardless of credentials.

The swing resolution carried a $500 allotment for the work of the committee. The Assembly investigating committee, headed by Assemblyman Sidney T. Graves of Los Angles, met this afternoon and planned its work, which will being Monday afternoon.

Inquiry Plan Laid

The Assembly investigating committee this afternoon issued summons to J. E. Hood, Oakland attorney, a former associate in practice with Assemblyman Smith; William Bracket, former Assemblyman; Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkenson, lee See, Dr. Y. L. Chan, Fong Ysan, Y. T. Dang, T. Wah Hing, Chinese involved in the alleged bribe plot.

Chief Clerk Ohnimus was not summoned, but was invited to appear before the committee and testify.

Neither Senator Hurley nor Assemblyman Smith were summoned. It is understood that the committee will not call Hurley and Smith until the technical point raised by a reading of the state constitution and which is being interpreted as precluding the prosecution by courts of members of the legislature who are summoned to testify before the legislative committee.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

New Evidence Found in Bribe Plot Charges

Assembly Orders Probe into Claims that Solons Took Money to ‘Kill’ Herb Bill

Senator, Assemblyman and Two Legislative Aides Questioned by Alameda District Attorney

Sacramento, Feb 25-Reaching into legislative halls of the State’s Capitol on one hand and Sacramento’s Chinatown on the other, Alameda county officials here today investigating charges of an extortion plot in connection with a bill restricting sale of medicinal herbs, uncovered more startling evidence and met new conflicting denials. The first action of the Assembly today was to appoint a committee to make a complete investigation of the whole plot.

Outstanding among new developments was a statement made public tonight by District Attorney Earl Warren with reference to Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, of Oakland, author of the herb bill.

Warren produced a signed statement from T. Wah Hing, a Chinese practitioner, indirectly quoting former Assemblyman “Billy” bracket as saying Assemblyman Smith was offered $500 by Charles Wilkinson to kill the Smith herb bill. The statement charges that Smith became angry with Wilkinson for his interference and that he, Smith, had expected a larger sum.

Conference Declined

Wilkinson is a sergeant-at-arms for the Assembly, and has been active in behalf of the wealthy Chinese herb doctors. It was Wilkinson, says Warren, who telephoned during the legislative recess to Smith at Oakland and transmitted the offer that if Smith would come to Sacramento to discuss his bill with the Chinese they would pay him $30 for his time and expense. Smith first agreed but later declined.

It also developed today, according to Warren that Chief Clerk Arthur H. Ohnimus of the assembly was the “friend” who visited Smith on Lincoln’s birthday and told him “there’s $500 in it for you if you’ll lay off that herb bill of yours.” Wilkinson accompanied Ohnimus but sat outside in the latter’s auto during the conversation in Smith’s home.

Smith Ask Probe

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Probe of Herb Bill Bribe Charges Voted in Assembly

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Unanimous vote ordered a legislative probe of the entire situation, embracing the charges by wealthy Chinese of San Francisco and Oakland that demands were made upon them for $10,000 to be used in “killing the herb bill in committee.”

The probe resolution was introduced by Smith himself, who set fourth that the present charges are “unfavorable to the author of the bill,” and that the incrimination, by accusation, of two members of the Legislature, places the Legislature “in a light embarrassing to all its members and will, until the matter is thoroughly investigated.” He asked for a “speedy and complete” probe.

Veteran lobbyists and lawmakers declared the disclosures sounded the death knell for this session at least, of so-called “pinch” bills or “squeeze” bills often introduced to rouse opposition and not infrequently aimed at the Chinese.

Smith affirmed he was in deadly earnest with this measure in the hope of curbing sale of habit forming drugs.

Arriving from Oakland this morning District Attorney Warren, Chief Drew, County Detective George Helm and a stenographer repaired at once to a committee room of the Capitol building and summoned in succession Senator Edgar J. Hurley of Oakland, Assemblyman Smith, Sergeant-at-arms Wilkinson, Ohnimus and two minor attaches whose testimony proved immaterial.

Senator Hurley again admitted visiting Fong Wan’s medical palace in Oakland with Brackett and again insisted that the sole subject was Brackett’s possible employment by the Chinese as a lobbyist against the herb bill.

Smith denied all knowledge of the charges under probe and said he was not acquainted with Brackett.

Offer Admitted

Smith, however, admitted that he had received the telephone call from Wilkinson in which the Chinese agreed to pay him $30 to come to Sacramento and confirmed Wilkinson’s statement that he first accepted and later refused the invitation.

The Assemblyman then described his conversation with Chief Clerk Ohnimus, who visited him at his home in Oakland early on Lincoln’s birthday. District Attorney Warren gave out Smith’s version of this conversation as follows:

Ohnimus told me there’s “$500 in it for you if you’ll lay off that herb bill of yours.” I replied that I could get $5,000 if I wanted it but that I wasn’t taking a dime. I said I was interested in the bill and would put it through. Ohnimus then said I was foolish if I didn’t take the $5,000. I told him he was the third of fourth person who had mentioned money to me in connection with this bill. I took offense at Ohnimus’ approach and we had words.

After describing Wilkinson’s communications to him relative to the Sacramento Chinese who wanted an “interview,” Smith said he was surprised to find the Sergeant-at-arms outside in an automobile when Ohnimus made his Lincoln’s birthday visit.

“Interview Sought.”

Called in turn before the District Attorney Ohnimus declared that he and Wilkinson motored to San Francisco together and that he “dropped in on Smith informally.” He denied approaching Smith with ulterior motives, and said he promptly resented Smith’s intimation that he was offering money in connection with the herb bill. He said he merely referred to the bill casually in gossip and mentioned that there seemed to be “considerable money in it.”

Ohnimus emphatically testified that he was not approached by the Chinese herb interest and said that Wilkinson did not discuss the bill with him.

Wilkinson maintained that his sole connection with the case came when he transmitted to Smith the request of local Chinese for “an interview.”

He told, however, of a mysterious telephone message received by him recently in San Francisco from a Sacramento Chinese warning him, he said, that “someone is trying to make you trouble” and directing him to visit a house on Washington street in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

He said Chinese at the address asked him how they might best fight the herb bill and then arranged to have him invite San Francisco legislators to a banquet held in the Bay City last week. His testimony, revealed by District Attorney Warren, showed that Wilkinson acted as assistant master of ceremonies but denied receiving compensation for his services.

Wilkinson revealed the names of none of the Chinese with whom he had consultations on the herb bill and efforts of Police Chief Drew and District Attorney Warren to locate Chinese in this city who may have been involved in the alleged plot were unsuccessful late today.

Here’s Testimony Given by Senator’s Associate

The transcript of testimony given by “Billy” Brackett when he was quizzed by District Attorney Warren and Chief Drew of Oakland relative to his visits alone and with Senator Hurley to Fong Wan contains these pertinent paragraphs:

Question by district attorney: Mr. Brackett, you heard the Chinese herbalists say that a portion of the fee you were to get was to go to Senator Hurley? Did you ever say anything of that kind to them?

Brackett-No, they misunderstood me. That wasn’t what I meant. I’ve always said Senator Hurley would do all he could to help out.

Q.-Did you ever get any money from either of these men? (Fong Wan and Y. L. Chan)

A.- No. Sir.

Chief Drew now questions Brackett.

Q.-Did you say, Mr. Brackett, that any of the money was to go to Assemblyman Smith or Hurley?

A.-No, at no time.

Q.-When Senator Hurley happened to come up there no money was discussed?

A.-Absolutely no money was not mentioned.

Q.-In seeking money you were not getting it to bribe anyone?

A.-Absolutely not. Legitimate lobbyist fee.

Q.-Whatever you did was for yourself?

A.-For myself. I thought it would do Senator Hurley some good politically. He might need their future support. And he seen it that way.

Q.-You never discussed a monetary consideration with Senator Hurley on the matter?

A.-Only that I thought it would be possible for me. He said, “Well Bill, I’d like to see you get along”- very good friends.

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The first newspaper clipping reads:

Smith, Author of Bill, Accused in Bribe Tale, Presents Resolution

Legislative investigation of the attempted bribery charges involving Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, Senator Edgar S. Hurley, former Assemblyman William Brackett and two Oakland Chinese herb doctors over the anti-herb bill was ordered today when the Legislature passed a resolution presented by Smith, who is the author of the bill.

Assemblyman E. G. Adams of Livingston had just prepared a similar resolution for presentation when Smith hastily wrote out his own in pencil and rushed it to the speaker’s desk.

No Opposition

Speaker Merriam recognized Smith’s resolution and had it read. It was adopted without dissenting vote. Adams’ was ruled out of order.

Smith is one of the administration supporters in the assembly. Opposition members said the hurried introduction of his resolution had been designed to “steal the play” from Adams and to have the investigation in favorable hands.

The Smith resolution calls for an inquiry to be conducted by a committee of five to be appointed by the speaker.

Warren Arrives

At the same time, District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County arrived in Sacramento to question Smith and Hurley.

The alleged plot came to notice of Oakland authorities yesterday when Warren and Police Chief James T. Drew called in Brackett to face the two Chinese doctors, who charged they had been asked for $10,000 to assure the “killing” of the anti-herb bill at the Legislature.

The two doctors are Fong Wan and L. Y. Chan, said to be the wealthiest herb doctors in the state.

Tells Two Stories

Brackett told inquisitors at the hearing that he took Senator Hurley with him in one interview with the herb doctors, but declared he was seeking only a job as lobbyist against the measure that Smith had introduced.

Brackett, it is said, first denied he had ever approached the doctors or that Hurley had gone with him, but when faced with the doctors admitted his action.

At Sacramento, Hurley said his only connection with the matter was to discuss with the doctors the advisability of sending Brackett to Sacramento to work for defeat of the bill. Hurley said the discussion was limited to the question of Brackett’s suitability as a lobbyist and there was no mention of “buying anyone off.”

Smith asserted “somebody had been trying to sell him out to the Chinese.” He admitted he had been approached with an offer of $500 to let the bill die and he replied that “no amount” could influence him.

The second newspaper clipping reads:

Plot to Block Hearings in Herb Case Fails

By Frank B. Anderson

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, March 2-As the assembly investigating committee on the Chinese herb bill was preparing today to get under way, an attempt was made to squash the proceedings by Charles (“Lumberjack Charley”) Wilkinson, assembly sergeant-at-arms, tender his resignation, which he promptly refused to do, maintaining his connection with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s bill was open and above board.

A “feeler” was sent Wilkinson by an assemblyman he declines to name, urging him to give up his job and let matters drop, but the sergeant-at-arms said: “Nothing doing.”

“I did nothing I am ashamed of and certainly committed no wrong,” he told the part that asked him to step out of the picture that today has an Oriental setting of bribery, extortion, marked money and traps that failed.

It is quite apparent that an effort will be made to make some body the “scapegoat” for the affair. Those well acquainted with the amiable sergeant-at-arms whose obligingness brought him into the…

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Herb Bill

Continued from Page Three

investigation. Public hearings will begin next Monday.

The investigation was enlivened today by a clash between Assemblyman William B. Hornblower of San Francisco and Smith when they met in the corridor of the Capitol. Hornblower was named by Smith during the investigation yesterday as the man who was to handle the case against the bill for the Chinese of San Francisco, and it was to this remark that Hornblower objected.

“Why did you bring me into this mess?” Hornblower asked.

Smith said he had “heard someone say” that Hornblower had been so employed.

“You’re a liar,” shouted Hornblower, “nobody ever told you anything of the kind. You know it’s not true, and I want to give you warning now to keep my name out of this thing.”

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Impeachment Hinted in State Bribe Inquiry

(Continued on Page One)

a great deal of data in Sacramento and Oakland will cooperate in every way.”

The rapid series of disclosures, plus the general criticism of so-called “cinch” bills and a move made to stop their introduction in the future, had the legislature in high tension yesterday.

Clash Occurs

A stormy scene occurred in the assembly lobby when Assemblyman William B. Hornblower and Assemblyman Smith, author of the herb bill, all but came to blows.

Hornblower accused Smith of having said that he (Hornblower) had been employed as counsel by the complaining Chinese.

Smith replied that he had heard someone say that Hornblower had been so employed.

“You’re a *** *** liar,” shouted Hornblower. “Nobody ever told you anything of the kind. You know it’s not true and I give you warning now to keep my name out of this thing.”

“Misquoted.”

A reported statement from Smith in the first Flush of the expose that he had been prompted to introduce the anti-herb bill at the request of J. E. Hood, attorney for the State Board of Pharmacy, was refuted yesterday by Hood at his offices in Oakland. Hood and Smith formerly were law partners. Hood said yesterday that on reading Smith’s published statement he called him by phone and asked “How come, Eddie?? You know I didn’t ask you to introduce that herb bill.”

He declared that Smith replied that he had been misquoted, and that what he meant was that through association with Hood he had been inspired to introduce such a measure.

Quizzing Finished

Completing their quizzing of Smith, Hurley and others in Sacramento Wednesday, District Attorney Warren and Chief of Police James T. Drew returned to Oakland and made an early morning visit yesterday with Fong Wan to obtain his written statement.

Its substance, as given out by Warren, was that Brackett, accompanied by Hurley, called on Wan on Lincoln’s birthday and that Hurley was introduced by Bracket as “my friend.” Brackett, alleged Fong Wan, then demanded $5,000 to kill the herb bill.

