Clitus Barbour


Clitus Barbour was an American attorney, politician and Georgist who served as a delegate to California's Second Constitutional Convention, held from September 1878 to March 1879, representing San Francisco. He was an early leader in the Workingmen's Party of California, acting as counsel for Denis Kearney and standing as the party's candidate for Congress in California's 1st district in 1879. Barbour was later active in Democratic Party politics, and in 1901 was chosen by mayor James D. Phelan to revise city ordinances.
At the Constitutional Convention, Barbour and fellow lawyer Charles J. Beerstecher were considered leaders of the Workingmen's delegation. Barbour introduced resolutions to adopt a unicameral legislature, nationalize the railroads, and abolish the office of Lieutenant Governor, none of which was approved. In his role as mayor Phelan's advisor, Barbour recommended that most appointed boards and commissions be abolished in favor of a stronger Board of Supervisors.