Madera Mercury, Number 237, 3 January 1925 — LEGISLATORS TO CHOOSE LEADERS [ARTICLE]

LEGISLATORS TO CHOOSE LEADERS

"V TUB AfWOOIA’mn I*RUM SACRAMENTO. Jan. 2.—California’s law making machinery will be set in motion next Monday when the two houses of the state legisla- -» m* * -• —i j la——J j„ u is probable, to receive Governor Richardson’s biennial message Tuesday. Incidentally to the heavy grist of legislation which confronts the ensuing session is the choice of leaders of the two houses. Gov. Richardson told the newspapers yesterday that his latest check disclosed 47 votes in the Assembly for Frank F. Merriam of Long Beach for Speaker of the assembly. Merriam is the governor’s choice for presiding officer of the lower house and with the office goes the appointive power of committees and consequential control of the house. There are 80 members in the assembly, so Merriam, should the governor’s figures stand, will have more votes than necessary to organize the lower house. In the senate additional significance is lent to the election of president pro tern by the illness of Lieut. Gov. Young. With the probability that the lieutenant governor will not be on the rostrum when the session opens, it is likely that the appointment of committees will rest with the president pro tern. Opponents of the administration conceded that their fight in the senate will center on Arthur H. Breed who is seeking re-election with the support of the governor. Herbert Helm of San Jose is mentioned as the probable candidate of the Progressive forces. Albert Rosenshine of San Francisco will be a candidate, for the speakership of the house in opposition to Merriam. Homer Spence of Oakland and Senator Wright of San Jose have also been mentioned. From Kno%»ile« —Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thompson and Mrs. Hugo Anderson were down from Knowles yesterday.