Wan alleged that Brackett said the financial division was to be $250 to Smith, $1,000 to “the Senator here,” $1,000 to “myself for my work” and $500 for “incidentals, including hiring a lawyer and other stuff.” Wan testified that he demurred and mentioned that he had heard there was talk of Smith killing the bill for $500. Brackett assured him that such talk was “all wrong” and that Hurley was a big man at Sacramento and would have the clerk fried who made that offer.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

‘Sleeping Powders’ are Fed to Herb Report

Ohnimus, Wilkinson Friends Serve Ultimatum to Quit or Fight

By Alan McEwen

Call Bureau, State Capitol, Sacramento, March 7- The present prospect is that the Legislature will let the report of the Chinese herb bill investigating committee sleep where it lies-in the files of the Assembly-without action.

Any other course is certain to precipitate a conflict that will “tear things wide open,” dividing the Legislature into antagonistic factions and leaving a trial of bitterness running through the remainder of the session.

Over till Monday

Further consideration of the report had been postponed until next Monday. It is unlikely that “consideration” will be given to it even then. Should any move be made even to have the Assembly approve and formally adopt the report with its severe reprimand and censure of two of the Assembly attaches, and its exoneration of everyone else connected with the scandal, a counter move is threatened by members friendly to Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus and Sergeant at Arms Charles Wilkinson.

This, they say, would take the form of a demand for an expression of confidence in the two attach in spite of the findings of the investigating committee. An alternative would be a filibuster to lie up all legislative business.

Resignation Move

As soon as the report was in, certain administration members discussed introduction of a resolution demanding the resignations of Ohnimus and Wilkinson.

A group of opposition members of the San Francisco and Alameda County delegations immediately caucused and prepared to declare war.

Hearing of this, administration leaders called off the first group and counseled peace. The administration, it was argued, should be satisfied with the exoneration of Assemblyman Edward J. Smith and the implied exoneration of Senator Edgar Hurley, both of whom are active administration supporters.

Speaker Frank Merriam forestalled the conflict by postponing any further action until Monday.

Speaking later in behalf of the opposition caucus, Assemblyman Fred Hawes of San Francisco said that he members present felt that Ohnimus and Wilkinson had been made “the goats” of the investigation.

“These two boys have been wrongfully accused,” said Hawes. “Many of us feel that we should counteract the effect of the unjust censure that has been placed upon them by repudiating the committee’s report. An effort to have this done will certainly be made if any attempt is made to have them dismissed. The San Francisco members have been promised the support of other members from all parts of the state if such a situation should develop.”

Members of the investigating committee are content to let things remain in their present status. They will make no effort to have their report formally approved or otherwise acted upon.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

No Action, Says Graves

“We do not feel that Ohnimus and Wilkinson should be dismissed,” said Sidney Graves, chairman of the committee. “If we had thought so, or that any other action was necessary or warranted, we should have formally recommended it.”

Another member of the committee said: “We are glad enough to have put the baby in someone else’s lap. We’re through.”

And thus the situation rests, the only “winners” as a result of the entire scandal and commotion being the Chinese herb doctors and other victims present and prospective, of “cinch” bills; the Chinese, because they are now certain of the defeat of Assemblyman Smith’s herb bill without expenditure of the $5000 which former Assemblyman William Brackett is alleged to have solicited, and the others because for a time at least, a check has been put upon all “cinch” bill activities.

If nothing develops to precipitate a rumpus over the committee’s report a resolution is to be offered toward the end of the session in April complimenting all of the attaches of the Assembly for the “faithful discharge of their duties,” thus indirectly giving an expression of confidence to Ohnimus and Wilkinson.

*Words that are unreadable will be replaced by two asterisks.

Peace Dove Hovers Over State House

“Cinch Bill” Report is Expected to Stand as Submitted; Move to Oust Aides Fought

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, March 7-Peace tokens made their appearance in the Assembly today. There is every indication that the attack on “cinch bills” and the reprimand of Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkinson by the Assembly special committee investigating charges of extortion attempts in connection with Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s Chinese herb bill will stand as originally submitted.

Prospects of a battle over the report became remote today when Chairman Sidney Graves of the special committee definitely asserted that he will “personal ** any attempt to force the ** of either Ohnimus or Wilkinson.”

Graves said the entire committee will back him up in this. It further became known that the bay district delegations are ready to fight to the finish against any move to oust the two attaches both of whom are from San Francisco.

Testimony Reviewed

Reviewing the testimony of Chinese herb dealers who claim that former Assemblyman William Brackett solicited a $5,000 bribe from them to be used in killing Smith’s herb bill and the counter testimony of Brackett who denied the charge and of Smith and Senator Edgar S. Hurley, who asserted innocence insofar as the allegations involved them, Graves maintained that the report of his committee is “a fair, just and unbiased statement of the facts as we found them.”

“We felt obliged to reprimand the two employees of the Assembly who had engaged themselves in this matter,” he said, “but none of the members of the committee feels that Ohnimus or Wilkinson deserves to be removed from office. IF the committee had felt that the evidence demanded discharge of any of the employees of the House, the report would certainly have recommended such action.”

Condemnation Stressed

The chairman then stressed the importance of the committee’s condemnation of “cinch bills.”

It was our definite purpose in this report to discourage “cinch bills” of every type, to discourage activities of the employees of the Assembly on all bills, and to lay down a direct rule of procedure for employees who have reason to believe there is anything the matter with a bill introduced before the House. In the elimination of “cinch bills,” we hope and believe that our endeavor will prove beneficial.

Though the committee’s report is set for consideration by the Assembly on Monday afternoon, there appeared to be a disposition among members tonight to leave the matter where it now stands.

This page displays 2 newspaper clipping.

First newspaper clipping reads:

Additional Sensations Feared in Expose

Wilkinson Won’t “Be Goat” All must Testify, Is Legal Ruling

By Alan McEwen

Call Bureau, State Capitol, Sacramento, March 2-An orchestra, a bit of stage scenery suggesting pagodas and joss houses, and perhaps a few almond-eyed Oriental beauties fitting here and there on tiptoes, were all that was needed to make of the legislative scene a complete setting for a Gilbert and Sullivan opera as the Assembly investigation into the Chinese herb bill scandal got under way today.

What with the unaccustomed spectacle of Chinese herb doctors and squads of other Chinatown denizens pattering mysteriously about the Capitol corridors, squads of less numerous but equally mysterious sleuths from the Oakland and Sacramento police departments, the earnest conferences of those few principals who have been cast in the roles of heavy villains, together with crowds of officials, stenographers and excited townspeople, the Legislature had difficulty in focusing its attention on any of the other business that is before it.

Sinister Undertones

And there were sinister undertones that the missing orchestra could have worked into an overture of ominous portent.

There was for instance, the charge made by Charles Wilkinson, sergeant at arms of the Assembly, that word had been brought to him that he was “to be made the goat” of the investigation.

Wilkinson said he had been approached by a member of the Assembly, whom he delinked to name, who had urgently suggested to him that he had better resign as sergeant at arms to forestall dismissal which he was told, was coming to him as punishment for his alleged part in the dealings with the herb doctors.

Declines to be “Goat”

Wilkinson declined to resign. He has made a formal statement of his connection with the Chinese which he will submit to the committee with the request that he be discharged if anything reprehensible is found therein, or that he be publicly exonerated if there is not.

As evidence of its sincerity the committee has obtained an opinion from the state Attorney General U. S. Webb, as to the rights of witnesses. According to his interpretation of the law, testimony adduced at such an inquiry cannot be used later in court as evidence against a defendant. Consequently a witness cannot decline to testify here on the ground that it would “tend to incriminate him.” Any refusal to testify, committee members said, would be met with proceedings for contempt, with imprisonment of necessary.

Witnesses Called

Witnesses already subpoenaed by the committee include the following: J. E. Hood, attorney for the State Board of Pharmacy and former law partner of Assemblyman Eddie Smith, who has been credited with first suggesting the idea of the Chinese herb bill; former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland, whom the Chinese practitioners charge with having attempted a “holdup,” first for $10,000 and then $5000 as the price for killing the bill; T. Wah Hing, Sacramento “herbalist”; Y. T. Dang, alias Ong Yuen, secretary of the California Chinese Protective Association, organized to fight the bill; Fang Wan, Oakland herb doctor, who is alleged to have “tipped” Brackett that a trap had been set for him by the Oakland police; Dr. Y. L. Chan of San Francisco, who arranged the “anti-herbal bill banquet” for San Francisco assemblymen the week before the reopening of the Legislature, and Lee See, another San Francisco Chinese who warned Wilkinson that Brackett or “someone in Oakland” was “making trouble” for him for “butting in” in Smith’s bill. Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the Assembly, has also been invited to attend the hearings. As a matter of Smith and Senator Hurley have been “invited” to appear instead of being…

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Second newspaper clipping reads:

Coincident with the opening of the Assembly investigation, Senator T. C. West of Alameda gave notice of intention to make an attack on the Swing resolution adopted by the Senate last week to investigate and “license” all lobbyists attending the Legislature.

This page displays 3 newspaper clippings.

First newspaper clipping reads:

The Sacramento Union

Founded March 19, 1851

The Oldest Daily Newspaper West of the Rocky Mountains

The Legislative Scandal

Charles have been made that certain state legislators, together with certain former state legislators, recently attempted to extort money from Chinese “herb doctors” in return for killing bills to curb the sale of habit forming drugs. Oakland officials and a special state assembly committee are investigating.

Those against whom charges of various kinds have been made by various individuals including the following: Edward J. Smith, assemblyman from Alameda County; Edgar S. Hurley, state senator from Alameda County; Arthur Ohnimus, chief clerk of the assembly; Charles Wilkenson, sergeant-at-arms of the assembly; William B. Hornblower, assemblyman from San Francisco; Frank Carr of Oakland, former state senator; William Brackett of Oakland, former assemblyman.

Smith introduced the bills, for the purpose he says, of protecting the public. A Sacramento Chinese “herb doctor” states he was told that when Smith was offered $500 for killing the bills, Smith replied he expected to get more than that.

Hurley says he and Brackett called on an Oakland Chinese “herb doctor” at the latter’s request and advised the doctor that bribery was not the proper method of defeating the bills, but that lobbying was, and Hurley admits suggesting Brackett’s name as the lobbyist.

Ohnimus is said by Smith to have told him that there was $500 in it for Smith if he would withdraw his bills.

Wilkenson said by Smith and the Sacramento Chinese to have endeavored to get Smith to meet the Chinese and arrange the terms of the bills’ withdrawal and to have offered Smith $500. Wilkenson is also said to have been present at a banquet given by San Francisco Chinese to the San Francisco legislative delegation.

Hornblower is accused by Smith of having been employed by the San Francisco Chinese as an attorney and Carr is accused by Smith of having been employed by the Oakland Chinese as a lobbyist.

Brackett, in addition to having gone with Hurley to call on an Oakland Chinese “herb doctor,” is reported to have admitted he asked the Chinese $10,000 for his services as a lobbyist. The Chinese accuse Brackett of attempting to extort money from them and of having known the Smith bills would be introduced before they were.

These are serious charges. If any man is guilty he should be punished, and if any man is innocent he should be exonerated. Both the Oakland and the legislative investigations should be continued until every available fact has been obtained and made public.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Herb Report Ready, Kept Secret

Call Bureau, State Capitol, Sacramento, March 6- The Assembly committee investigating the Chinese herb bill scandal has completed its deliberations and is preparing its report for presentation to the Legislature today.

The committee members have agreed to make no statement as to their findings prior to the publication of the formal report, but it is generally accepted that the committee will not recommend any drastic action so far as members of the Legislature are concerned, though it may distribute a few “censures” and go even further in the case of one of the Assembly attaches involved.

The report will also contain a review of the testimony taken by the committee and a statement of such facts as it was able to establish, so that the other members of the Legislature may draw their own conclusions.

Neither Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, author of the herb bill, nor Senator Hurley, who have been the central figures in the investigation seems to anticipate any further proceedings against themselves on the part of the Legislature as a result of the committee’s report.

Third newspaper clipping reads:

Lawmakers Quizzed at Sacramento

Senator, Assemblyman Say they had No Part in Attempt to Extort Money on Herb Bill

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, March 4-With Senator Edgar S. Hurley and Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Oakland denying under oath all charges of Chinese herbalists that were leagued with former Assemblyman William Brackett in an alleged extortion plot to secure a bribe of thousands of dollars for defat of Smith’s herb bill now before the Legislature, the Assembly special investigating committee bought its series of sensational hearing to a close tonight.

The committee, after an hour or so of deliberation, adjourned without reaching a decision, it was announced. There will be further consideration tomorrow of the evidence.

Chairman Sidney Graves said he was unable to announce whether or not the verdict of the committee in fixing blame in the scandal will be made public before a formal report is submitted to the Assembly.

In addition to the sworn statements of Hurley and Smith, who said they have had no part in any attempt to extort money, today’s investigation turned on the past history of former Assemblyman Brackett, named by the Chinese as “go-between” in the alleged plot to obtain sums ranging from $4,00 to $10,00 for letting the herb bill “die in committee.”

Record Told

The former Assemblyman resigned as Sergeant in the Oakland Police Department on February 24, 1913, the day after he was charged with making an improper arrest while intoxicated on duty. This was the testimony of Police Chief James T. Drew, who also said that Brackett on two other occasions was charged with drunkenness on duty.

Senator Hurley, who admitted associations with Brackett over a number of years, also told the committee that Brackett’s reputation in Oakland is “not the best nor the worst.”

Testifying that no money was mentioned during his visit to the office of Dr. Fong Wan in Oakland with Brackett on February 14, Hurley turned the spotlight on Sacramento and said that he was told at the time by Fong Wan that “someone at Sacramento is trying to raise money to bribe someone.”

Ohnimus Recalled

Both Smith and Hurley gave testimony involving Arthur Ohnimus to such a degree that the committee recalled the chief clerk of the Assembly for further questioning.

Smith told Hurley during the legislative recess, according to the latter, that Chief Clerk Ohnimus had offered him (Smith) “half a grand” to beat the herb bill.

Smith, when called to testify, said that Ohnimus called at his Oakland home on the morning of February 12, and that, “to the best of my recollection, he said he knew where there was $500 if I would lay off the herb bill.

“I told Ohnimus that I could get…

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This page displays 5 newspaper clipping. Words that are unreadable will be replaced with two asterisks.

The first newspaper clipping reads:

Cold Chills Affect Many Legislators

Lids to be pried off Alleged Chinese Herb Plot and ‘Cinch’ Evil

Stage Set for Quest

Names of All Connected with Extortion Scheme will be announced

By Earl C. Behrens

Chronicle Bureau, Sacramento, March 1-The state Legislature tomorrow will begin its official investigation of the Chinese her bill scandal, involving certain of its members in an alleged extortion plot.

With a large number of those whose names have been mentioned in connection with the charge that a “shake down” of wealthy Chinese herbalists was being attempted, to quash a bill introduced by Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Alameda County and hitting at the herb doctors, the special committee of five Assemblymen is ready to being its work at 1:30 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.

Will Investigate “Cinch” Bill Evil

In addition to getting into the facts of the Chinese herb bill scandal, the legislators will pry the lid off the so-called “cinch” bill evil in the state Legislature.

With Former Assemblyman William Brackett of Oakland accounting that he will expose the names of all those connected with the alleged extortion plot, nervous chills are coursing up and down more than one legislator’s spine here.

Assemblyman Smith, author of the bill which is the center of the controversy, declares that he welcomes a “full investigation.” State Senator Edgar S. Hurley of Oakland, another of those named, also says he is guiltless of any wrongdoing and that he will appear before the committee and explain his connection with the case.

Sergeant-at-Arms among Witnesses

Sergeant-at-Arms Charles H. Wilkenson of San Francisco, who acted as intermediary in getting T. Wah Hing, wealthy Sacramento herb doctor into telephonic communication with Assemblyman Smith in an attempt to arrange a meeting to talk over the herb bill, is expected to be one of the first called before the committee tomorrow.

The list of those who have been served with summonses include: J. E. hood, Oakland attorney, with whom Assemblyman Smith was formerly associated in practice; Wilkenson, Y. T. Danf, also known…

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Second newspaper clipping is a continuation of the first newspaper clipping, it reads:

Quiz Starts Today in Alleged Plots Affecting Solons

(Continued from Page 1, Column 1)

in Sacramento at Ong Yuen; Dr. Y. L. Chan, Lee See and Fong Wan, Oakland Chinese whose disclosures started the investigation, and Former Assemblyman Brackett.

Senator Hurley, Assemblyman Smith and Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus of the Assembly, whose names also have been invited to attend the investigation and give testimony.

District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County Chief of Police James I. Drew of Oakland, both of whom have been active in the alleged bribery investigation, and District Attorney J. J. Henderson of Sacramento County have also been invited to attend the hearings.

Transcript Reviewed

Assemblyman Sidney T. Graves of Los Angeles, chairman of the special Assembly inquiry committee, and his colleagues, spend today reviewing the transcript gathered by District Attorney Warren and Chief of Police Drew. The investigation of the alleged extortion plot on the part of lobbyists and legislators is expected to occupy most of the coming week.

In addition to the facts to be gathered on the Chinese herb bill case, members of both houses of the Legislature are out to clear up as much as possible the odium placed upon their members through the so-called “cinch” bill evil.

Tighten up Rules

The Senate has already gone on record for a closer scrutiny of the credentials of a lobbyists and persons who appear before legislative committees to talk for or against measures, and tomorrow the Assembly also is expected to adopt a resolution tightening up the rules.

The introduction of the resolution in the Assembly is expected to produce a flood of oratory and some debate.

Third newspaper clipping reads:

New Evidence Revealed in Herb Bribe Charge

By Frank B. Anderson

Bulletin Bureau, Sacramento, Feb 26-Members of the Assembly committee that will investigate the alleged bribery and extortion charges surrounding Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s Chinese herb bill declared today that they are really going right to the bottom of the thing and establish just exactly what’s what, regardless of whose toes are stepped on.

There have been several discrepancies in the stories of the witnesses-just enough to give a tinge of mystery, according to the opinions freely expressed around the Capitol today following the uncovering of contradictory statements made to District Attorney Earl Warren and Chief of Police James Drew of Oakland.

Warren, who was somewhat inclined to let the Legislature wash its own dirty linen, is not quiet through with the affair yet, having stated before leaving Sacramento last evening that certain lines of information gleaned here might lead to others upon checking them at the Oakland end.

Whatever evidence has been so far uncovered around Sacramento is not taken as being very serious, indicating chiefly that there was…

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Fourth newspaper clipping is a continuation of the third newspaper clipping, it reads:

New Evidence in Herb Bill Bribe Case

(Continued from Page One)

loose talk about purchasing defeat of Smith’s bill, the purpose of which was to curb the sale of Chinese herbs. The highest sum of money mentioned at this end of the line was $500, whereas 10 times as much was said to have been sought from Oakland Chinese.

Probe Needs Funds

There is enough semblance of truth in some of the statements to make the investigating committee take its work quite seriously and, if sufficient funds are provided to subpoena witnesses, gather evidence and the like, there is probably going to be a real probe that will enliven up the legislative session. Without ample means the affair will wind up in nothing else than whitewash according to local opinion.

Sidney T. Graves of Los Angeles chairman of the committee, says that if the charges are not true, it is a terrible blow to all parties concerned, and if true they reflect upon the entire Legislature, and for that reason nothing should be left undone to clear the atmosphere.

“For years there have been rumors of crookedness around the Legislature,” said Graves, “and now that this affair has received such wide publicity I believe it our duty to go to the bottom of it. I ask that the public withhold judgment until we can make an investigation that will be started at once. We will show no partiality whatsoever.”

That the investigation may go a step further than the racket over Smith’s bill was indicated by Assemblyman T. M. Wright of San Jose, one of the committee, who said that ugly rumors have been making the rounds that there are half a dozen bills on file that were introduced for nor other motive than ** the interests affected to ** ** their suppression.

Clean Slate Sought

** will clear the Legislature of… and the word was passed out that he would “forget it” for $5000.

A lobbyist sent up here to look into the situation is said to have found the author so panicky today that he does not even want to discuss the measure. He is willing to leave it die in committee without accepting as much as a free meal.

The fate of the “cinch” bill is certainly assured this session, whether the investigation reveals any wrongdoing or not over the Chinese herb bill.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Young Speeds Distribution of New Bills

Governor Urges Haste in Printing so that Voters may Study Measures during Recess

By Herbert L. Phillips,

Staff Correspondent of “The Examiner.”

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, Jan 22-Governor C. C. Young today continued further with his policy of taking the California public completely into his confidence on matters of State business and took steps to provide that the details of all bills introduced at the short session of the Legislature, ending yesterday, shall be made available for study by the people before the two house reconvene.

The governor to this had held a conference with Joseph A. Beek, secretary of the Senate, Arthur A. Ohnimus chief clerk of the Assembly, and Fred B. Hood, chief of the legislative counsel bureau, requesting them to hasten the printing and binding of bills so that members of the Legislature may have the maximum time for careful consideration of the various proposition during the constitutional recess and all public requests for information on intended legislation may be complied with immediately.

Follows Budget Idea

Holding that the public is entitled to know the entire story of proposed legislation, Governor Young is following the line of action adopted in preparing the biennial budget which sets forth every item of his financial program in keeping with the idea that the voters should be reliably informed as to every dollar the State spends.

Despite the flood of bills which marked adjournment of the legislature yesterday, Beek and Ohnimus were able to report to the Governor today that the Senate and Assembly histories are completed and ready for distribution. This was considered a record and so was the announcement of Legislative Counsel Wood that he proposes to have a printed digest of the 2,000 odd bills, resolutions and constitutional amendments prepared within the next week or ten days.

Officials Praised

Governor Young issued a statement publicly commending all three officials in this connection and praise was also given Robert Alexander, chief clerk of the State printing department, for co-operation in carrying through the program without delays.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Principal in Bribe Charge Resigns Post

Ex-Assemblyman Declares Herb Doctors behind Inquiry was First to Warn Him of Probe

Promising to “spill the beans,” William J. “Billy” Brackett, ex-assemblyman involved in the expose of the Chinese herb “cinch” bill plot, realized his job as custodian of the Oakland Auditorium yesterday.

The first “spilling” came in the form of a charge by Brackett that Dr. Fong Wan, who first notified the authorities of the attempt to extort $10,000 from Chinese herb doctors, was the man who warned Brackett that the district attorney was laying a trap for him.

Dr. Fong Wan was promptly summoned to the office of District Attorney Earl Warren and made a full admission of the betrayal. He admitted that he had notified Brackett that Warren, Police Chief Drew and “Examiner” reporters, armed with a dictograph and marked money, were waiting for Brackett to visit Fong Wan’s office and repeat his alleged demand for $10,000 to kill the bill introduced in the assembly by Assemblyman Eddie Smith and which would put herb doctors out of business.

The wealthy Chinese herbal pleaded that his attorneys had advised him that trapping of Brackett would “cause too much trouble for the Chinese.” He also offered the plea that he regarded Brackett as only the “go-between” and feared that exposure of Bracket would permit the higher-ups to escape.

Brackett’s resignation as custodian of the Oakland Auditorium was forced by Leroy Goodrich, commissioner of public works, in a heated discussion. Goodrich told Brackett that even lobbying was improper for city employee and that Brackett had admitted he was seeking a fee from the Chinese for lobbying.

As the tide of legislative investigation spread yesterday to include lobbyists and “cinch bills” generally, the two other figures involved in the probe met with strategic reverses.

Senator Edgar S. Hurley, also named by the Chinese, lost a heated fight yesterday in the State Senate against a resolution that was carried by a vote of 33 to 3 providing for a rigid investigation of improper lobbying and all measures under suspicion as “cinch” bills.

Assemblyman Edward J. Smith, author of the mooted herb bill and defendant in the legislative quiz to start Monday, failed in an alleged attempt to amend the questioned bill and have it voted out of committee.

District Attorney Earl Warren and Chief of Police James T. Drew of Oakland, whose original inquiries in the extortion charges carried them from Oakland’s Chinatown to the State Capitol, accepted an invitation yesterday to appear personally Monday with all their data before the special probe committee appointed by the Assembly.

Third Newspaper clipping reads:

Anti-Herb Bill Inquiry Body Completes Hearing; May Submit Report Today

Sacramento, March 4 (United News).- The Assembly committee investigating allegations of extortion made in connection with the Smith anti-herb bill concluded its hearings late today and went into executive session to decide on a further course of action after a short meeting.

Chairman Sidney Smith said it was possible the committee might have its report today for submission not the assembly tomorrow when the legislative session will be resumed.

As the hearing drew to a close there was no intimation of the committee’s attitude or whether it considered testimony given before it as conclusive for or against two legislators and others implicated by Chinese herbalists in charges that William Brackett asked $5000 for killing the herb measure, and that the money was to be split between Brackett, Assemblyman Edward Smith and Senator Edgar Hurley.

Both Hurley and Smith were on the stand today. Hurley declared Fong Wan, Oakland herbalist, had testified falsely in saying that division of money was discussed when Hurley and Brackett visited Wan in his Oakland office.

Smith said he had no intention of getting money in connection with the herb bill which he introduced, denied knowing of any arrangements regarding payment of money, and detailed his conversation with Arthur Ohnimus, sergeant at arms of the assembly, in which Ohnimus remarked there “was money on the Smith bill.”

Ohnimus was recalled to corroborate his declaration concerning this conversation, when discrepancies regarding the actual words were developed by Smith’s testimony.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Herb Bribe Plot Report is Due Today

Chairman of Probe Committee Denies Solons Deadlocked; Findings are almost Ready

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, March 5-The Assembly special committee probing the Chinese herb bill scandal and charges that herbalists have been approached for bribes totaling thousands of dollars, to kill the measure, recalled Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus and Sergeant-at-arms Charles Wilkinson of the Assembly, for questioning today in executive session, and continued deliberations on the verdict behind locked doors for several hours tonight before adjourning until tomorrow, when the report will be filed with the Assembly.

Reports that the five committee members are in disagreement over the decision and cannot reach unanimous findings on the conflicting testimony of the Chinese and white principals in the scandal, were denied tonight by Chairman Sidney Graves.

Testimony Held Clear

“The testimony is so clear that the decision of the committee will be unanimous,” said Graves. “The report will represent the conclusions of all five members.”

Irrespective of the final verdict, it was indicated in several quarters tonight that the report and recommendations of the committee will deal briefly, if at all, with the part played in the hearings by Senator Edgar S. Hurley of Oakland, named by Chinese witnesses as one of four men who were to divide the $5,000 bribe which is alleged to have been solicited from the herb interest by former Assemblyman William Brackett.

The committee is empowered to consider all information bearing on Assemblyman Edward J. Smith’s herb bill, but as Senator Hurley testified voluntarily before the committee, it was pointed out, his connection with the matter is strictly within the province of the Upper House. There was a general belief that the probe committee will adopt that attitude.

To Report Findings

Probability that the committee will report its findings and leave any further action in the hands of the Assembly as a whole was generally discussed at the capitol tonight as the investigators considered the transcript of testimony in secret session.

Sergeant-at-Arms Wilkinson was questioned with especial regard to his statement that he made no mention whatever of the herb bill during his night ride from Sacramento to San Francisco with Chief Clerk Ohnimus, which culminated on the morning of Lincoln’s birthday in an altercation between Ohnimus and Assemblyman Smith over mention of money in connection with the bill.

Though committee members questioned Wilkinson’s testimony, the sergeant-at-arms maintained the truth of his original statement.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Senator, Assemblyman and Two Legislative Aides Questioned; Doctor’s Accusations Denied

Alameda District Attorney to Probe Complaint that Money was offered to Legislators

Examiner Bureau (Sacramento), Feb 25-The herb bill extortion plot, charged by wealthy Chinese of San Francisco and Oakland, today drew forth unanimous vote of the Assembly for legislative probe of the entire situation, with its intimations of attempts at bribery.

At the same time District Attorney Earl Warren of Alameda County questioned Senator Edgar J. Hurley of Oakland, Assemblyman Edward J. Smith of Oakland, Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco, chief clerk of the Assembly, and Charles H. Wilkinson of San Francisco, Assembly sergeant-at-arms, concerning their alleged connection with the case.

While District Attorney Warren said he has not secured sufficient information to warrant arrests at this time, both he and Police Chief James Drew of Oakland declared they will sift the charges and counter charges resulting from the alleged attempt at bribery and either submit their findings to the Legislature or sponsor criminal proceedings.

Today’s Developments

Here are today’s developments:

Senator Hurley denied discussing money with Chinese herb doctors and claimed he visited Dr. Fong Wan in San Francisco merely at the request of William Brackett, former Assemblyman, who sought his support in securing a job as lobbyist for the Chinese.
Assemblyman Smith testified before the District Attorney that Chief Clerk Ohnimus told him there “is $500 in it for you if you’ll lay off that herb bill of yours.” Ohnimus denied any attempt to approach Smith with a bribe.
Speaker Frank Merriam of the Assembly named a special committee of five to probe charges of the Chinese.
Sergeant-at-arms Wilkinson, who communicated to Smith the desire of Sacramento Chinese for “an interview” on the herb bill, denied receiving money in connection with the measure and claimed ignorance of the alleged extortion plot.

Smith Denies Charge

Smith denied all knowledge of the charges under probe and said he is not acquainted with Brackett, the man whom the Chinese charge with offering to kill the herb bill for a cash consideration.

Senator Hurley testified during today’s heaving that his visit to the office of Dr. Fong Wan resulted in no conversation relative to bribes or exchange of money. He said that the Chinese did mention Sacramento Chinese favoring a bribery attempt but added that Fong Wan announced opposition to this plan.

The Oakland Senator said he then told Fong Wan that Brackett, as a former legislator, as well qualified to lobby in Sacramento against the herb bill which the Chinese doctors feared would force them out of business.

Assemblyman Smith told the Alameda County investigator that Sacramento Chinese approached him by telephone to consent to a conference on the bill in the Capital City. He said their request and offer of a fee and transportation….

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Third newspaper clipping is a continuation of the second newspaper clipping, it reads:

Probe of Herb Bill Bribe Plot Voted in Assembly

(Continued from Page One)

money was telephoned to him by Sergeant-at-arms Wilkinson. After first consenting to see the Chinese here, Smith said he later refused.

The Assemblyman then described his conversation with Chief Clerk Ohnimus, who visited him at his home in Oakland early on Lincoln’s birthday. District Attorney Warren gave out Smith’s version of this conversation as follows:

Ohnimus told me there’s “$500 in it for you if you’ll lay off that herb bill of yours.” I replied that I could get $5,000 if I wanted it but that I wasn’t taking a dime. I said I was interested in the bill and would put it through. Ohnimus then said I was foolish if I didn’t take the $5,000. I told him he was the third or fourth person who had mentioned money to me in connection with this bill. I took offense at Ohnimus’ approach and we had words.

After describing Wilkinson’s communications to him relative to the Sacramento Chinese who wanted an “interview,” Smith said he was surprised to find the Sergeant-at-arms outside in an automobile when Ohnimus made his Lincoln’s birthday visit.

Called in turn before the District Attorney Ohnimus declared that he and Wilkinson motored to San Francisco together and that he “dropped in on Smith informally.” He denied approaching Smith with ulterior motives, and said he promptly resented Smith’s intimation that he was offering money in connection with the herb bill. He said he merely referred to the bill casually in gossip and mentioned that there seemed to be “considerable money in it.”

“Interview Sought”

Ohnimus emphatically testified that he was not approached by the Chinese herb interests and said that Wilkinson did not discuss the bill with him.

Wilkinson maintained that his sole connection with the case came when he transmitted to Smith the requests of local Chinese for “an interview.”

He told, however, of a mysterious telephone message received by him recently in San Francisco from a Sacramento Chinese warning him, he said, that “someone is trying to make you trouble” and directing him to visit a house on Washington Street in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

He said Chinese at that address asked him how they might best fight the herb bill and then arranged to have him invite San Francisco legislators to a banquet held in the Bay City last week. His testimony, revealed by District Attorney Warren, showed that Wilkinson acted as assistant master of ceremonies but denied receiving compensation for his services.

Chinese Not Named

Wilkinson revealed the names of none of the Chinese with whom he had consultations on the herb bill and efforts of Police Chief Drew and District Attorney Warren to locate Chinese in this city who may have been involved in the alleged plot were unsuccessful late today.

Search of the Chinese quarter was being made for Y. T. Dang of the Chinese Protective Association here, who is also associated with the Doo Woo Herb Company, 139 Twelfth Street, Oakland, Dang is said to have appeared several times this week in the Legislative lobby and showered baskets of flowers on women members of the Assembly when the Legislature reconvened Tuesday.

Another Chinese of Oakland, whose name was not revealed, also was being sought by the investigators.

Assemblyman Sidney Graves of Los Angeles was named chairman of the special legislative committee to investigate the alleged extortion attempt. It was announced the committee will go into all phases of the case, including charges in the bay cities that $10,000 was originally sought to kill Smith’s bill and that former Assemblyman Brackett was the envoy of the herb interests.

The committee also includes: Assemblyman T. M. Wright of San Jose, George Cleveland of Watsonville, Frank L. Coombs of Napa and Isaac Jones of Ontario.

In naming the committee, Speaker Merriam said:

I feel that this committee will have the complete confidence of the Legislature and the people and that whatever report it brings in will represent careful investigation of the charges and true statement of the every fact in this case.

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First newspaper clipping is a continuation of another newspaper clipping and that newspaper clipping is not shown. It reads:

Young Calls on G.O.P to Back Rolph

United Republican Party Urged at Sacramento; Convention Supports President Hoover

administration of any faction. I shall hope to be the Governor of a united California.”

Hoover Pledge

The Republicans pledge themselves to continuation of adequate highway building, water conservation, efforts to relieve unemployment, assistance to the farm industry, adoption of an equitable tax system, sympathetic aid to labor, humane approaches to crime problems, continued State aid to war veterans, economy in government and conservation of natural resources.

Specifically the platform endorsed the administration of President Hoover and pledged him “support of the united Republican party of California.”

Senator Frank Merriam of Long Beach, Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor, acted as convention chairman. Other convention officers were:

Secretary, William Haley, San Francisco; assistant secretary, Joseph Beek, Balboa; reading clerk, Arthur Ohnimus; sergeant at arms, Joseph Nolan, Los Angeles; credentials committee chairman, Senator Roy Fellom, San Francisco; platform committee chairman, Senator E. H. Christian, Alameda county; committee chairman on order of business, Congressman Harry L. Englebright, Nevada City.

Hale to Win

Marshall Hale of San Francisco, was practically assured election as chairman of the G.O.P. State central committee, September 27, with Milton Bryan of Los Angeles being mentioned as the choice for Democratic chairman.

The Socialist convention adopted a platform demanding pardons for Thomas J. Mooney and Warren K. Billings, urging repeal of capital punishment and advocating unemployment insurance, prison reform, a new constitution and extension of publicly owned power systems in California.

Alexander Horr of San Francisco was chosen to preside over the Socialist session.

Prohibitionists

The Prohibitionist convention reiterated its stand for strict adherence to the eighteenth amendment and rigid enforcement of state and national prohibition statutes. J. C. Bell of Los Angeles were convention chairman.

The prohibitionists also adopted a resolution memorializing leaders of their cause throughout the nation to join in a general campaign to offset the present anti-prohibition movement. A united effort is needed, the resolution urged, “on a sale as large or larger than the one which preceded national prohibition.”

Second newspaper clipping reads:

The Pay-Off

(Under the title there is a picture of several assemblymen, it looks to be a chaotic scene unfolding, where they are getting their cut for putting a price on their votes on the napkin bill.)

Brazenly scandalous and scandalously brazen was the pay-off on the nefarious paper napkin bill. Having put a price on their votes to prohibit napkins being served with beer unless the customer is standing up, the vote-selling assemblymen dashed madly up to the desk before the result was announced yelling: “Fork Over.” Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus is ordered the swag distributed and here you see the members taking their cut while the desk clerks check them off. Louis Erb, seen at the right, is so shocked that he shades his eyes from the scene. At the left an assemblyman shades his eyes with a crisp piece of marked money to hide his identity, but we know him! Jimmie Boyle and Tommy Maloney can be seen reaching for theirs. Even the pages got a slice of dough.

Many Veteran Legislators will be Missing Next Session Despite way Primary Goes, Writes Chief Clerk

(Editor’s Note: The following interesting article on the legislative situation which will be more or less settled in many districts by next Tuesday’s election was written especially for the Sausalito News by the veteran Chief Clerk of the Assembly, Arthur A. Ohnimus, who is vacationing in Sausalito)

By Arthur A. Ohnimus

Chief Clerk, Assembly, California Legislature

The primary election, Tuesday, August 25, will reduce the number of veteran members of the State Assembly by eighteen. Eleven Republican and seven Democratic members are either aspiring her higher office or have decided not to run this year.

Three of the Republican members, Wright of Los Angeles, Peterson of San Mateo and Fisher of Alameda County are candidates for Congress while Brennan of San Francisco, Geyer and McCarthy of Los Angeles and Dagner of Alameda are seeking Congressional office on the Democratic ticket. DeLap of Contra Costa county, Nielsen of Sacramento and Phillips of Riverside are seeking for promotion on the Republican ballot for the Senate. McBride of Ventura is the lone Democrat seeking senatorial honors.

Speaker Craig Out

Anderson, Santa Clara; Chatters of Tulare; Minard of Fresno; Riley of Long Beach and Speaker of the Assembly, Edward Craig are the Republicans who have decided not to run this year. Kallam of Santa Cruz is the only Democrat not seeking reelection. Ralph Evans, Democrat of Los Angeles, is a candidate for District Attorney of that county.

Of these eighteen members who will not return to the Assembly, eleven of them have seen more than four years service, while of these eleven, four have seen more than six years’ service in the Assembly and Nielsen has been a veteran of six sessions nor twelve years, Speaker Craig having served four sessions.

Of these eighty members constituting the Assembly, only sixty-two veteran members will seek reelection. Of these remaining sixty-two members, thirty-three are Democrats and twenty-eight Republicans, and one Independent, Weber of Stockton, who is a candidate on the Republican and Democratic ticket this year.

The present Assembly had forty-two Republicans and thirty-seven Democrats and one Independent.

Only Seven Unopposed

Seven members who seek reelection are without opposition: O’Donnell, Democrat of Woodland; Speaker pro tem of the Assembly; Crowley of Suisun, Democrat; Desmond of Sacramento, Democrat; Thorp of Lockeford, Republican; Donnelly of Turlock, Democrat; and Hornblower of San Francisco, who has only nominal opposition in a Communist opponent.

The oldest member in point of legislative service is Charles W. Lyon of Los Angeles who has seen ten sessions, having served in both the Assembly and the Senate for these twenty years. Next in point of long service is Bill Hornblower of San Francisco with eight sessions to his credit. Herbert Evans of Los Angeles has had six sessions, having served in both the Assembly and the Senate for that time.

Heisinger of Fresno, Nielsen of Sacramento, Scudder of Sebastopol, and Williamson of San Francisco have all served six sessions in the Assembly while the lone Assemblywoman, Eleanor Miller of Pasadena, has served seven sessions. Tommy Maloney of San Francisco has served five sessions in both Houses.

Only 20 Senators Up

The Senate is in a little different position to the Assembly inasmuch as there are twenty holdover Senators and only twenty to be elected this year. Of the twenty hold-over Senators, fourteen are Republicans and six Democrats. Five of the present Senators are not seeking reelection: Duval, Ventura; Edwards, Orange; Hulse, Imperial; King, Kings; and Sharkey, Contra Costa.

Of the fifteen remaining senators, thirteen who seek reelection are Republicans: Difani, Riverside; Gordon, Napa; Jespersen, San Luis Obispo; Reindollar Marin; McColl, Shasta; McCormack, Solano; Parkman, San Mateo; Perry, Humboldt; Powers, Modoc; Seawell, Placer; Snyder, Santa Cruz; Stow, Santa Barbara; Tickle, Monterey.

Senators Pierovich of Amador and Scollan of Sacramento are the two Democrats seeking reelection to the Senate.

The Senate, too, loses some of the old timers. Walter Duval, a veteran of seven sessions, service in both houses is not a candidate. Edwards of four sessions and Sharkey with eleven sessions in both Houses are not running for reelection.

Herb Slater of the Dean

None of the Senators are seeking other offices this election.

Of the holdover Senators, Senator Herbert Slater of Santa Rosa is the dean with thirteen sessions to his credit. Brad Crittenden of Stockton has served eight sessions in both houses; Frank Mixter of Tulare County has served six sessions in both the lower and upper House.

Senator Ralph Swing has seven sessions service in both of the houses. Sanborn Young and Wagy have served six sessions in the Assembly and Senate.

A number of former members of the Legislature are seeking office this election. George Bliss of Santa Barbara, former Assemblyman, is a candidate for Congress in the tenth district. Frederick Houser, former Assemblyman is seeking a congressional seat in the twelfth district. Former Senator Ed Sample of San Diego is also a candidate for Congress from that country.

Many Try Comebacks

Former Assemblyman John Runner of Eureka is a candidate for the Senate in the second district. Former Assemblyman Dozier is a candidate against McColl of Redding for the Senate. Dillinger of Placerville, a former member of the Assembly, is a candidate for the Senate this year.

Former members of the Assembly who seek to return are: Edgar S. Hurley, Robert B. Fry, J. P. Hayes, Edgar C. Levey, former Speaker of the Assembly; E. G. Adams, James S. O’Connor, George H. Wilber, Frank J. Rogers, and in the 55^th district in Los Angeles, both Emory J. Arnold and Austin L. Tournoux are candidates. Bert V. Callahan, Frederick Roberts, Willard E. Badman, Harry Lyons, Cecil R. King, John T. Rawls, and George B. Bowers are all seeking to return to the Assembly this year.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Democrats to Seek Control of Assembly

Caucus of Party Members Reported Scheduled; Speaker Position Sought by Leaders

By William H. Jordan.

Caucus of Democratic members of the State Legislature, particularly those who will sit in the lower House, has been called, it is understood, for Saturday, January 2, at Sacramento.

The purpose will be, according to reports in political circles, to discuss organization and control, if possible, of the Assembly, where there is a majority of that party on the new roll call.

Speakership Sought

What will eventuate from the caucus remains to be seen, in view of the present bit of turmoil kicked up in Democratic legislative quarters over the Assembly Speakership.

There are forty-seven Democratic members of the new Assembly. Not a few of them have an eye upon the Speakership, for the list of members shows a majority over the needed forty-one votes which would, if solidly voted, give control of the organization with the selection of the numerous standing committees in the hands of the Speaker to be chosen.

Small Patronage

There is not much patronage immediately attached to the House organization. A bunch of stenographers, a sergeant at arms and assistants, and a few important posts “at the desk” which require experience and a full and thorough knowledge of the legal requirements in procedure.

The main post in that connection is that of chief clerk.

Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco, the incumbent, is credited with being one of the leading nonpartisan expert authorities in the State on procedure.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Bourbons Size Patronage in Assembly; Merriam Wins Aid for Oil Drilling Plan

Progressives Line Up to Back Revenue Bond Measure Plan

Ohnimus is out

Recovery of Petroleum and Obtaining of Royalties are Supported

By Herbert L. Phillips

Steam-roller partisan tactics won all the assembly patronage posts for the Democrat yesterday but, in the other house of the California Legislature today, Senator Culbert L. Olson, Democratic leader, agreed to go along with Republican Governor Frank F. Merriam for state drilling of the $300,000,000 Huntington Beach oil pool.

At the same time, Progressives of both political parties were being lined up for the renewal of the 1935 fight to enact public ownership revenue bond legislation.

Seek Project Funds

And preliminary steps also were taken toward a legislative memorial to congress to appropriate more money for the realization of the Central Valley Project.

This latter move, started in the assembly, presumably will have the backing of the new Democratic speaker, William Moseley Jones of Los Angeles Count, who emphasized the importance of the Central Valleys Project in a declaration of Bourbon policies as he took the gavel by unanimous vote.

Preparing Report

Senator Olson, former Los Angeles County chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, announced his senate oil committee is preparing its report on two years of investigation into the slant-drilling of private wells to tap the fortune in oil beneath the state-owned tidelands in Orange County.

Wants State Drilling

“I will favor Governor Merriam’s proposal for a bill to authorize state drilling to recover the public’s oil resources at Huntington Beach,” said Senator Olson, “and, moreover, I will help in putting through such a law if provisions are made for its proper administration.

“My idea of a workable act would be one providing for competitive bids on any whipstock drilling by private companies into the tidelands, with a high minimum royalty return to the state – one substantially in excess of the ridiculously low royalty percentages now being paid. Such an act should also provide that, in the absence of bona fide bids at the specified royalty rates, the state government could do her own drilling and reap the entire revenue yield.”

Democrats Sweep House

The Democrats followed up their election of Speaker Jones with a clean sweep of every major Republican office holder in the assembly.

The post of speaker pro tempore, of course, went to a Democrat-Assemblyman Henry P. Meehan of Alameda County.

Ohnimus Loses Post

The first attaché to go was Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus, San Francisco Republican and a member of the lower house desk staff since 1915. Ohnimus, who has been chief clerk since the 1923 session, was voted out of office when he instead his assistant, Fred Desch, should be retained if he was.

Elect San Franciscan

The new chief clerk is James Smyth, a former English instructor at the University of San Francisco and secretary of the Roosevent Democratic campaign organization this Fall.

Former Speaker Edgar C. Levey of San Francisco and others praised Ohnimus for this long years of service to the state.

Maloney is ousted

Del Smith, a Los Angeles Democrat, was made sergeant-at-arms, succeeding Joseph Maloney, a Republican of Sacramento.

A Fresno Democrat, David Oliver, was named minute clerk.

The thirty-three Republicans, outnumbered by the Democratic majority of forty-seven, offered no resistance whatever as they watched the assembly speakership and organization go to the Bourbons for the first time in forty-three years.

Jones Keynotes

Legislation was advocated by Speaker Jones for government economy, lower taxes, the Central Valleys Project, a better social security program, an improved pen-….

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L.A. Times – Jan 11, 1937

The Political Bandwagon

After all these years of getting rousted and rooked on the State gasoline tax pay-off, Los Angeles City officialdom is threatening (like the British Foreign Office) “grave consequences.” Well, if England fired a few naval guns instead of a king, she might gain the same results as the Los Angeles brigade if they chose to consolidate the voting strength of this city, which is a quarter of the State’s.

Now there isn’t any use in serving up the same old figures about the cheating we get on the gas tax, except maybe this angle: San Francisco gets back 84 per cent of the gas tax collected in San Francisco, we get 16 per cent of ours.

In his message to the Council this year Mayor Shaw inserted one gem in sixteen pages of very dull flint and sandstone. He says if the Board of Supervisors won’t give the city a fair shake on the gas-tax split, then for goodness’ sake let’s put the matter on the ballot by means of an initiative petition. It must have been five years ago that his department allowed as how that was the only way to work a fair deal. The initiative will be a cinch to carry, what with 57 per cent of the county’s voting strength in the city, let alone the aid which will come from Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale and the other cities.

Councilman Cunningham tries a flanking movement. He wants a member on the California Highway Commission (which takes first count no the gas tax) from Los Angeles City. The city hasn’t had a member of the commission since Hitler was a house painter. The Southern California members come from Taft, Anaheim and Carlsbad.

Now, Bro. Cunningham has a very high opinion of Taft, Anaheim and Carlsbad, but after all, Taft, Anaheim and Carlsbad aren’t greatly interested in streets in Los Angeles. Cunningham suspects that if a Governor of California discovered that the 700,000 votes in Los Angeles were desirous of having a Highway Commissioner from Los Angeles, said Governor would lose no time in getting somebody from Los Angeles on his commission.

And, says Cunningham, with a Los Angeles member on the commission, there would be someone to list to the troubles of our side.

The commission has put out its budget for the next two years. As usual, Los Angeles finds the ice melted in its drink: The boys are putting up quite a roar, because they suspect that the commission has about a million tucked away in a sock somewhere , will come through with it, provided enough pressure is exerted.

The Unterrified

The way the Republicans fought over that appointment to the Railroad Commission, you’d think it was the last job a Republican ever was going to get in California. In fact, some of the boys really think it.

If the Republicans have ruined their own chances, they have only to take a grander at the Democrats to get back hope. The Democrats have a reputation for barroom fighting among themselves, while the Republicans are pretty well disciplined and go home before somebody calls the patrol wagon.

Mose Jones, the Speaker, having been elected unanimously, suffers from an embarrassment of riches, friends, well-wishers, place seekers and promises. Already there’s a squabble over chairmanship of Ways and Means. And who is going to get it? One of Mose’s Epic pals who believes in spending all of everybody else’s money, or one of the conservative (let’s laugh now) Democrats, who believe they saving a few economic royalists for next year’s crop?

When they put the toss on Arthur Ohnimus, who’s been chief clerk of the Assembly for twenty-two years, the Democrats gave away their game. They’re going to grab everything while there’s a grab left in them, and Sacramento people will earn not to leave the hose on the lawn at night.

Running the paper work for the Assembly is a highly complicated business, with many pitfalls for the inexperienced. Arthur doesn’t have to have the job. It is a matter of life and death with him. So he turned it down when he learned that he had to take, as assistants, a flock of deserving Democrats who have to get on the pay roll.

Loss of Ohnimus and his crew means, for one thing, that the Legislature will have to stay in session an extra week for the politicians to catch up, for another their scheme to win the Governorship next year will be just that much more difficult. Major Bowes alone seems to make a success with amateurs.

“Now, My Friends…”

There’s a swell chance for a resident of El Sereno to get elected to the City Council.

El Sereno being that section which is the extreme northeast corner of the city.

El Sereno now is in the Thirteenth District. But due to population shifts, there’s a general changing around to straighten out the districts, and at least thirteen Councilmen plan to switch El Sereno into the Ninth District.

The Ninth District is the happy hunting ground of Parley P. Christensen, the bombastic bachelor of Bunker Hill.

When Parley P. Found out about El Sereno he rose to his full height, tossed his flowing locks took a deep breath and uttered a strenuous bellow of rage.

“They can’t do that to me!” is the way Parley P. looked at it.

He made no bones about it. He wanted no part of El Sereno. But the chances are 100 to 1 he’ll take El Sereno and not like it.

Well, there you are, lads.

Campaign solely on an anti-Parley platform, with the slogan:

“Parley doesn’t want us, so let’s get rid of Parley.”

Too Late

Ed Thrasher wants a charter amendment consolidating five commissions and departments into one. Good idea, even if Ed’s main idea is to stir up the Mayor’s office.

But the City Hall Politicians spoiled the consolidation plan two years ago, when the time was ripe. With better conditions, the people don’t care how lolloping the government becomes.

Not too late is Bob Dominquez’s charter amendment, to stop printing candidates’ occupations on the ballot. That has been the cheapest direct-by-mail advertising scheme in town. Just think of sending your name to 700,000 people, with the additional fact that your two-pants’ suits are the best in town.

Even though sexes are equal, no man would think of acting like a woman.

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First newspaper clipping reads:

Democrats Strong in New Legislature

State Campaign in 1938 Goal of Party in Mapping Assembly Plans

By Earl C. Behrens

When the Legislature convenes at Sacramento, January 4, for the fifty-second session, the Democratic high command plans to have ready a party program which the leaders hope will be of material aid in winning the State campaign in California in 1938.

With 47 of the 80 members in the Assembly and with 15 out of 40 in the Senate, the Democrats are in better shape from a party standpoint than they have been in many years.

Speakership Vital

Now that Assemblyman William Moseley Jones of Montebello is certain of the Speakership since the withdrawal of the candidacy of Assemblyman Earl Desmond of Galt, the Democrats will be able, for the first time since 1893, during the administration of Governor James Budd, Democrat to control the lower house. As Speaker, Jones will have the appointment of the members of the various important committees and will be able to steer legislation as he sees fit.

(There is a picture of Senator Herbert W. Slater, Dean of Them All. It shows a side profile of his face and is wearing a hat.)

Senator William G. McAdoo wants his Democratic colleagues in the Assembly to organize throughout along party lines.

But it is doubtful if the Assemblymen will sacrifice entire efficiency of the Assembly to partisan politics and turn out all of the experienced desk workers. Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus is favored for retention in his job even if he does not belong to the majority party.

In the Senate, the organization of that body will not proceed along party lines.

Gubernational Goal

The Democratic high command is pointing all of its endeavors toward the next gubernational campaign. There will be plenty of new deal legislation at the coming session in the effort to build up Democratic strength with voters.

The Legislature will be sued as a sounding board for the pet bills of a raft of Democratic members who hope to be candidates for this or that in 1938.

Man of the veterans in the Legislature will be missing when the rolls are called January 4. Through voluntary retirement or the Roosevelt landslide, a large number of better type legislators have absented themselves.

In the Assembly, Charles W. Lyon, Los Angeles Republican, has been through more session than any other member of that body. He first came to the Legislature in 1915. His services have been in both the Assembly and the Senate. This chain was broken in 1931, when he was out for one term.

Assemblyman William B. Hornblower, San Francisco, has continuous service since 1921. Assemblyman Ray Williamson, San Francisco, has been in the assembly six sessions; Assemblyman Hubert Scudder, Sebastopol, six sessions; Assemblyman Sam Heisinger, Fresno County, six, and Assemblywoman Eleanor Miller, Pasadena, seven.

Assemblyman Thomas A. Maloney has been in the Legislature since 1925, serving in both the Senate and the Assembly.

Slater is Dean

Edgar C. Levey, former Speaker, has five sessions to his credit. Assemblyman Melvyn I. Cronin, San Francisco, has four sessions behind him.

Senator Herbert W. Slater, Santa Rosa, is dean of the Legislature. He has been a member of either the Assembly or the Senate since 1911.

Senator Dan Williams, Sonora, went to the Assembly in 1911, serving one term. He came back at the 1917 session and again at the 1927 session and has served continuously since that time.

Senator Ralph E. Swing, San Bernardino, has been a member since 1923.

In the Assembly and Senate, Senator Bradford S. Crittenden, Stockton, has had membership since 1921.

Complete Senate Roll

The completed membership roll of the Senate follows, the members from the even numbered districts being elected in 1934:...

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Second newspaper clipping reads:

Democrats Fighting on Assembly Posts

Certain Leaders Maneuver to Oust Chief Clerk Arthur Ohnimus

By Earl C. Behrens

Sacramento, Jan 3-On the eve of the convening of the fifty-second session of the Legislature tomorrow, organization of both the Senate and the Assembly except for the speakership of the latter body is the object of political maneuvering here tonight.

For the first time since 1893, the Democrats will be able to elect a Speaker of the Assembly. Assemblyman William Moseley Jones, Montebello, is the choice of the Democratic caucus for the speakership.

But there is a mad scramble on for the various official positions in the Assembly which are elective by that body. Certain of the Democratic leaders, putting aside entirely the efficiency of the official staff heretofore considered a nonpartisan matter in the lower house, are out to oust Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus, San Francisco, who for 22 years has held his position.

Senator William G. McAdoo, who is dictating by remote Washington control the Democratic organization with an eye on the 1938 gubernatorial and senatorial campaign, wants James Smyth, San Francisco official of the Roosevelt-Garner organization, to be named chief clerk.

Ohnimus will not serve in his old position unless he is accorded the time honored privilege of naming his chief assistant. Ohnimus wants Fred Desch, Los Angeles, renamed to the position he has filled for the last eight years under Ohnimus. A sharp division has resulted among the Democrats.

Breaking precedent, the Assembly upon the convening of the Legislature will proceed to elect Jones Speaker, and the recess while the controversy over patronage is settled. It looks as if much of the time at the present session may be devoted to a division of the patronage spoils.

The Republicans are divided on the subject of putting a party candidate for Speaker in the field against Jones in view of the certainty of Jones’ election. The Assembly is divided, 47 Democrats to 33 Republicans. But some of the Republicans have made private agreements with Jones over committee assignments.

Before the day is over the Republicans will decide as to the entrance of a party candidate against Jones, regardless of the fact that they cannot elect their choice.

The plan of the Democrats to elect the Speaker and then recess until they can agree upon the spoils division violates legislative precedent.

In the Senate, Senator W. P. Rich of Marysville, who has the support of Governor Merriam, faces a contest to hold his place as President pro tem of the upper house. Senator Jerrold L. Seawell, Roseville, claims 24 of the 40 Senators are as yet uncommitted on the presidency pro tem. Seawell claims he will be able to win votes from some of the Democratic members of the Senate. The Republicans control the upper house, 25 to 15. Both Rich and Seawell are Republicans.

The presiding officer of the Senate is Lieutenant Governor Hatfield, who is a candidate for the governorship in 1938. That adds to the complexity which faces Governor Merriam at this session of the Legislature.

State Liquor Bill

While the squabbling is going on over organization, the question of what will come before the legislators at this session is getting minor consideration.

One of the early birds with a bill is Assemblyman Godfrey A. Andreas, Upland, who has a bill which would put the State of California in the wholesale liquor business, granting a monopoly to the State. Private wholesale liquor dealers would be put out of business under the bill.

The oil controversy over the State owned tideland pool at Huntington Beach, worth millions will be renewed at the present session.

Many Matters

Lower tolls on the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, acquisition of the privately owned Carquinez toll bridge, unemployment relief, Governor Merriam’s budget, health insurance, legalization on poolrooms, horse racing, liquor, chain store taxes, blockade of State borders against indigents, severance tax on natural resources, highway unification and county consolidation, are just a few of the subjects which will be found treated in bills to be introduced in the Legislature.

An inquiry into the expenditures of the chain stores in fighting the proposed chain store tax, No. 22 on the November ballot, is threatened by Assemblymen.

The Senate will have an election contest on its hands. Senator Thomas F. Keating, Marin County, has his right to his seat being challenged by Senator Charles F. Reindollar, who claims illegal voting at the recent election. Reindollar was a veteran of many sessions. Keating won by a small margin.

This page displays 2 newspaper clipping.

The first newspaper clipping reads:

40c Toll for Bridge up to Legislature

Hornblower Introduces Bill to Reduce Auto Charge on Bay Span as 1937 Session is Opened

By B. W. Horne

The News Staff Correspondent

Sacramento, Jan 4-A flat 40c a car toll for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge-25c under the prevailing rate-was proposed today at the opening session of California’s 52^nd Legislature. Assemblyman W.B. Hornblower, San Francisco, said he hoped a resolution embodying his proposal would be adopted this afternoon after lawmakers select the speaker of the lower house.

“I have it on good authority the RFC will reduce the interest rate on the bridge bonds below the 4 per cent fixed in the original contract between the State and Federal Government,” said Mr. Hornblower.

“If that’s done a 40 c toll will be more than ample to meet all charges. I’ve looked into the matter and am convinced the toll could be brought down to 50c even if the interest rate is not lowered.

Democrats in Control

There was much ado over little of consequence, as the lawmakers prepared for their first partisan squabble in more than 40 years. The Democratic majority in the Assembly having settled the speakership argument by voting to elect Assemblyman William Mosely Jones, youthful Los Angeles lawyer, looked beyond his formal election at noon to a caucus at which the all-important patronage question was to be argued.

Republican assemblyman decided to concede the speakership at a caucus late yesterday, hopeful of securing patronage concession in return. It was problematical, however, whether the Democrats would “play ball.”

The Democratic political leadership was insisting on a “to the victor belong the spoils” policy under which all legislative jobs in the Assembly would be given members of the party.

Veteran members, their eyes on the 1938 governorship, urged a less arrogant and more conciliatory policy, explaining the ruthless ouster of experienced and useful attaches might do more harm than good

S.F. Men Favored

The G.O.P. request-members explained they were in no position to demand anything-was selection of a Republican speaker pro tem, retention of Fred B. Wood, legislative counsel, and Arthur Ohnimus, clerk of the Assembly.

Democrats indicated they would not yield the assistant speakership, but would consider a deal that would keep Mr. Wood and Mr. Ohnimus in their jobs.

Both are San Franciscans and are favored mainly because the city’s Republican members decided to support Mr. Jones for speaker when he needed votes. Democrats after Mr. Wood’s job include former Assemblyman Ralph Evans, Los Angeles, and James Brennan, San Francisco.

If Mr. Ohnimus is displaced his position will go to another San Franciscan, James Smyth, secretary of the Democratic state and county committees.

Mr. Ohnimus can have his job for the asking but insists he must have the right to select his assistant. The Democrats don’t want to give him that much authority.

W. O. Rich is slated

Reorganization of the Senate should be effected without difficulty. Senators William O. Rich, Marysville,

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The second newspaper clipping reads:

Legislators Ready for Busy Meet

Both Parties Spar for Opening Advantage

By Earl C. Behrens

California’s fifty-second Legislature convenes at Sacramento Monday.

With Democrats and Republicans sparring for political advantage, the coming session may correctly be characterized as sounding board for the 1938 gubernatorial campaign in this State.

With the Democrats in control of the Assembly, one of their number, Assemblyman William Jones of Montebello will become Speaker. He will be the first Democrat to preside over a regular session of the lower house since 1893, when a Democrat, James Budd, was Governor of California.

By the unanimous vote of the 47 Democratic members of the Assembly, Jones, at a caucus tonight, was chosen for the speakership.

Clean Sweep Planned

From the temper of the Democrats as volubly expressed at the party caucus tonight, a clean sweep of all Republicans who hold elective positions in the Lower House, from Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus, veteran of many sessions, to Sergeant at Arms Joe Moloney and all the rest of the attaches will be attempted by the Democrats.

Another caucus will be held Monday after the formal election of Jones to further discuss organization plans. Some of the Democrats are not in accord with the program of wrecking the efficiency of the Assembly clerical staff by partisan politics.

Chief Clerk Ohnimus and Sergeant at Arms Moloney seek reelection, James Smyth, San Francisco, secretary of the Roosevelt-Garner campaign organization, is spoke of as a possible contender for chief clerk, and a long list of other Democratic workers are here looking for jobs. Former Assemblyman James F. Brennan, San Francisco, is electioneering for election by the joint Senate and Assembly as head of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, which whips into proper shape all bills and measures presented in the Legislature. He seeks to oust Fred B. Wood. Wood has been chosen on a nonpartisan basis heretofore and some of the Democrats have joined with the Republicans in demanding that this position be left alone.

The Republicans will caucus tomorrow. The Democratic majority in the Assembly, 47 to 33, is offset by the Republican majority, 25 to 15 in the Senate.

Trouble for Governor

Governor Merriam finds himself faced with a Legislature which is apt to give him much trouble. The Governor’s political future, whether it be to seek reelection or run for United States Senator, is closely tied up with the activities of the legislators. A large number of Democrats will be trying to keep themselves out in the limelight for the 1938 campaign and on the Republican side. Lieutenant Governor Hatfield, presiding officer of the Senate, is going through all the motions of a candidate for Governor at next year’s ballot tests.

Governor Merriam has announced…

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This page displays 2 newspaper clipping.

The first newspaper clipping reads:

40c Toll for Bridge up to Legislature

Hornblower Introduces Bill to Reduce Auto Charge on Bay Span as 1937 Session is Opened

By B. W. Horne

The News Staff Correspondent

Sacramento, Jan 4-A flat 40c a car toll for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge-25c under the prevailing rate-was proposed today at the opening session of California’s 52^nd Legislature. Assemblyman W.B. Hornblower, San Francisco, said he hoped a resolution embodying his proposal would be adopted this afternoon after lawmakers select the speaker of the lower house.

“I have it on good authority the RFC will reduce the interest rate on the bridge bonds below the 4 per cent fixed in the original contract between the State and Federal Government,” said Mr. Hornblower.

“If that’s done a 40 c toll will be more than ample to meet all charges. I’ve looked into the matter and am convinced the toll could be brought down to 50c even if the interest rate is not lowered.

Democrats in Control

There was much ado over little of consequence, as the lawmakers prepared for their first partisan squabble in more than 40 years. The Democratic majority in the Assembly having settled the speakership argument by voting to elect Assemblyman William Mosely Jones, youthful Los Angeles lawyer, looked beyond his formal election at noon to a caucus at which the all-important patronage question was to be argued.

Republican assemblyman decided to concede the speakership at a caucus late yesterday, hopeful of securing patronage concession in return. It was problematical, however, whether the Democrats would “play ball.”

The Democratic political leadership was insisting on a “to the victor belong the spoils” policy under which all legislative jobs in the Assembly would be given members of the party.

Veteran members, their eyes on the 1938 governorship, urged a less arrogant and more conciliatory policy, explaining the ruthless ouster of experienced and useful attaches might do more harm than good

S.F. Men Favored

The G.O.P. request-members explained they were in no position to demand anything-was selection of a Republican speaker pro tem, retention of Fred B. Wood, legislative counsel, and Arthur Ohnimus, clerk of the Assembly.

Democrats indicated they would not yield the assistant speakership, but would consider a deal that would keep Mr. Wood and Mr. Ohnimus in their jobs.

Both are San Franciscans and are favored mainly because the city’s Republican members decided to support Mr. Jones for speaker when he needed votes. Democrats after Mr. Wood’s job include former Assemblyman Ralph Evans, Los Angeles, and James Brennan, San Francisco.

If Mr. Ohnimus is displaced his position will go to another San Franciscan, James Smyth, secretary of the Democratic state and county committees.

Mr. Ohnimus can have his job for the asking but insists he must have the right to select his assistant. The Democrats don’t want to give him that much authority.

W. O. Rich is slated

Reorganization of the Senate should be effected without difficulty. Senators William O. Rich, Marysville,

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The second newspaper clipping reads:

Legislators Ready for Busy Meet

Both Parties Spar for Opening Advantage

By Earl C. Behrens

California’s fifty-second Legislature convenes at Sacramento Monday.

With Democrats and Republicans sparring for political advantage, the coming session may correctly be characterized as sounding board for the 1938 gubernatorial campaign in this State.

With the Democrats in control of the Assembly, one of their number, Assemblyman William Jones of Montebello will become Speaker. He will be the first Democrat to preside over a regular session of the lower house since 1893, when a Democrat, James Budd, was Governor of California.

By the unanimous vote of the 47 Democratic members of the Assembly, Jones, at a caucus tonight, was chosen for the speakership.

Clean Sweep Planned

From the temper of the Democrats as volubly expressed at the party caucus tonight, a clean sweep of all Republicans who hold elective positions in the Lower House, from Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus, veteran of many sessions, to Sergeant at Arms Joe Moloney and all the rest of the attaches will be attempted by the Democrats.

Another caucus will be held Monday after the formal election of Jones to further discuss organization plans. Some of the Democrats are not in accord with the program of wrecking the efficiency of the Assembly clerical staff by partisan politics.

Chief Clerk Ohnimus and Sergeant at Arms Moloney seek reelection, James Smyth, San Francisco, secretary of the Roosevelt-Garner campaign organization, is spoke of as a possible contender for chief clerk, and a long list of other Democratic workers are here looking for jobs. Former Assemblyman James F. Brennan, San Francisco, is electioneering for election by the joint Senate and Assembly as head of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, which whips into proper shape all bills and measures presented in the Legislature. He seeks to oust Fred B. Wood. Wood has been chosen on a nonpartisan basis heretofore and some of the Democrats have joined with the Republicans in demanding that this position be left alone.

The Republicans will caucus tomorrow. The Democratic majority in the Assembly, 47 to 33, is offset by the Republican majority, 25 to 15 in the Senate.

Trouble for Governor

Governor Merriam finds himself faced with a Legislature which is apt to give him much trouble. The Governor’s political future, whether it be to seek reelection or run for United States Senator, is closely tied up with the activities of the legislators. A large number of Democrats will be trying to keep themselves out in the limelight for the 1938 campaign and on the Republican side. Lieutenant Governor Hatfield, presiding officer of the Senate, is going through all the motions of a candidate for Governor at next year’s ballot tests.

Governor Merriam has announced…

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This page displays 2 newspaper clipping.

First newspaper clipping reads:

Registrar Prepares for 1929 City Election

(There is a picture of a man wearing glasses; identity of the man is not clearly stated)

By William H. Jordan

“It’s just one election after another.”

Thus quote J. H. Zemansky, veteran registrar of voters, as he checked up yesterday on some of his forty years of active service in the department of elections.

That comment referred to the fact that barely will have the big Presidential contest been cleaned up than his office will have to look forward to a municipal struggle in 1929.

“Of course I am retiring, as has been hither to stated, on July 1 next,” said Zemansky, “but there will be a lot of preliminary work to be done, even if the city election does not come up to us until the following November.”

The registrar pointed out that there will be nine supervisors to be chosen, which is one half of the board’s membership.

Those whose terms will expire are James B. McSweehy, Walter J. Schmidt, Cornelius J. Deasy, Charles J. Powers, Franck R. Havenner, Milo F. Kent, William P. Stanton, Milton Marks and Charles F. Todd.

Two Police Judges

Two police judges, succeeding Judge S. J. Lazarus and Judge Daniel J. O’Brien, are to be chosen.

Judge Lile T. Jacks’ term on that bench runs to 1931. To that unexpired time an appointment will be made by Major James Rolph Jr. after January 1, when Judge Jacks takes his place on the Superior Court bench, having been elected November 6.

Other city hall offices to be filled a year hence are those of City Attorney John J. O’Toole, Treasure John H. Thieler, Tax Collector Edward F. Bryant, Recorder Edmond Godchaux, Public Administrator Phil C. Katz and Alice Rose Powers, members of the board of education.

Tax Collector Bryant had no opposition when he was re-elected in 1925. Reports around the City Hall are that Supervisor Fred Suhr is looking toward that office and may make the run next year.

As has heretofore been indicated, Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco seems to have the right of way for re-election as chief clerk of the Assembly at the 1929 session. Joseph A. Beek of Balboa, for years secretary of the Senate, is also talked of for succession to that post. Both positions are of much importance. Ohnimus and Beek, by long period of service, have demonstrated ability based upon their experience in handling the technical detail in the respective houses of the State legislature.

Only One Woman

Representation of women in the legislature has dwindled to one, Assemblywoman Eleanor Miller of Pasadena. Some years ago five women sat in that body at one time. This reverses the situation in the Federal Congress, where the number for the session opening in December, 1929, will be seven, an increase steadily over the first woman incumbent at Washington.

The resignation of Lieut. Gov. Buron Fitts will be effective on December 1. He has been elected district attorney of Los Angeles County, H. L. Carnahan of Los Angeles, appointed to succeed Fitts by Gov. C. C. Young then assumes his post as lieutenant governor. As such he will be presiding officer of the State senate.

Carnahan’s initial introduction to that position will take place with the convening of the State legislature on January 7. As presiding officer, the naming of committees will be in his hands. Somebody, who was said to be Col. Eric Fowler of Los Angeles, started a move to take that power out of his hands by the naming by the Senate of committee on committees. This was blasted by the “insiders” with a stiff declaration of leaders all over the State that “such a thing will not be listened to by the Senate.”

It was this same Colonel Fowler who was reported to have tried a drive to defeat Senator Arthur H. Breed for reelection as president pro tempore of the Senate. This also got swiftly “knocked into a cocked hat,” as the political observers noted the situation.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Legislative Post Rumors Fly as Caucuses Near

By Herbert L. Phillips

Political rumors over legislative posts flew thick and fast today as the Democrats prepared for their pre-session caucus here Saturday night and the Republicans arranged a similar party meeting for the following day.

The Bourbon caucus should determine the assembly speakership definitely, setting at rest wishful Republican reports of last minute Democratic shift in sentiment, despite the apparently safe vote margin held by Assemblyman William Moseley Jones of Los Angeles County.

Though some Democrats still are said to be indicating a desire to vote for Assemblyman Earl D. Desmond of Sacramento County, who has released his speakership pledges, legislative observers consider the victory, to be settled when the legislature convenes Monday, is virtually Jones’ already.

Speaker Pro Tempore Boomed for speaker pro tempore is Assemblyman James D. Garibaldi of Merced County.

Seek Floor Leadership

The friends of Assemblyman Desmond want the Democratic floor leadership for him, along with the chairmanship either of the rules committee or the powerful committee on judiciary.

Assemblyman Alfred W. Robertson of Santa Barbara County, however, also is being talked about for the judiciary committee chairmanship as well as the leadership of the important ways and means committee.

A story went the rounds today the Democrats are talking about splitting the judiciary committee into two committees for more expeditious study of legislation, pointing out that one-third of all assembly bills introduced at the 1935 session fell in a deluge on this one committee.

Two Mentioned

Assemblymen James J. Boyle of Los Angeles and Leon M. Donihue of Alameda County are two more Democrats considered possibilities for the ways and means assignment.

The aspirations of the various Bourbons for choice committee plus will have to be threshed out in their caucus, and will depend too, on the ability of their party to maintain harmony and make practically all their majority votes count in organizing the lower house.

Arthur Ohnimus of San Francisco, veteran chief clerk of the assembly, has no serious opposition for another term.

Joseph Maloney, incumbent Republican, and John McGillicuddy, a Democrat both of Sacramento are being discussed for assembly sergeant-at-arms.

President of Senate

A three-handed fight is on for the job of president pro tem of the senate, who presides when Lieutenant Governor George J. Hatfield is absent. Senators W. P. Rich of Yuba County, who had the post in 1935, Jerrold L. Seawell of Placer County and D. Jack Metzger of Tehama County are candidates.

Secretary of the Senate Joseph Beek of Balboa and Sergeant-at-arms Joseph Nolan of Los Angeles are expected to serve again.

Told to Withhold Pledges

While the Democrats, particularly in the assembly, are commenting rather freely on their organization hopes and plans, the Republicans are keeping their program under cover. They have been asked by state GOP leaders to pledge none of their minority assembly votes to any speakership candidate until after the party caucus Sunday.

Wood Faces Opposition

Fred B. Wood of San Francisco, Republican incumbent chief of the legislative counsel bureau, has two Democrats potentially in the field against him-former Assemblymen Ralph Evans of Los Angeles County and James Brennan of San Francisco. The legislative counsel must be elected by a majority vote of both legislative houses.

A number of Sacramento clergymen have been mentioned for the chaplain posts of the senate and assembly. Among them are Rev. William Ehmann of the Bethany Presbyterian Church, Rev. Clarence A. Kircher of the Westminster Presbyterian Church and Rabbi Norman Goldburg of Temp B’Nai Israel.

This page has 6 newspaper clipping.

First newspaper clipping reads:

We congratulate Brother Edgar C. Leavy, upon his elevation to the post of Speaker of the House. Brother Leavy’s able work as an Assemblyman from the 28^th District as well merited him this coveted speakership. Congratulations are also extended to Brother Arthur Ohnimus on his appointment as Chief Clerk of the Assembly. El Dorado Parlor feels justly proud in having two of its members filling two such important posts in the State Government.

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Reindollar Contests

Lieutenant Governor George J. Hatfield, presiding officer of the Senate, was authorized to name a committee of five to act upon the election contest filed by Charles F. Reindollar, Republican, defeated for reelection by Thomas F. Keating, San Rafael.

The contest was filed with the Senate this morning by Reindollar, who has challenged legality of certain absentee balloting and also tabulation of the vote on Marin County.

Hatfield named Senators Hays, Fresno; Parkman, San Mateo, and Williams, Sonora, Republicans; and Allen, Yreka and Holohan, Watsonville, Democrats, to hear the contest.

The Senate will function with about the same officers at last session, Secretary Joseph F. Beek, Balboa, and Sergeant at Arms Joseph F. Noland, Los Angeles, were renamed to their position. E. W. Scammon, Westwood, was named minute clerk, and Rev. Clarence A. Kircher, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sacramento, chaplain.

The Senate was asked to approve a concurrent legislative resolution removing from office Appellate Justice Gavin W. Craig, Los Angeles, now in jail in Ventura County.

Tomorrow, the Senators and Assemblymen will meet in a joint session to select the legislative counsel bureau head. Fred B. Wood, Republican, holds the position at present, and the Democrats want to fire him. A strong fight is onto retain Wood as the office supposedly is nonpartisan one.

Before the Assembly quit work today, Assemblyman Edgar C. Levey, San Francisco, there times Speaker; Assemblyman Cliff Cottrell, San Jose, both Republican, and Assemblyman John Dee Clark, Long Beach, Democrat, expressed their appreciation of the work done by retiring Chief Clerk Ohnimus.

Third newspaper clipping reads:

Clerks are praised

The Republican senate yesterday adopted a resolution praising the work of Arthur Ohnimus and Fred J. Desch, former clerk and assistant clerk, respectively, of the assembly. They were ousted by the Democratic 1937 assembly.

Fourth newspaper clipping reads:

Distribution of Bills Begins at Sacramento

Printing of the bills introduced at the first half of the session of the Legislature is about complete and the shipment of the bills is to being at Sacramento today, according to word from Arthur A. Ohnimus, chief clerk of the Assembly.

An effort will be made this year to have the bills in the hands of those interested much earlier than in previous years. Another innovation that has been put into effect by Governor Young is to have bills on various subjects, such as agriculture, insurance, mining, roads segregated so that person interested in particular legislation may be writing to the State Printer obtain the measures on certain subject without having the entire file of bills sent them.

Fifth newspaper clipping reads:

Warm Battle on for Jobs in Assembly

Organization of Both Houses Stirs Scramble on Eve of Legislature’s Opening

Chief Clerk Ohnimus May Lose His Post; G.O.P. In Caucus

1-04-37 (Handwritten on the newspaper clipping)

By Earl C. Behrens

Sacramento, Jan 3-On the eve of the convening of the fifty second session of the Legislature, organization of both the Senate and the Assembly except for the speakership of the latter body was the object of political maneuvering here tonight.

For the first time since 1893, the Democrats will be able to elect a Speaker of the Assembly. Assemblyman William Moseley Jones, Montebello, is the choice of the Democratic caucus for the speakership.

But there is a mad scramble on for the various official positions in the Assembly which are elective by that body. Certain of the Democratic leaders, putting aside entirely the efficiency of the official staff, heretofore considered a nonpartisan matter in the lower house, are out to oust Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus, San Francisco, who for 22 years has held his position.

Remote Control

Senator William G. McAdoo, who is dictating by remote Washington control the Democratic organization with an eye on the 1938 gubernatorial and senatorial campaign, wants James Smyth San Francisco official of the Roosevelt-Garner organization, to be named chief clerk.

Ohnimus will not serve in his old position unless he is accorded the time honored privilege of naming his chief assistant. Ohnimus wants Fred Desch, Los Angeles, renamed to the position he filled for the last eight years. A sharp division has resulted among the Democrats.

Breaking precedent, the Assembly upon the convening of the Legislature will proceed to elect Jones as Speaker, and then recess while the controversy over patronage is settled. It looks as if much of the time at the present session will be devoted to a division of the patronage spoils.

Private Agreements

The Republicans were divided on the subject of putting a party candidate for Speaker in the field against Jones in view of the certainty of Jones’ election. The Assembly is divided, 47 Democrats to 33 Republicans. But some of the Republicans have made private agreements with Jones over committee assignments.

The Republican Assemblyman deiced to capitulate to the Democrats without even nominating an…

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Newspaper clipping 6 is a continuation of the fifth newspaper clipping, it reads:

Mad Scramble for Assembly Jobs Launched

Legislators Maneuver for Elective Posts in Lower House

(Continued from Page 1)

opposition candidate for the Speakership.

Instead, the G.O.P. lower house members elected Assemblyman C. W. Lyon, Los Angeles, as their caucus leader over Assemblyman Cliff C. Cottrell, San Jose. They then named a steering committee consisting of Assemblymen Breed of Alameda, Hornblower of San Francisco, Walters and Latham of Los Angeles County and Cottrell, to confer with the Democrats later in case the Democrats will speak to them.

Use Tact, Withdraw

The G.O.P. caucus was called by State Chairman Justus F. Craemer. Members of the Senate made a few speeches and then tactfully withdrew on the grounds that the Speakership was a matter for the Assemblymen only. Neither Senator nor Assemblymen, with a few exceptions, were willing to take a stand for the enunciation of any Republican principles.

It fell to the lot of the only Republican woman member, Miss Eleanor Miller, Pasadena, to demands that the “Republicans stand up for their party as a matter of principle.”

Assemblyman Lyon insisted the Republicans should not barter for committee assignments with a Democratic Speaker but should put up a candidate in spite of the minority position the party occupies.

Knowland for Fight

It was pointed out that the Democratic reorganization of the Assembly jobs along partisan lines had been dictated by Senator McAdoo. That the whole business was a set up for the 1938 State campaign was pointed out by Senator William F. Knowland, Oakland, who wanted his party to show some fight.

But the Legislators took a look at the Democratic registration figures in their districts and decided that maybe an Assemblyman who reads those figures and runs away from a fight with the Democrats here might politically love to run another day for his job.

The plan of the Democrats to elect the Speaker and then recess until they can agree upon the spoils division violates legislative precedent.

Rich Faces Contest

In the Senate, Senator W.P. Rich of Marysville, who has the support of Governor Merriam, faces a contest to hold his place as President pro tem of the upper house. Senator Jerrold L. Seawell, Roseville, claims 24 of the 40 Senators are as yet uncommitted on the presidency pro tem. Seawell claims he will be able to win votes from some of the Democratic members of the Senate. The Republicans control the upper house, 25 to 15. Both Rich and Seawell are Republicans.

The presiding officer of the Senate is Lieutenant Governor Hatfield, who is a candidate for the governorship in 1938. That adds to the complexity of the situation which faces Governor Merriam at this session.

While the squabbling is going on over organization, the question of what will come before the legislators at this session is getting minor consideration.

State Liquor Bill

One of the early birds with a bill is Assemblyman Godfrey A. Andreas, Upland, who has a bill which would put the State of California in the wholesale liquor business, granting a monopoly to the State.

The oil controversy over the State owned tideland pool at Huntington Beach, worth millions, will be renewed at the present session.

Lower tolls on the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, acquisition of the privately owned Carquinez toll bridge, unemployment relief, Governor Merriam’s budget, health insurance, legalization on poolrooms, horse racing, liquor, chain store taxes, blockade of State Borders against indigents, severance tax on natural resources, highway unification and county consolidation, are just a few of the subjects which will be found treated in bills to be introduced in the Legislature.

An inquiry into expenditures of the chain stores in fighting the proposed chain store tax, No. 22 on the November ballot, is threatened by Assemblymen.

The Senate will have an election contest on its hands. Senator Thomas F. Keating, Marin County, has his right to his seat being challenged by Senator Charles F. Reindollar, who claims illegal voting at the recent election. Reindollar was a veteran of many sessions. Keating won by a small margin.

This page displays 4 newspaper clipping.

First newspaper clipping reads:

Jones Elected As Speaker by Democrats

Oust Ohnimus as Chief Clerk in Favor of Smythe, Former USF Professor

By Earl C. Behrens

Sacramento, Jan 4-Smashing many precedents of years, California’s Fifty-second Legislature organized for its 1937 session today with the Democrats electing their first Speaker of the Assembly in 43 years, and then serving notice they intended to make this session the first step in their campaign to capture control of the State government next year.

Not only did the Democrats elect William Moseley Jones, Montebello as Speaker of the lower house, but they also fired all the Republican officials and supernumeraries of the Assembly from their jobs.

Complete domination of the Assembly where there are 47 Democrats to 33 Republicans was conceded by the latter.

Rich Heads Senate

In the Senate where the Republican controls 25 to 15, Senator W. P. Rich, Marysville, friend of Governor Merriam, was reelected president pro tem of that body after a contest with Senator Jerrold L. Seawell of Roseville.

The contest, however, was settled behind closed doors before the Senators formally convened their session.

Jones new Speaker, was the leader two years ago of the Epic Democratic bloc. In accepting office, he pledged his efforts to a constructive session, declaring “it appears inconceivable that any new taxes for additional revenue is either needed or desirable.” Jones said he did not intend to administer his office along partisan lines.

But evidently his colleagues in the Democratic party did not hear him for they immediately took a recess and then ousted Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus who has held his position for the past twenty-two years.

Ohnimus refused to be a candidate for reelection unless he could name Fred Desch, veteran assistant chief clerk, to his old position.

Ouster Rushed Through

Ohnimus finally quit the race while the Democrats were in caucus, trying to decide how the patronage pie should be divided. The ouster of the Republican jobholders was accomplished so fast the minority group did not even have a chance to voice an opposition.

James Smyth, San Franciscan, former professor at the University of San Francisco and one of the heads of the Roosevelt-Garner…

(Continued on Page 10, Col. 10) * The rest of this newspaper clipping continues in the second newspaper clipping.

Second newspaper clipping is a continuation of the first newspaper clipping.

Democrats Elect Jones As Speaker

Fire All G.O.P. Officials, Supernumeraries from their Jobs in Assembly

(Continued from Page 1)

Campaign committee in San Francisco last fall, was named chief clerk to replace Ohnimus. Del Smith, Los Angeles, vice chairman of the Democratic State Committee, was named sergeant at arms to replace Joe Moloney, Sacramento, who stepped out of the race when he found the cards stacked against him.

The whole affair was good, clean political fun with the Democrats having some of their customary difficulty in agreeing as to how the firing of Republicans should be accomplished.

McAdoo’s Hand Seen

Senator William G. McAdoo and his organization, the spokesman of which here were State Chairman Clifford C. Anglim and Supervisor Herbert Legg, Los Angeles, engineered the proceedings.

The Republicans did not even put up candidate for Speaker of the Assembly today. Retiring Chief Clerk Ohnimus got the session under way. Then Associate Justice Emmet Seawell administered the oaths of office after Father Tumulty, chaplain, had said the customary prayer.

Rev. William F. Ehmann of Sacramento later was named to replace Dr. Moats as chaplain.

Speaker Jones was made the unanimous choice for his office and then enunciated polices he believed should be followed. He advocated an efficient but economical government; liberalization of the aid for needy blind and others; improvement in unemployment conditions; extension of the mortgage moratorium; proper regulation of business; ample funds for public education; curbing of overlapping and duplicating State agencies, and steps to prevent repetition of present labor troubles.

Meehan Elected

As soon as Jones was elected Democrats forced a recess before they went ahead and named Assemblyman Henry P. Meehan, Democrat, Alameda County, as Speaker pro tem, and elected their other officers, including Dave Oliver, Merced, minute clerk.

During the recess, which was an unprecedented stunt, the Democrats came to agreement as to the methods of ousting the Republicans.

The Senate found itself for the first time in California history with an initiative measure before it for action. Under the law, the initiative, providing for regulation of floating fish reduction plants, must be acted upon within 40 days.

If it is rejected, it must be submitted to the people at the November 1938, general election. If approved by the Legislature, it becomes a law this year. The initiative was filed with the Secretary of…

*The rest of this newspaper clipping is not shown.

Third newspaper clipping reads:

Jones Named Speaker; New Clerk Chosen

Handwritten note: S.F. Examiner 1-5-37

Ohnimus Loses Assembly Post under Democratic Regime; Keating Senate Seat Row

By William H. Jordan

Examiner Bureau, Sacramento, Jan 4-Election by unanimous vote of Assemblyman William Moseley Jones, attorney of Montebello, as Speaker of the Assembly, was the outstanding feature today of the organization of the California State Legislature for its fifty-second regular session.

Jones, the Democratic majority choice in caucus, received not only the full vote of the forty-seven members of his own party, but was unopposed by the Republican minority, one of whom Assemblyman Ray Williamson of San Francisco, made a seconding speech.

Seconding Speech

Williamson held that “partisanship means very little in our legislation. We represent the people of California as a whole,” he said.

Speaker Jones, in taking his new post, pledged fairness and impartiality in his administration. He said it would be “unrestricted by pretty passions or prejudices” and he would give every effort toward the end that the record of the legislature would be one of constructive and efficient accomplishment.

Revenues Up

He felt that the State was now on a firm foundation of recovery. He saw tax revenues increasing “by leaps and bounds.”

The speaker added:

“It appears inconceivable that any new or additional taxes for revenue purposes will be either necessary or advisable.

“I think, said the Speaker, …

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Fourth newspaper clipping reads:

Governor is Host

Yesterday Governor Young had as his luncheon guests at his mansion, Fred Wood, head of legislative counsel bureau; Secretary Joseph Beek of the Senate and Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus of the Assembly. The Governor complimented the three men very highly for their speed in getting out their part of the work connected with the issuance of the bills presented at the first half of the legislative session.

Copies of the bills are no being mailed from Sacramento, a considerable time earlier than in past years.

This page displays 3 newspaper clipping.

First newspaper clipping reads:

Bourbon Clerk

Picture: A picture of James Smythe wearing a suit and tie

James Smythe, shown above, is a former English instructor at the University of San Francisco and Roosevelt campaigner this last Fall who was elected chief clerk of the state assembly in this week’s Democratic house cleaning on Republican office holders. He succeeds the veteran Republican chief clerk, Arthur A. Ohnimus of San Francisco.

Bee Photo

Second newspaper clipping reads:

Jones

Epic Leader Unanimously Chosen

Sacramento, Jan 4 (AP)-William Moseley Jones, youthful state assemblyman from Montebello, who led the Epic group in the 1935 Legislature, was unanimously elected speaker of the Assembly on a roll call today.

W.P. Rich, veteran senator of Marysville, was designated for president pro tem of the Senate at a caucus of Republicans. A foreshadowed contest for the office failed to develop.

Convening under precedent breaking conditions the fifty-second Legislature came into existence today, with political partisanship threatening a tie-up in the Assembly over election of legislative officers and employees.

Battle over Minor Jobs

For the first time in more than forty years party lines were drawn in the battle for elective jobs below the speakership.

Jones, in an acceptance speech, said that economy, elimination of overlapping government agencies, liberalizing of humanitarian agencies, improvement of the unemployment relief setup, prevention of whole sale foreclosures when the present moratorium act expires February 1 and protection of public resources by proper regulation to prevent reoccurrences of depressions would be highlights of the legislative program he hoped be adopted.

On taxation he said:

“It is inconceivable that any new taxes for revenue could be considered either advisable or proper.”

Solve labor Problems

On labor:

“Let us endeavor in every way to solve our present labor problems and to prevent their reoccurrence.”

He closed with the hope that “our bridges soon will be as free as our great highway system.”

Immediately after election of Jones, the Democrats put through a motion to recess to hold a party powwow to determine whether officers under that of speaker should be regarded as partisan.

A republican Assembly conference committee waited upon the Democrats and jointly discussed a proposal to re-elect Arthur Ohnimus chief clerk permit him to reappoint Fred Desch, assistant Chief Clerk, and then create a new position to be known as deputy clerk, to be filled by a Democrat. Ohnimus and Desch are Republicans.

In a move assuredly to forestall a partisan split, Republican members of the Assembly yielded the speakership to the Democrats without putting up an opposing candidate.

Third newspaper clipping reads:

Warm Battle on for Jobs in Assembly

Organization of Both Houses Stirs Scramble on Eve of Legislature’s Opening

By Earl C. Behrens

Sacramento, Jan 3-On the eve of the convening of the fifty second session of the Legislature, organization of both the Senate and the Assembly except for the speakership of the latter body was the object of political maneuvering here tonight.

For the first time since 1893, the Democrats will be able to elect a Speaker of the Assembly. Assemblyman William Moseley Jones, Montebello, is the choice of the Democratic caucus for the speakership.

But there is a mad scramble on for the various official positions in the Assembly which are elective by that body. Certain of the Democratic leaders, putting aside entirely the efficiency of the official staff heretofore considered a nonpartisan matter in the lower house, are out to oust Chief Clerk Arthur A. Ohnimus, of San Francisco, who for 22 years has held this position.

Remote Control

Senator William G. McAdoo, who is dictating by remote Washington control the Democratic organization with an eye on the 1938 gubernatorial and senatorial campaign, wants James Smyth San Francisco official of the Roosevelt-Garner organization, to be named chief clerk.

Ohnimus will not serve in his old position unless he is accorded the time honored privilege of naming his chief assistant. Ohnimus wants Fred Desch, Los Angeles, renamed to the position he filled for the last eight years. A sharp division has resulted among the Democrats.

Breaking precedent, the Assembly upon the convening of the Legislature will proceed to elect Jones as Speaker, and then recess while the controversy over patronage is settled. It looks as if much of the time at the present session will be devoted to a division of the patronage spoils.

Private Agreements

The Republicans were divided on the subject of putting a party candidate for Speaker in the field against Jones in view of the certainty of Jones’ election. The Assembly is divided, 47 Democrats to 33 Republicans. But some of the Republicans have made private agreements with Jones over committee assignments.

The Republican Assemblyman deiced to capitulate to the Democrats without even nominating an opposition candidate for the Speakership.

Instead, the G.O.P. lower house members elected Assemblyman C.W. Lyon, Los Angeles, as their caucus leader over Assemblyman Cliff C…

(Continued on Page 5, Col. 5) *The rest of this newspaper clipping is not shown.

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